Advanced Respiratory Therapist - Pediatric - Duke Life Flight
Durham, NC, US, 27710
About Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
*$15,000 Commitment Bonus if eligible*
*Up to $8,000 Relocation allowance if eligible*
Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner - Duke Life Flight
Duke Life Flight seeks to hire an Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner who will embrace our mission ofAdvancing Health Together.
Duke Life Flight is a CAMTS accredited critical care and Emergency Air and Ground transport agency in Durham, NC, providing services to North Carolina and its surrounding states. We operate two state-of-the-art rotor wing aircraft and a fleet of critical care, and advanced life support ambulances. We are one of few rotor-wing aeromedical Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capable flight programs in North Carolina. Our respiratory care practitioners with our Life Flight team transport pediatric, and neonatal patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide rapid access to health care for patients when time, specialized skills, and/or specialized resources are critical for survival.
General Description of the Job Class
Perform and evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures as defined in the Respiratory Care Services scope of clinical practice, performing work in accordance with physician orders in the neonatal, pediatric and adult patient populations.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Level
- Perform all duties and responsibilities required of a Respiratory Care Practitioner I.
- Evaluate appropriateness of medical orders.
- Proficient in the application of mechanical ventilator modalities.
- Proficient in the application of Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV); Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
- Perform endotracheal intubation under the observation of a Supervisor or Advanced Practitioner. Perform extubations.
- Serve as member of the code/ emergency team. Administer medical gases.
- Insert nasogastric and orogastric tubes.
- Perform tracheotomy tube changes. Perform capnography monitoring.
- Transport patients requiring mechanical ventilation or airway protection.
- Interpret clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.
- Participate in clinical rounds with physicians, nurses and other health care providers
- Assist with Bronchoscopy. Assist with orientation and training of Level II RT.
- Assure safe operations of devices in the MRI.
- Qualified for certification in the hyperbaric chamber if applicable to the institution scope of practice
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education
- Completion of a two year AMA approved Respiratory Care Program - (Associates Degree or the equivalent).
- Must maintain annual skill maintenance and annual safety/compliance requirements
- Must maintain North Carolina annual license requirements for CEUs
Experience
- A minimum of three years (preference of four years) experience in clinical respiratory therapy, including a minimum of one year in intensive care respiratory therapy within a neonatal or pediatric ICU.
- Advanced certification required (C-NPT) within two years of hire. If hired with critical care transport experience, C-NPT or NPS certification highly preferred.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
- North Carolina State Licensure
- Registry (RRT) by the National Association for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Certification in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge necessary to make appropriate clinical decisions and interaction relative to the specific age of a patient.
- Skills validation/certification of competencies for the duties and responsibilities required for a Level I RT.
- Skills validation / certifications of competencies for the duties and responsibilities of this level. Work involves contact with patients of all ages, family members, physicians, nursing, and all other members of the health care team.
- Work is performed in all areas of the hospital.
- Work may require lifting or pushing in excess of 30 pounds.
- Required to carry emergency airway bag weighing approximately 20 pounds.
- Work requires walking, running, climbing and bending. Customer service and communication expertise.
Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
Nearest Major Market:DurhamNearest Secondary Market:Raleigh
Freqently Asked Questions
For Advanced Respiratory Therapists in Durham, NC, holding certifications such as the Certified Neonatal Pediatric Transport (C-NPT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), and state licensure from North Carolina are crucial. These credentials ensure compliance with regional standards and enhance your ability to manage complex pediatric and neonatal respiratory care.
Advanced Respiratory Therapists handle more complex clinical procedures including mechanical ventilation management and emergency airway interventions, often in critical care settings like pediatric ICUs. Their scope extends beyond routine therapy, requiring deeper clinical judgment and proficiency in specialized modalities such as non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.
Mastery over pediatric mechanical ventilation techniques, neonatal resuscitation, and transport protocols are key. Additionally, developing capabilities in clinical data interpretation and emergency response equips therapists to handle critical scenarios effectively, positioning them well for leadership or specialized clinical roles.
Duke University offers exposure to cutting-edge respiratory care technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration in a top-ranked hospital environment. The institution’s commitment to continuous education, including skill validation and certification support, fosters an enriching setting for advancing clinical expertise and career progression.
Duke Life Flight demands rapid, precise respiratory interventions during critical air and ground transport of neonatal and pediatric patients. Practitioners must be adept at managing mechanical ventilation amid movement, utilizing advanced monitoring tools, and making swift clinical decisions in varying environments.
Durham's healthcare hubs like Duke University increase demand for highly specialized respiratory therapists, particularly in pediatric critical care. While Raleigh offers broader opportunities, Durham’s focus on advanced care creates a competitive but rewarding market for certified professionals seeking specialized roles.
Durham healthcare employers prioritize North Carolina state licensure and national certifications such as RRT and C-NPT. Additionally, certifications in pediatric advanced life support (PALS) and neonatal resuscitation (NRP) are highly valued due to the pediatric focus of many regional facilities.
Advanced Respiratory Therapists in Durham typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, reflecting the specialized skill set and clinical experience required. This range considers the area's cost of living and the high demand for critical care respiratory expertise, especially within institutions like Duke University.
Duke University emphasizes ongoing professional development by providing resources for annual skill maintenance, safety training, and compliance. They encourage therapists to pursue advanced certifications such as C-NPT within two years of hire, ensuring staff remain at the forefront of respiratory care best practices.
At Duke Life Flight, therapists manage complex transport cases requiring expertise in mechanical ventilation during flight and ground transfers. Unlike standard hospital roles, this position demands rapid adaptability, proficiency with specialized equipment under variable conditions, and readiness for emergency airway interventions anytime.
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