Respiratory Therapist (RT) - Neonatal and Pediatric Units

About the role

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.

In this role, 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.

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

Why UVA Health

• Academic Medicine Environment: Respiratory Therapists work alongside attending physicians, residents, fellows, and advanced practice providers in a true teaching hospital where clinical excellence and education are inseparable
• High Acuity Clinical Exposure: UVA Health cares for patients with complex respiratory needs, including trauma, neurological injury, cardiopulmonary disease, and postoperative recovery
• Professional Respect and Collaboration: Therapists are valued as clinical decisionmakers and essential contributors to interdisciplinary care planning
• Innovation and Evidence Based Practice: UVA Health supports the integration of new respiratory technologies, research informed practice, and continuous improvement in care delivery
• Strategic Role in Patient Care: Respiratory therapy is fundamental to UVA Health’s ability to deliver advanced, life sustaining care across the health system

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Graduate of a CoARC accredited respiratory therapy program
• Experience: 12 months of acute/critical care Respiratory Therapy clinical experience
• License/Certification:
  • Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
  • Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification
  • Active NBRC Specialty Credential (e.g., RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS) expected within 2 years of hire
• Physical Requirements:
  • Standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling and bending/stooping
  • Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; attention to detail and ability to write legibly
  • Ability to lift/push/pull 20–50 lbs
  • May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease

Pay

The pay range for this role is $34.01 – $48.21 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
• Health Savings Plans and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and education support
• Generous Paid Time Off