Respiratory Therapist, New Grad

UCLA Health and David Geffen School of Medicine; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA seeks a Respiratory Therapist to assess patient respiratory needs, conduct diagnostic testing, and implement therapeutic plans within established guidelines.

The role emphasizes accurate documentation, timely communication of patient responses, and active involvement in hand-offs, process improvement, and professional development. Strong adherence to safety standards is required.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy program.
• Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy required within 5 years of hire/transfer.
• 12 months of acute/critical care respiratory therapy experience.
• Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential with NBRC and Virginia state licensure.
• AHA Health Care Provider BLS certification.
• Active NBRC Specialty Credential within 2 years of hire (e.g., RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS).
• ACLS required within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assess respiratory care needs, apply diagnostic testing and therapeutic plans.
• Document patient care according to professional standards and department guidelines.
• Communicate patient response to interventions and adjust care plan; participate in shift hand-offs.
• Demonstrate use of IDEAL to explain care to patient/family and educate on basic care elements.
• Embrace quality and safety through adherence to Be Safe processes and participation in QI initiatives.

Education

Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy program

Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy

Job description

• Assesses respiratory care needs, applies diagnostic testing and therapeutic plans with skill and insight.
  • Patient records are reviewed, data collected and clinical information evaluated.
  • Independently performs thorough respiratory assessments according to established guidelines, protocols and timelines.
  • Proactively seeks guidance on evidenced based guidelines & protocols and diagnostics to guide, evaluate response, and adjust care.
  • Therapeutic interventions & prescribed medications provided according to protocols, guidelines, orders.
  • Identifies pts who may benefit from advanced care approaches (e.g., transpulmonary mechanics monitoring); Escalates to others to help address the clinical need.
  • Recognizes changes in clinical conditions, initiates steps to mitigate, occasionally preempt.
  • Recognizes potential practice risk sources, & promptly activates BeSafe for scenarios as warranted.
• Documents patient care according to professional standards and departmental guidelines
  • Verifies orders, performs timely documentation of key elements to department standards with minor variation; caliber and quality reflect competency.
  • Patient and family goals are integrated to care plan and documented in the medical record.
  • Personal documentation reflects positive performance in safety/quality/care initiatives.
• Accurately communicates patient response to RT interventions, recommends need for modification of patient care plan
  • Routinely engages in shift hand-off in a clear, comprehensive and participatory manner.
  • Can speak to the respiratory care plan; rationale and recommendations.
  • Cultural diversity, special needs, learning styles, age and gender identification are included in setting and reviewing goals. Patient & family treatment goals are integrated to care plan.
  • Routine use of IDEAL to explain care to patient and/or family. Teaches basic care elements.
  • Response to care is communicated to patient & health team as requested, developing and refining communication style.
• Demonstrates innovative application of technologies that support care. Active with implementation of evidenced based practice and new knowledge generated by respiratory research and endorsed by Department.
  • Keeps current with departmental updates & processes, consistently applies practice changes within 2 weeks of release.
• Embraces Quality as evidenced by: comprehension of processes, data and outcomes, participation in QI initiatives, application of standard procedures, protocols and documentation
  • Use/manages equipment & supplies according to guidelines to meet area and hospital need.
  • Knows key Quality/Safety/Be Safe processes; Participates with root cause analysis after events.
  • Participates with QI initiatives; Understands monitoring process; Supportive/timely practice.
  • Participates in at least one department or organizational initiative.
  • Precepts learners 1:1 on respiratory elements, respectful and developmental manner.
  • Productive and accountable work and schedule habits are consistently displayed.
• Embraces professional development through formal education, certification, internal/external learning and professional organization participation. Precepts new learners and students.
  • Adheres to ASPIRE. Demonstrates continual professional development; Seeks feedback for professional growth from peers.
  • Demonstrates proactive adherence to competency & licensure requirements within defined time periods.
  • Member of local, state, national professional association (AARC) is strongly encouraged.
  • Attendance at 3 non-mandatory respiratory educational events hosted or approved by Department annually.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Position Compensation Range: $28.40 - $45.44 Hourly

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy educational program. Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy required within 5 years of hire/transfer for all hires/transfers after 2019.

Experience: 12 months of acute/critical care Respiratory Therapy clinical experience required.

License/Certification: Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia required. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required. Active NBRC Specialty Credential (e.g., RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS) required within 2 years of hire for Medical Center Respiratory Therapists; ACLS required for TCH Respiratory Therapists within 3 months of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.