Respiratory Therapist

Thanks for your interest in Children's Mercy!

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City - a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Overview

Newly graduated Respiratory Therapists who are graduating Fall 2026, or have graduated in the past with under a year of experience, this opportunity is for you!

We are now hiring for our winter cohort, with start dates in February 2027!

Get to know our RT team

Begin your respiratory therapy career at Children's Mercy Kansas City through our Respiratory Care New Graduate Residency Program. This paid program is designed to support the transition from student to professional practice while developing the clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and confidence needed to care for infants, children, and adolescents with a wide range of respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions.

As a resident, you will be hired as a full-time member of the Respiratory Care Department and participate in a comprehensive onboarding experience that combines hands-on clinical training with structured educational opportunities. Working alongside experienced respiratory therapists, physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and other healthcare professionals, residents gain the skills necessary to thrive in a fast-paced pediatric healthcare environment.

Residents receive guided clinical training in a variety of specialty areas, including:

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)

Medical-Surgical Units

The residency incorporates simulation-based learning, case discussions, and classroom education designed to strengthen clinical judgment and pediatric respiratory expertise.


In addition to clinical and classroom training, residents are provided structured opportunities for professional growth and support. The program includes regular one-on-one meetings with residency leaders and onboarding specialists to discuss progress, set goals, and address individual learning needs. Residents also participate in facilitated discussions with fellow new graduates, creating dedicated time to reflect on experiences, share challenges and successes, and build a supportive professional community during the transition from student to practitioner.

Our goal is to support each therapist's development from novice clinician to a confident, competent pediatric respiratory therapist who is prepared to provide exceptional family-centered care.

Applicants are encouraged to apply prior to graduation. Candidates may interview before graduation; however, therapists must obtain all required credentials and state licensure before starting the program. New graduate residency cohorts typically start twice annually, with onboarding occurring in February/March and July/August each year.

This program is one of only a handful of residency programs in the country, and the only respiratory care residency program of its kind in the Kansas City metro area. Join a nationally recognized pediatric health system and launch your career with the education, mentorship, and support needed to succeed in pediatric respiratory care.

Under the direction of the Medical Director and Director of Respiratory Care each therapist provides safe, proficient, and comprehensive delivery of Respiratory Care services to all ages of patients of Children`s Mercy Hospital. Provides accurate documentation of services performed, provides instruction for students and assists with orientation of new employees. Completes other tasks as assigned. Able to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Provides neonatal and pediatric airway management and mechanical ventilation.
• Provides respiratory treatments, including bronchial hygiene, inflation therapy, inhaled medications.
• Provides education to patients, families, fellow respiratory therapists and the multidisciplinary team.
• Provides inhaled medical gas therapy, including oxygen, medical air, blended gases, nitric oxide, nitrogen, heliox, etc.
• Applies and evaluates non-invasive and invasive monitoring such as pulse oximetry, end-tidal carbon dioxide, transcutaneous carbon dioxide, arterial blood gases, etc.
• Participates in hospital emergency responses such as code blue, rapid response, trauma, emergency ambulatory response system, etc.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree Required and No Experience necessary / On-the-Job Training
• Bachelor's Degree Preferred
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist MO
• Registered Respiratory Therapist
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist KS
• Employees must obtain Licensed Respiratory Therapist KS or equivalent within 365 days
• RRT Registered Respiratory Therapist New Graduates have 180 days to obtain the RRT Required Upon Hire
• American Heart Association BLS Required Upon Hire
• American Heart Association PALS Required 180 Days
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program Required 180 Days

Benefits at Children's Mercy

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Learn more about Children's Mercy benefits.


Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $29.66/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.


CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.


If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.