NICU Respiratory Therapist RRT

North Knoxville Medical Center; Powell (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, TN seeks a Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to administer advanced respiratory care per physician orders, evaluate patient responses, and implement treatment plans. Responsibilities include ventilator management, ABG procedures, documentation, and collaboration with the healthcare team to deliver high-quality patient care.

The role requires 1-3 years of acute care experience, active RRT certification, ACLS/PALS/NRP as applicable, and GA-specific requirements

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of respiratory experience in an acute care setting preferred.
• RRT required; ACLS, PALS, NRP and STABLE certifications as applicable.
• GA state-specific requirements (SAMA course within 30 days of hire) may apply.

Responsibilities

• Administers advanced respiratory treatments, performs assessments, and monitors patient responses.
• Orients patient to treatment modality to facilitate cooperation and completion.
• Performs ABG punctures accurately and reports results promptly.
• Assists physicians with bedside procedures as assigned.
• Performs pulmonary testing procedures as assigned.
• Follows respiratory protocols and safety guidelines during procedures.
• Maintains documentation of treatments and patient responses in EMR.
• Manages ventilator settings and airway maintenance; ensures patient safety and comfort.
• Ensures PPE use and infection control measures; collaborates with healthcare teams.

Skills

Ventilator management

Patient assessment

Communication skills

Infection control knowledge

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Associate degree

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist - RRT is responsible for the administration of pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures, following physician orders. This includes performing assessments, monitoring patient responses, and implementing treatment plans to promote effective respiratory care, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. The Respiratory Therapist ensures accurate documentation, maintains patient safety, and collaborates with healthcare teams to deliver high-quality patient care. The Respiratory Therapist works under the direction of ordering physician/clinician as well as established organizational policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Administers advanced respiratory treatments, performs assessments, and monitors patient responses to ensure effective care.
• Orients patient to treatment modality prior to procedure in order to facilitate patient’s cooperation and successful completion of the treatment process.
• Performs and documents Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) punctures accurately, reporting results promptly.
• Assists physicians with bedside procedures as assigned.
• Performs testing procedures, such as pulmonary testing procedures, as assigned.
• Follows respiratory protocols, ensuring adherence to safety guidelines and regulatory standards during all procedures.
• Communicates effectively with peers, healthcare staff, physicians, and leadership, ensuring timely information flow and follow-up on patient care concerns.
• Evaluates and maintains respiratory therapy equipment, ensuring proper functioning, cleanliness, and adherence to safety standards.
• Accurately implements written or verbal physician orders, ensuring compliance with established respiratory care procedures.
• Provides clear, legible, and thorough documentation of all respiratory treatments, assessments, and patient responses, maintaining compliance with policies.
• Ensures proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and patient identification techniques to maintain safety and compliance with infection control standards.
• Manages ventilator settings and airway maintenance, ensuring optimal patient comfort and safety during respiratory support.
• Demonstrates skill and judgment in emergency situations, initiating appropriate interventions and collaborating with healthcare teams to stabilize patients.
• Implements age-specific care considerations for oxygen therapy, tailoring treatment to meet patient needs across all populations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of respiratory experience in an acute care setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in administering pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic respiratory procedures.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with healthcare teams, patients, and families.
• Skilled in patient assessment, ventilator management, and airway maintenance.
• Competent in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems for documentation and reporting.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, safety protocols, and infection control measures.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to regulatory standards.

Licenses and Certifications

• RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support required and
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support required and
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation if working in the NICU Department required and
• STABLE - Neonatal Certification if working in the NICU Department required

State Specific Requirements

• Georgia: Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required. Successful completion of assigned SAMA course within 30 days of hire required.

Job Info

• Job Identification 162721
• Job Category Allied Health
• Posting Date 08/27/2026, 05:53 PM
• Degree Level Associate Degree
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Shift Day
• Locations 7565 Dannaher Dr, Powell, TN, 37849, US