Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist I will participate on the clinical ladder, which reflects a degree of professional practice and clinical expertise.

The Respiratory Therapist I cares for patients in the neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups and provides services in accordance with specific physician orders, department policies, procedures and protocols. The Respiratory Therapist I is responsible for patient assessments, patient education, and implementation of therapy and the evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy. The Respiratory Therapist I is an active participant in a multidisciplinary team and communicates the needs of the patient with the physician and members of the care health team.

• Administers all therapy modalities to patients per physician orders and/or protocols and policies
• Performs non-invasive SpO2 monitoring through pulse oximetry via overnight studies, exercise, continuous and spot checks
• Performs airway clearance therapy
• Performs basic operations in the EHR system
• Performs regular assessment rounds
• Performs equipment cleaning and set up
• Performs arterial puncture and blood gas analysis
• Performs cardiopulmonary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
• Initiates, operates, and monitors mechanical ventilators
• Sets up and operates non-invasive ventilation therapy
• Sets up and manages high flow oxygen therapy
• Responds and participates appropriately in rapid response and emergency situations
• Responds and participates in all code situations
• Responds and participates in all trauma activations
• Assists in bedside therapeutic bronchoscopies as needed
• Assists in intubations as needed
• Responsible to provide a thorough and accurate report to oncoming staff upon shift end

Completion of an accredited educational program for Respiratory Care required

New graduates encouraged to apply

Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) required

BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification - American Heart "Healthcare Provider" (HCP) - AHA approved required

• Virginia Only:
  After successful completion of an accredited respiratory care program, individuals may qualify for the position of Respiratory Therapist, License Applicant (RTA). This allows the individual to practice for 6 months post-graduation date or until applicant receives a failing score on any NBRC examination, whichever comes sooner.
• New hires must have American Heart Association (AHA) appropriate certification prior to the completion of orientation.

• Strong motivational, time management, and organization skills required
• Strong Verbal Communication Skills Required
• Ability to demonstrate competency and perform consistently under non-routine conditions and complex situations required
• Ability to model behavior aligned with Valley Health mission, vision, and values required
• Ability to work well with client family members to ensure comfort and respect for the client’s illness required
• Ability to demonstrate a professional attitude at all times required
• Ability to handle moderate to high stressful situations in a calm and conscientious manner required
• 20 CEUs bi-annually (VA State Requirement) required

• A Zero-Deductible Health Plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Retirement Savings Match
• A Robust Employee Assistance Program to help with many aspects of emotional wellbeing
• Membership to Healthy U:
  An Incentive-Based Wellness Program

Valley Health also offers a health savings account & flexible spending account for childcare, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and professional development. In addition, several perks come with working for the largest employer in the region, such as discounts to on-campus dining, and more.

To see the full scale of what we offer, visit