Respiratory Therapist PICU

About the Role

A registered respiratory therapist (RRT) delivers respiratory care services to patients in all areas of the hospital, including intensive care units, medical and surgical floors, emergency departments, post-anesthesia care units, infant nurseries, and the home care environment. The therapist must adapt to the assigned area and perform special duties as required. Specific therapists are trained to provide respiratory therapy services during critical care patient transport outside the hospital setting.

The RRT may supervise and be responsible for the work of other respiratory care practitioners, as well as take on orientation, in-service education, and mentorship responsibilities for respiratory therapy students during clinical rotations. The role involves working under the technical supervision of Respiratory Care Clinical Coordinators and administrative supervision of the area Respiratory Care Manager and Department Head, following policies and procedures approved by the Medical Directors.

Responsibilities

• Deliver respiratory care services across various hospital units, including PICU, NICU, and emergency departments.
• Adapt to assigned areas and perform special duties as required by the role.
• Provide respiratory therapy during critical care patient transport outside the hospital.
• Supervise and mentor other respiratory care practitioners and students.
• Participate in orientation and in-service education programs.
• Maintain standards of performance for assigned clinical areas.
• Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based care.
• Specialize in the care and treatment of patients with lung disorders, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and ventilator dependence.
• Identify and correct conditions affecting patient and employee safety.
• Uphold safety standards and report safety concerns to supervisors.

Requirements

• Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or equivalent qualifications (e.g., Temporary Licensed Respiratory Therapist).
• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy.
• Minimum of 1 year of job experience as a Staff-Level Respiratory Therapist.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Skills

• Technical and professional knowledge in assigned clinical areas, with a commitment to staying current with developments in the field.
• Continuous learning and application of new knowledge on the job.
• Strong customer service focus, treating others with dignity and respect.
• Ability to build trust through honesty, fairness, and reliability.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration to achieve work goals.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability to changes in work tasks, environment, or processes.
• Innovation in developing solutions to work challenges.
• High standards of performance and accountability for completing assignments.
• Safety awareness and proactive correction of unsafe conditions.

Schedule

Full-time Night Shift, 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM, 12-hour shifts.

Work Environment

Respiratory therapists at Children’s of Alabama work in a learning-focused and professionally supportive environment alongside committed healthcare professionals. The Pulmonary Care Unit specializes in treating patients with lung disorders, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and ventilator dependence. The Neonatal ICU has 48 beds, and therapists in critical care areas work closely with physicians and nurses to provide evidence-based care using the latest technologies. Realistic staffing ratios and a supportive team ensure safe and effective patient treatment.