The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for evaluating patient needs and performing complex respiratory therapy procedures. They collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure individualized, patient-centered care and actively participate in patient recovery plans.
About Shepherd Center
With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain.
An elite center ranked by U.S.
News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems.
Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner.
Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.
Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.
Responsible for the implementation and coordination of respiratory care based on the policies and procedures of the Respiratory Care Department. This position will also perform support activities such as setting up and operating various types of respiratory disease and/or illness. This position is responsible for providing efficient, quality-oriented patient care activities and interdisciplinary team activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patients.
Job responsibilities
Evaluates and assesses patient needs for respiratory therapy and performs complex respiratory therapy procedures to ensure successful outcomes of the patient care plan.
Interacts with patients daily, actively participating in their recovery plan.
Work in collaboration with other respiratory therapist, RN’s, physicians, and other team members to collect data for the patient care plan.
Performs all respiratory treatment modalities, ventilator management, pulmonary mechanics, arterial blood gas procurement and analysis.
Sets-up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, gas administration, aerosol generators, inhalants and other respiratory therapy devices.
Utilize clinical skills including bronchoscopy, mechanical ventilation, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary hygiene, and artificial airway maintenance.
Clean and disinfect non-disposable respiratory equipment, as well as stocking equipment in all units.
Perform and analyze ABG, EKG, and Capnography according to policy and procedure, and recommends changes in treatment as appropriate.
Performs DPS pacing sessions according to policy and procedure, and properly monitors patient before, during and after pacing sessions.
Collaborates and supports the plan of care as established by the interdisciplinary team and prescribes interventions to attain the expected outcomes.
Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of the outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Actively educates patients and family members in disease process, treatment modalities, medications, etc. on an ongoing basis and as assigned.
Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given. Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.
Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
Actively participates in center-wide efforts that affect respiratory practice.
Adheres to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).
Establishes relationships with other respiratory therapists.
Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.
Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.
Required minimum education
Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.
Certified Respiratory Technician (CRT).
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Required minimum certification
BLS required.
ACLS certification required six (6) months of start date.
Active Georgia Respiratory Care Licensure.
Required minimum experience
• Two (2) years recent clinical experience preferred.
Required minimum skills
Basic computer skills.
Working knowledge of all treatment and therapeutic patient care devices used by respiratory staff.
Must display knowledge of growth, development and the ability to obtain, interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent, adult and geriatric.
Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.
Ability to assess patient and family needs and coordinate appropriate nursing plan of care.
Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
Maintains congenial working relationships with RNs and others.
Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or behavioral health preferred.
Physical demands
Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.
Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 35 lbs.
Working conditions
Normal patient care environment.
Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.
Requirements
Candidates must have completed an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program and hold certifications such as CRT and RRT. A minimum of two years of recent clinical experience is preferred, along with BLS and ACLS certifications.
professional certificate
Communication
Time Management
Team Collaboration
Patient Care
Patient Education
Critical Thinking
Respiratory Therapy
Oxygen Therapy
Ventilator Management
Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Aerosol Therapy
Safety Techniques
Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
Bronchoscopy
Clinical Policies
Pulmonary Mechanics
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Location
Atlanta, Georgia
Posted
Jul 23, 2026
Application
Employer website
Market context
Georgia support services roles need flexible coverage
In Georgia, support-services roles often see steady demand because care settings need dependable overnight coverage and reliable transportation. These jobs can be competitive when employers look for prior caregiving experience, even if it is not required, and when shift flexibility matters. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save time, then confirm your driver’s license, transportation, and overnight availability before applying.
