Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

UNC Health Appalachian; North Carolina; On-site; USD 36,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

HSA

Student loan refinancing options

403(b) retirement plan with employer-6

PTO and tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Wellness incentives

Employee discounts

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian is seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to provide specialized respiratory care across acute and critical care settings in Boone, NC. The role includes airway management, mechanical ventilation, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

The position offers PRN shifts with varying days and evenings, a starting rate of $31.27/hour based on education and experience, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• Previous experience in an acute care setting preferred.
• One year of prior experience in a similar role preferred.
• Registered with NBRC or registry-eligible; NBRC standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized respiratory care including airway management and ventilation.
• Manage mechanical ventilation and troubleshoot respiratory equipment.
• Perform endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy care, and suctioning.
• Administer inhaled medications and respiratory therapies per orders.
• Collaborate with physicians and nurses to deliver comprehensive care.

Skills

Airway management

Mechanical ventilation

Emergency response

Team communication

Education

Accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Clinical Professional

PRN , Shifts Vary , 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM; 6:30 PM - 7:00 AM

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Location:

Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | Shifts Vary - PRN

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. You'll 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'll 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.

Schedule:

ShiftsVary, PRN

Applicable Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); supplemental insurance options; student loan refinancing benefits; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; and employee discounts.

Benefits Eligibility:

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

Sign-On Bonus:

$7,500 Sign-On Bonus available. Distribution details will be discussed during the offer process.

What You'll Do as a Registered Respiratory Therapist

Advanced Respiratory Care

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 according to provider orders.

Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services

Perform diagnostic procedures including arterial blood gas analysis, electrocardiograms, and cardiac stress testing.

Evaluate patient responses to therapy and communicate findings to the healthcare team.

Support evidence-based respiratory care interventions that improve patient outcomes.

Patient & Family Support

Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients and families, especially during times of crisis.

Maintain patient dignity, comfort, and safety throughout treatment.

Provide education regarding respiratory treatments and care plans as appropriate.

Collaborate with physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists, and specialists to deliver comprehensive care.

Respond to emergencies and rapid changes in patient condition with urgency, accuracy, and professionalism.

Contribute to a positive work environment through teamwork, accountability, and effective communication.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications/Licenses

Education

Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.

Experience

Previous experience in an acute care setting preferred.

One (1) year of prior experience in a similar role preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

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 the time of hire.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & 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 organizational policies.

Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service and patient-centered care.

Familiarity with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

Ability to lift, position, and transfer patients weighing 50 pounds or more.

Prolonged standing, walking, sitting, and movement throughout the workday.

Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and turning.

Manual dexterity required for fine motor skills and repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements.

Near visual acuity required for detailed patient care activities and equipment monitoring.

Working Conditions

Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and infectious materials.

Exposure to chemicals, mechanical hazards, medical equipment, and unpleasant odors.

Exposure to vibration, cramped spaces, and occasional ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Irregular work hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.

Fast-paced healthcare environment requiring responsiveness to changing patient conditions.

What Sets Us Apart

Mission-Driven Work:

Your expertise directly supports patient safety, respiratory stability, and positive clinical outcomes.

Career Growth:

Access continuing education, tuition reimbursement, specialty training, and advancement opportunities through the Career Pathways Program.

Community & Lifestyle:

Enjoy hiking, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, local arts, dining, and year-round outdoor recreation in the beautiful High Country.

Top-Tier Community:

Boone is consistently recognized for its outdoor lifestyle, excellent schools, vibrant culture, and small-town charm.

Meaningful Benefits:

Participate in the Love Your Life wellness program, Employee-to-Employee (E2E) support fund, retirement benefits, educational assistance, and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Inclusive Culture:

Join a collaborative team that values professionalism, accountability, respect, and service excellence.

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.

UNC Health 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.

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 at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact [e-mail].