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Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Respiratory Care Services | Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play a critical role in delivering specialized respiratory care to patients across acute, critical, and general care settings. Working alongside physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams, you'll provide life-saving respiratory therapies that directly impact patient outcomes while supporting a culture of excellence, teamwork, and compassionate care.

This position is ideal for a respiratory care professional who thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment and is committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care through advanced respiratory assessment, intervention, and monitoring.

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville, North Carolina offers breathtaking scenery, year-round outdoor recreation, a close-knit community, and an exceptional quality of life.

  • Compensation: [Compensation Information Needed]

  • Schedule: [Schedule Details Needed]

  • Applicable Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; employee support programs; and professional development opportunities.

  • Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

  • Status: Non-Exempt

What You'll Do as a Registered Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Care & Therapeutic Services

  • Administer all forms of respiratory care, including critical care and general respiratory therapy services.

  • Perform airway maintenance procedures including lung expansion therapy, bronchial hygiene, oxygen therapy, and administration of inhaled medications.

  • Manage mechanical ventilation and troubleshoot associated critical care equipment.

  • Perform endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy tube maintenance, and airway suctioning.

  • Deliver respiratory care services to patients across multiple age groups and varying levels of acuity.

Diagnostic Testing & Monitoring

  • Perform arterial punctures for arterial blood gas (ABG) collection and analysis.

  • Conduct blood gas analysis and maintain quality control, maintenance, and documentation for ABG equipment.

  • Perform electrocardiograms (EKGs) and cardiac stress testing.

  • Assist with pulmonary function testing and other respiratory diagnostic procedures.

Patient Care & Clinical Excellence

  • Integrate clinical knowledge and technical expertise with effective patient interaction to provide high-quality care and diagnostic information.

  • Monitor patient status and respond rapidly to changes in condition.

  • Deliver care with compassion, respect, and professionalism while maintaining patient dignity and safety.

  • Practice within the legal scope of licensure while adhering to organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration & Professional Practice

  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, nurses, leadership, and healthcare team members.

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support quality outcomes and continuity of care.

  • Promote a positive work environment through professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.

  • Respond appropriately during emergency situations and critical patient events.

What We're Looking For

Education

  • Graduate of an accredited two-year Respiratory Therapy program.

Experience

  • Previous experience of one (1) year in an acute care setting preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

  • Registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) or registry eligible according to NBRC standards.

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required within one (1) year of hire.

  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification required within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Successful completion of required training modules during the probationary period, including:

    • Cardiac Stress Testing

    • Endotracheal Intubation

    • Neurology Testing

    • Pulmonary Function Testing

    • Blood Gas Laboratory Procedures

    • Arterial Catheterization

    • Electrocardiogram (EKG) Training

  • Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with patients, families, staff, and physicians.

  • Competence in delivering safe and effective patient care within respiratory therapy scope of practice.

  • Knowledge of the continuum of care provided throughout the healthcare environment.

  • Strong commitment to exceptional customer service and patient-centered care.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

  • Continuous standing and walking for extended periods exceeding eight hours per shift.

  • Frequent patient mobilization and assistance throughout the workday.

  • Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of more than 50 pounds.

  • Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.

  • Frequent repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements requiring moderate dexterity.

  • Frequent close visual work and near visual acuity.

  • Regular speaking, reading, and writing throughout the workday.

  • Exposure to vibration and confined workspaces.

  • Occasional exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, including X-ray and microwave equipment.

Working Conditions

  • Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.

  • Exposure to electrical, mechanical, and power equipment.

  • Exposure to chemicals, specimens, and unpleasant environmental conditions.

  • Frequent response to emergency and crisis situations.

  • Subject to irregular hours, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

  • Fast-paced clinical environment requiring rapid response and critical-thinking skills.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Career Growth: Advance your career through tuition reimbursement, continuing education opportunities, specialty certifications, and professional development programs.

  • Impactful Work: Provide life-saving respiratory care that directly improves patient outcomes and quality of life.

  • Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy hiking, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, golf, and year-round outdoor recreation throughout the High Country.

  • Top-Tier Community: Linville offers easy access to Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and some of North Carolina's most beautiful natural landscapes.

  • Inclusive Culture: Join a collaborative healthcare team committed to compassion, professionalism, respect, and service excellence.

Ready to Make a Difference Through Respiratory Care?

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and help provide exceptional respiratory care to patients throughout the High Country.

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official. UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" Leapfrog Patient Safety Grade. UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

UNC Health Appalachian remains committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics, along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine.

It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while supporting the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated and charity care to the citizens of North Carolina.

For more information, visit unchealth.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact [email protected].