Respiratory Therapist Clinical Specialist

UNC Health Care
$33.04 - $47.50 per hour
relocation assistance
United States, North Carolina, Chapel Hill
101 Manning Drive (Show on map)
Oct 01, 2025
Description Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve. Position qualifies for our inpatient Respiratory Care Incentive Program: $15,000 commitment incentive with a three (3) year commitment This position is also eligible for up to $10,000 in relocation assistance (based on location) Participation in our employee referral program ($3,000 referral bonus to employees who refer other Respiratory Therapists) Summary: The Surgical/Trauma Respiratory Clinical Specialist is a highly skilled and experienced respiratory care practitioner responsible for providing advanced clinical support, education, and consultation within surgical and trauma units. This role serves as a clinical expert in respiratory therapy, working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal respiratory care for critically ill and injured patients. The specialist plays a key role in protocol development, clinical competency, quality improvement, and staff education related to advanced respiratory modalities and interventions. Responsibilities: Provide advanced respiratory therapy care to surgical, trauma, and other critically ill patients in accordance with hospital protocols and best practices. Serve as a clinical resource and consultant for respiratory therapists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers in surgical and trauma units. Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based respiratory care protocols and policies. Participate in trauma resuscitations, surgical procedures requiring respiratory support, and high-acuity care situations. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory care interventions, recommending adjustments as needed to improve patient outcomes. Lead or support clinical rounds with multidisciplinary teams, contributing respiratory expertise in case reviews and care planning. Provide education, training, and mentorship to staff therapists, including orientation of new hires and continuing education on advanced respiratory practices (e.g., ARDS management, advanced airway techniques, mechanical ventilation strategies). Collaborate with physicians and advanced practice providers in developing care plans and implementing respiratory support strategies. Assist in data collection, research, and quality improvement initiatives related to respiratory care in surgical/trauma populations. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines (e.g., JCAHO, AARC, state licensure boards). Key Competencies:Strong clinical judgment and critical thinkingExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to work effectively under pressure in high-acuity settingsCommitment to patient-centered care and continuous quality improvementLeadership and mentorship abilities Skilledin the use of ventilators, monitoring equipment, and respiratory diagnostics Work Environment: Fast-paced Level I Trauma Center Requires standing, walking, and lifting equipment or patients Potential exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials; adherence to infection control protocols required Other Information Education Requirements: * Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program. * If hired after August 1, 2016, a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy or related field is required. Licensure/Certification Requirements: * Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board and registry eligible by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Professional Experience Requirements: * Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in an intensive care setting. Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements: * Advanced knowledge of principles and techniques of mechanical ventilation and care of the patient with complex respiratory diseases or compromise. * Able to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. * Interpersonal communication skills necessary to work with hospital employees, physicians, patients, family members and community professionals. * Must possess exceptional critical thinking skills and deal with extreme pressure and stress. * Ability to rotate shifts and/or work flexible hours to meet patient care needs. Job Details Legal Employer: STATE Entity: UNC Medical Center Organization Unit: Respiratory Therapy Work Type: Full Time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00 Salary Range:$33.04 - $47.50 per hour (Hiring Range) Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity Work Assignment Type: Onsite Work Schedule: Variable Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.