Respiratory Therapist - Pediatrics

Duke; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to $8,000 Relocation Assistance

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Durham is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for various patient populations. Candidates must complete a 2-year AMA-approved respiratory care program and hold a North Carolina State License. Responsibilities include administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and providing patient education. Strong clinical decision-making and BLS certification are essential. This position includes up to $8,000 in relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Completion of a 2‑year AMA-approved respiratory care program required.
• Hold North Carolina State Licensure or Provisional License.
• Certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care required if graduate.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures.
• Administer oxygen and aerosolized medications.
• Conduct diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures.

Skills

Clinical decision-making

Patient assessment

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Education

2-year AMA-approved respiratory care program (Associate's Degree)

Tools

Respiratory care equipment

Patient monitoring systems

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Up to 8,000 Relocation Assistance (eligible if qualified)

Occupational Summary

Perform diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures as defined in the Respiratory Care Services scope of clinical practice, in accordance with physician orders. Duties are performed in neonatal, pediatric, and adult patient populations.

Work Performed

• Administer oxygen and aerosolized medications via Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB), Intermittent Aerosol Therapy (IAT), and Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI).
• Administer incentive breathing devices.
• Perform nasotracheal and artificial airway suctioning.
• Perform CPR and bag‑mask ventilation.
• Perform pulse oximetry monitoring.
• Perform arterial blood gas punctures.
• Perform bedside pulmonary mechanics.
• Conduct diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures, pulmonary function studies, EKGs, and cardiac monitoring.
• Transport patients within the hospital.
• Verify physician orders and ensure correct setup, safety, and function of all equipment and supplies required for patient care.
• Adhere to all infectious disease standards in the delivery of patient care procedures.
• Recognize life‑threatening situations and initiate appropriate response.
• Understand pharmacological indications, dosages, and responses to adverse drug reactions.
• Make patient‑care assessments according to accepted protocols.
• Provide education to patients, families, physicians, nursing, and other members of the health‑care team.
• Monitor response to all therapy.
• Document findings in the patient medical record.
• Communicate all pertinent clinical information.
• Participate in quality‑improvement activities.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of respiratory equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The role requires knowledge to make appropriate clinical decisions and interactions relative to the specific age of a patient. Necessary skills and certifications must be maintained annually, including North Carolina state licensure or provisional license, certification by the National Association for Respiratory Care (NBRC) for graduates, and Basic Life Support (BLS). The work involves contact with patients of all ages, family members, physicians, nursing, and other health‑care team members, and may require lifting or pushing in excess of 30 pounds, walking, climbing, and bending.

Level Characteristics

N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Completion of a 2‑year AMA‑approved respiratory care program (Associate's Degree or the equivalent), or current enrollment in an AMA‑approved Respiratory Care Program, and registry eligibility.

Experience

None required.

Degrees, Licensures, & Certifications

North Carolina State Licensure or North Carolina State Provisional License, Certification by the National Association for Respiratory Care (NBRC) if graduate. Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and any other applicable certifications required by the institution.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.