Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at UNC Health Appalachian, you play a critical role in delivering specialized respiratory care to patients across acute, critical, and general care settings. You will work closely with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary care teams to support airway management, mechanical ventilation, and advanced respiratory therapies that directly impact patient outcomes.

This role combines advanced clinical expertise, compassionate patient care, and collaboration in a fast-paced healthcare environment. You will support patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments, ensuring care is delivered with empathy, precision, and respect.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone offers an exceptional quality of life with abundant outdoor recreation, a welcoming community, and excellent schools.

Compensation: Starting at $31.27/hour, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, HSA, supplemental insurance, student loan refinancing benefits, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, PTO, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts

What You'll Do as a Registered Respiratory Therapist

• Provide specialized respiratory care to critically ill and injured patients, including airway management, oxygen therapy, lung expansion therapy, and bronchial hygiene
• Manage mechanical ventilation and troubleshoot critical care respiratory equipment
• Perform endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy care, and airway suctioning
• Administer inhaled medications and respiratory treatments per provider orders
• Perform diagnostic procedures including arterial blood gas analysis, electrocardiograms, and cardiac stress testing
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients and families, especially during times of crisis
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, anesthesiologists, and specialists, to deliver comprehensive, high-quality care
• Respond to emergencies and rapid changes in patient condition with urgency, accuracy, and professionalism
• Maintain patient dignity, safety, and comfort while adhering to ethical standards and hospital policies
• Contribute to a positive work environment through teamwork, accountability, and effective communication

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Experience

• Previous experience in an acute care setting preferred
• One year of prior experience in a similar role preferred

Licensure/Certification

• Registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) or registry-eligible per NBRC standards
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at time of hire
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) must be obtained within one year of hire

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Successful completion of required respiratory therapy training modules during the probationary period, including endotracheal intubation, pulmonary function testing, and electrocardiograms
• Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills with patients, families, physicians, and colleagues
• Ability to deliver safe, effective care within legal scope of practice and hospital policies
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service and patient-centered care
• Familiarity with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to lift, position, and transfer patients up to and greater than 50 pounds
• Prolonged standing, walking, sitting, and movement, including bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Manual dexterity required for fine motor skills and repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements
• Ability to see clearly at distances of 20 inches or less
• Exposure to vibration, cramped spaces, and occasional ionizing and non-ionizing radiation (x-ray and microwave)
• Regular exposure to blood-borne pathogens, bodily fluids, chemicals, mechanical hazards, and unpleasant odors
• Irregular work hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations

What Sets Us Apart

• Mission-Driven Work: Your expertise directly supports patient safety, respiratory stability, and positive clinical outcomes
• Career Growth: Access ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and advancement opportunities through our Career Pathways Program
• People-Centered Culture: We value collaboration, accountability, and respect across all disciplines
• A Community You'll Love: Boone is consistently recognized for its outdoor lifestyle, arts, dining, strong school system, and small-town charm
• Commitment to Wellness: Participate in our Love Your Life employee wellness program and Employee-to-Employee (E2E) support fund

Ready to make a meaningful impact through advanced respiratory care? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and help improve lives in the community we serve.