Essential Job Statements

Initiates, Monitors & Maintains Mechanical Ventilation 

Performs set-up, monitoring, transport, appropriate alarm setting, teaching, and hand-off for ventilation and support, to include CPAP and BiPAP. Maintains all ventilator related equipment to ensure safety of ventilator operation. Therapist utilizes own clinical skill to assess the effects of all ventilator changes ordered. 

Respiratory Care Modalities 

Performs respiratory care assessments, interventions, teaching (patients, families, care givers, students and other healthcare staff), and handoff that may include the following: volume expansion, airway clearance, inhaled medications, airway care to include tracheostomy and laryngectomy tube changes, intubation (if applicable), and medical gas administration. Therapist utilizes own clinical skill to assess the effects of all therapies ordered and/or performed. 

Complies with Laws, Regulations, Policies & Procedures 

Demonstrates compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations, including those related to Medicaid and Medicare; Joint Commission standards; College of American Pathologists; credentialing and licensure requirements and all VCUHS policies and procedures. 

Documentation 

Documents equipment and patient assessments, consultation, clinical notes on ordered therapies, interventions, and the plan of care; documents and charges for services provided. Maintains accurate records of time worked by utilizing hospital timekeeping system. 

Diagnostic Modalities 

Performs or assists with diagnostic procedures that may include blood gas sampling and analysis, pressure-volume measurements, peak flow measurements, simple spirometry, and bronchoscopy assistance. Therapist utilizes own clinical skill to assess the quality and reliability of test results performed. 

Resource Accountability 

Demonstrates fiscal responsibility and accountability in use of VCUHS resources. 

QI Activities & Continuing Education 

Participates in QI activities, continuing education, annual recertification, and research opportunities. 

Labor & Delivery Assistance (if assigned) 

Performs labor and delivery assistance that may include oxygenation and ventilatory support. Therapist utilizes own clinical skill to assess the effects of all interventions ordered and/or performed. 

External Critical Care Transports (if assigned) 

Performs external transports for critically ill neonatal/pediatric patients to include comprehensive equipment and supplies gathering, medical gas administration, and ventilatory support. Therapist utilizes own clinical skill to assess the effects of all interventions ordered and/or performed. 

Shift Team Leader or Resource Therapist 

Performs shift team leader role in absence of supervisor or performs role of Resource Therapist for assigned shift. 

Miscellaneous Responsibilities 

Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and the Department. Provides assistance to team members. Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously. 

Patient Population

Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to  their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. 

Neonates (0-4 weeks) 

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years) 

Adolescents (13-17 years) 

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older) 

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Employment Qualifications 

Required Education: 

Education, training and/or experience that has satisfied the eligibility requirements for the National Board for Respiratory Care (or its predecessor organizations) 

Preferred Education: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program 

Combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree will be considered. 

Licensure/Certification Required: 

Licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Respiratory Therapist required. 

Current registry from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)/(*CRT) required. 

Current CPR certification as required by practice setting. 

*On or after 1/1/2015, new hires must be current RRT. Those hired prior to 1/1/2015 with CRT will be grandfathered into this role. 

Licensure/Certification Preferred: 

Current ACLS/PALS 

Minimum Qualifications 

Years and Type of Required Experience 

New graduate or prior work experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist RRT/ (*CRT). 

*On or after 1/1/2015, new hires must be current RRT. Those hired prior to 1/1/2015 with CRT will be grandfathered into this role. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 

Must have basic computer skills.  A working knowledge of all common critical care equipment is required. 

Cardiopulmonary assessment and monitoring, including during emergency response; airway care; selecting appropriate ventilators and non-ordered ventilator parameters; consulting with physicians and interdisciplinary team members regarding the appropriateness of the patient care plan; and maintaining work areas in a clean and well stocked manner. Perform shift team leader role in the supervisor’s absence, if applicable. 

Depending on work assignment may be required to rotate shifts and work on weekends and holidays.  

Cultural Responsiveness: 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: 

Previous affiliation or work experience in a similar practice setting 

Working Conditions:

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. 
May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. 

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * 

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *   

May have periods of constant interruptions. 

Physical Requirements 

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Balance, Bending

Working Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards  

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Maneuver weight of patients, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision 

Hazards: Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure 

Mental/Sensory – Emotional

Mental/Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking 

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change 

Compensation Ranges:

Respiratory Therapist 1: $29.00 - $42.28
Respiratory Therapist 2: $32.00 - $46.51
Respiratory Therapist 3: $33.01 - $51.17

Actual Salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran