VCU Health·Tappahannock, Virginia
Provide safe and effective respiratory care for various patient populations, serving as a resource and educator. Perform assessments, interventions, and documentation in compliance with laws and hospital protocols.
**$10,000 sign on bonus for offers accepted by July 31, 2026. Terms and Conditions apply.**
To provide safe and effective respiratory care as an advanced Respiratory Therapist for neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric populations in accordance with discipline training, Clinical Practice Guidelines, and hospital standards and protocols. To serve as a respiratory care resource and educator for patients, caregivers, hospital staff and students. If applicable, functions as a shift team leader in the absence of the supervisor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Demonstrates fiscal responsibility and accountability in use of VCUHS resources.
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.
Performs shift team leader role in absence of supervisor or performs role of Resource Therapist for assigned shift.
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.
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)
Education, training and/or experience that has satisfied the eligibility requirements for the National Board for Respiratory Care (or its predecessor organizations)
Combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
Preferred Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program
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.
A current Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) eligible to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam. Must pass the NBRC Registry Exam within 6 months of hire date
Current CPR certification as required by practice setting.
*Hires before 1/1/2015 with a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certification will be grandfathered into this role.
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.
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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Preferred:
Previous affiliation or work experience in a similar practice setting
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.
Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
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
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
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
Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change
Market context
In Virginia, Physical Therapist Assistant roles are typically supported by ongoing demand in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehab settings, where licensed PTAs help deliver treatment plans under supervision. Competition can be strongest for roles that offer flexible scheduling, strong team support, and patient mix variety. Review the facility’s caseload and licensure expectations closely, and note that the requirements and benefits shown here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save you research time.
