Registered Respiratory Therapist I, Lake Norman

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation•Cornelius, NC

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist I provides respiratory care across patient care areas, including administering and evaluating therapeutic procedures, performing diagnostic procedures, and managing mechanical and non-invasive ventilation. The role independently evaluates therapies, contributes to plans of care and patient education, and responds to respiratory emergencies. The therapist documents care, communicates with the healthcare team, supports coworkers, and follows safety, regulatory, and departmental requirements. This position is at Atrium Health Lake Norman and requires NICU experience; it is a full-time night-shift role working 36 hours per week. The position requires Registered Respiratory Therapist credentials from the NBRC, a current state respiratory care license, Basic Life Support certification, and graduation from an approved respiratory therapy program. An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy is required, though equivalent experience may be considered; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Experience requirements vary by care area: Free-Standing Emergency Department roles require critical care experience, while new graduates with RRT credentials and experienced RRTs are eligible for other areas. The role involves repetitive physical activity, walking and standing, lifting 20–50 pounds, and moving patients of all age groups. Work may involve odors, low lighting, and crowded conditions. The position is sign-on-bonus eligible. Advocate Health offers a comprehensive rewards package, with eligibility for specific programs dependent on FTE or employment status.

Requirements

Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Current license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner/Licensed Respiratory Therapist in the state of employment.
Basic Life Support certification for healthcare providers through the American Heart Association.
Advanced certification as required by the facility or department.
Graduate of an approved school of Respiratory Therapy.
Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy, or equivalent experience that may be considered.
NICU experience required for this position.
For Free-Standing Emergency Department roles, two years of critical care experience, or a bachelor’s or higher degree in Respiratory Therapy with one year of critical care experience.
For other areas, new graduates with RRT credentials or experienced Respiratory Therapists with RRT credentials are eligible.
Excellent organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
Ability to communicate effectively and establish working relationships.
Effective problem-solving, decision-making, and delegation skills.
Knowledge of growth and development principles and competency appropriate to the ages, cultures, developmental stages, and special needs of the patient population served.
Ability to perform repetitive physical activity, walk and stand, lift 20–50 pounds, and move patients of all age groups.
Adequate hearing and eyesight.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher in respiratory therapy; BSRT preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate knowledge of oxygen delivery methods and equipment, and conduct prescribed procedures to support adequate oxygenation.
Administer therapeutic procedures and understand their purpose, benefits, and possible effects.
Perform diagnostic procedures in accordance with policy.
Initiate, monitor, and maintain mechanical and non-invasive ventilators, understanding the critical care duties and effects of this therapy.
Independently evaluate current therapies using appropriate judgment and protocols, and make recommendations regarding care plans and patient education needs.
Document therapy and results as required by the hospital, department, and regulatory agencies.
Communicate information to appropriate members of the healthcare team.
Initiate, conduct, and modify respiratory care techniques in emergency settings.
Perform and evaluate blood sampling analysis, interpret values, and understand the importance and treatment of abnormal results.
Work independently in all patient care areas and assist coworkers with patient care when possible.
Use the electronic medical record and its interface with the Respiratory Care Department proficiently.
Follow departmental safety guidelines and complete regulatory requirements.
Complete annual proficiency evaluations of respiratory care equipment and procedures.
Limit access to protected health information to what is reasonably necessary for the job and share it only on a need-to-know basis for work purposes.

Benefits

Sign-on bonus eligibility.
Paid time off programs.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
Educational Assistance Program.
Potential premium pay, including shift and on-call pay, based on the teammate’s role.
Incentive pay for select positions.
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.