Respiratory Therapist (RT) - Neuro and Surgical-Trauma Units

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

63d•Onsite

About The Position

Respiratory Therapists at UVA Health are essential clinical partners in the care of patients with complex cardiopulmonary needs. This role offers the opportunity to practice at a high level in a nationally recognized academic medical center where respiratory expertise directly influences patient stability, recovery, and survival. Respiratory therapy is a discipline that demands technical mastery, clinical judgment, and calm under pressure. At UVA Health, Respiratory Therapists work in an environment that respects that expertise—supporting patients across acute, critical, and specialty care settings while collaborating closely with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams. This role is ideal for therapists who want their skills fully utilized in a setting where excellence is expected and supported. As a Respiratory Therapist, you will evaluate, treat, and monitor patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions across a broad range of clinical environments. Your work will directly support patient stabilization, disease management, and recovery. The pace of this role is dynamic and clinically engaging. An average day may include caring for medically complex patients, responding to changes in patient condition, supporting emergent respiratory needs, and contributing to multidisciplinary rounds and care discussions. The work is hands-on, impactful, and deeply tied to patient outcomes. UVA Health is a Magnet recognized academic medical center and Level 1 trauma center where respiratory care is central to patient survival and recovery across critical care, surgical, medical, and specialty populations.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy required
Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia required
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required except for new grads who must obtain RRT credential within three months of employment
American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required
NBRC Specialty credential – Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (NPS) Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS)/Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) – for area of primary practice within the University Medical Center Sleep Disorders or Pulmonary Function Centers required within 18 months of employment

Responsibilities

Deliver respiratory care therapies and interventions in accordance with physician orders and evidence-based protocols
Assess patient respiratory status and adjust treatment approaches based on clinical presentation and response to therapy
Manage and monitor mechanical ventilation, oxygen delivery systems, and airway support devices
Collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and other members of the care team to develop and implement respiratory care plans
Provide patient and family education related to respiratory conditions, therapies, and equipment
Document care accurately and consistently to support continuity, quality, and safety