Registry Eligible Respiratory Therapist, Pineville

Atrium Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Atrium Health Pineville is seeking an experienced Respiratory Therapist to provide direct patient care with clinical autonomy across CVICU, MICU, NICU and pulmonary labs. You will manage ventilators, deliver oxygen therapy, and participate in airway interventions.

You will collaborate with intensivists, pulmonologists and hospital staff, document outcomes, and contribute to continuous quality improvement in a high-autonomy, high-impact role.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Care.
• Associate's RRT or RRT Equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Active licensure as Respiratory Therapist in NC and national credentials per facility policy.

Responsibilities

• Assess, implement, and adjust respiratory therapies with clinical autonomy.
• Independently modify ventilator settings and oxygenation strategies in critical situations.
• Lead airway interventions, including intubations, with rapid and precise execution.
• Collaborate across disciplines, serving on hospital-wide committees for excellence.
• Document therapy and results per policy and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Autonomy in clinical practice

Ventilator management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation proficiency

Decision making under emergency

Education

AMA-approved Respiratory Care program

Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy (RRT or equivalent)

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Ventilators

Non-invasive ventilation

Oxygen delivery systems

Job description

Why Choose Atrium Health Pineville?

Since opening our doors in 1987, Atrium Health Pineville has evolved from a small community hospital into a major regional healthcare hub, providing unmatched expertise and advanced care. We are a preferred tertiary hospital and care system, continuously expanding to serve our growing community. Our facility is backed by Atrium Health's nationally recognized specialty care programs, offering cutting-edge medical technology and world-class patient care. We Are Proud To Be Recognized Among IBM Watson's Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals For Four Consecutive Years And To Offer Advanced Cardiovascular Care, Open-heart Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Treatment, Robotic Surgery, And Neurosurgical Procedures. Our Commitment To Excellence Has Earned Us Multiple Accolades, Including

• 'A' Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group (Fall 2024)
• Best Hospital for Maternity & Rehabilitation – U.S. News & World Report & Newsweek
• 2024 American Heart Association Gold Plus Recognition – Target Stroke Honor Roll, Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• Top 10% in the nation for:
  • Heart attack & heart failure care
  • Diabetes & endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Knee replacement
  • COPD management

Respiratory Therapy at Atrium Health Pineville – Elevate Your Career with Us

Our highly autonomous Respiratory Therapy team is integral to patient care across multiple specialized areas, including

• Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
• Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) Lab
• Bronchoscopy Suite

In addition, our RTs lead the Airway Team, performing intubations and providing rapid-response interventions. We embrace Therapist-Driven Protocols (TDPs) across all units, empowering our RTs to assess, implement, and modify therapies independently.

What Sets Our RT Program Apart?

• Unparalleled Autonomy & Professional Respect – Our RTs actively lead patient care decisions through evidence-based protocols.
• Advanced Technology & Equipment – Work with the latest in mechanical ventilation, nitric oxide therapy, heliox therapy, and bronchoscopy procedures.
• High-Level Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Partner directly with intensivists, pulmonologists, neonatologists, and hospitalists to develop the best treatment strategies.
• Fast-Growing Hospital System – Be part of a facility that is expanding at an impressive pace, offering new opportunities for professional growth to include ECMO and robotics in bronchoscopy.
• Clinical Ladder Advancement – Grow from RT I to RT IV, with increasing levels of leadership, certifications, and specialized roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess, implement, and adjust respiratory therapies with full clinical autonomy.
• Independently modify ventilator settings and oxygenation strategies in critical situations.
• Lead airway interventions, including intubations, ensuring rapid and precise execution.
• Collaborate across disciplines, serving on hospital-wide committees that drive excellence.
• Ensure compliance with policies through complete and accurate documentation.

Join a Team That Supports Your Growth

We prioritize continuous learning, providing access to advanced training, continuing education, and mentorship opportunities. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced RT looking for a high-autonomy, high-impact role, Atrium Health Pineville offers a rewarding environment where you can truly make a difference.

Job Summary

Performs all aspects of direct respiratory care according to physician's orders and/or approved protocols. Consults physicians on effectiveness of therapy and makes appropriate recommendations. Provides appropriate ventilator support and maintains and monitors other cardiopulmonary life support equipment. Maintains and properly utilizes respiratory care equipment.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates knowledge in various modes and methods of oxygen delivery and the equipment needed for each and can conduct prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation.
• Administers therapeutic procedures, understanding the purpose and benefits, and possible effects associated with each. Performs diagnostic procedures as outlined in policy.
• Initiates, monitors and maintains mechanical ventilators and non-invasive ventilators and is aware of the critical care duties and effects of such therapy.
• Independently evaluates current therapies using appropriate judgment and protocols, making proper recommendations concerning plans of care and patient education needs.
• Documents therapy and results as required by hospital, department and regulatory agencies. Communicates information to appropriate members of the healthcare team.
• Initiates, conducts and modifies respiratory care techniques in an emergency setting. Performs and evaluates blood sampling analysis with a thorough understanding of the values, and the importance and treatment of abnormal results.
• Works independently in all patient care areas and assists co-workers with patient care whenever possible. Is proficient in the electronic medical records and its interface with the Respiratory Care Department.
• Follows departmental safety guidelines. Completes all regulatory requirements. Completes annual proficiency evaluation of respiratory care equipment and procedures.

Physical Requirements

Requires repetitive physical activity. Able to walk and stand to perform duties. Ability to lift materials 20-50 pounds. Ability to move patients of all age groups. Adequate hearing and eyesight is necessary. Exposures to working environment that may include odors, low lighting, and crowded working conditions.

Education, Experience And Certifications

Graduate of an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Care. Associate's RRT or RRT Equivalent required, Bachelor's degree preferred. Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of North Carolina. BLS required per policy guidelines. Advanced certifications per facility policy/standards. For free-standing Emergency Department and Virtual Critical Care, 2 years critical care experience required.