Respiratory Therapist Assistant - Adult

Company: Duke Health
Location: Durham
Posted on: February 12, 2026

Job Description:

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together. 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. The largest of Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more. Respiratory Therapist Assistant - Adult Respiratory Job Description Perform diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures as defined in the Respiratory Care Services scope of clinical practice. Work performed in accordance with physician orders and under supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Duties and Responsibilities -Verify physician orders for appropriateness and accuracy. -Understand pharmacological indications, dosages and response to adverse drug reactions. -Consults with providers based on patient care assessments and in accordance to accepted protocols. Provides education to patients, families, physicians, nursing and other members of the health care team. -Monitors response to all therapy. Documents in the patient medical record. Communicates all pertinent clinical information during patient rounds and handoff. -Perform diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures; inclusive of nasotracheal and artificial airway suctioning and samples, arterial blood gas punctures, pulse oximetry and EtCO2 monitoring, pulmonary function and bedside pulmonary mechanics, and EKG's. -Recognizes life threatening situations and initiates appropriate response, perform CPR and bag- mask ventilation -Assure correct set-up, safety and function of all equipment/ supplies necessary in the provision of patient care. -Assure adherence to all infectious disease standards in the delivery of all patient care procedures. -Participates in quality improvement activities. -Maintains all necessary safety and life support certifications per required. -Can provide the following therapy: -Oxygen Supply Systems Equipment Processing Manual Resuscitation Oxygen administration Humidity and Aerosol Therapy Small Volume Nebulizer MDI Administration Incentive Spirometry Airway Clearance Therapy Arterial Uncture ECG (if perofrmed by hiring institute) Patient reportinng Required Qualifications at this Level Education Active enrollment in a 2 year approved respiratory care program (Associates Degree or the equivalent) and is in good standing. & Completion of the first semester of the respiratory care program. Experience None required beyond clinical affiliation of the respiratory program. Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification The student RCP must register with the Board before providing Respiratory Care procedures as a Respiratory Care Assistant and will receive an approval letter from the Board. The student RCP will provide a copy of the approval letter to the employer. Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and any other certifications applicable to the institution. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge necessary to make appropriate clinical decisions and interactions relative to the specific age of a patient. Skills validation/certifications of competencies for the duties and responsibilities of this level. Must maintain annual skill requirements. Must maintain annual safety/compliance requirements. Must maintain North Carolina annual license requirements for CEU's Customer service and communication expertise. 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 Duke University Health System, at applicable hiring location. Work may require lifting or pushing in excess of 30 pounds. Work requires walking, climbing and bending. Duke is an 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 (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe 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 essential job 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.

Keywords: Duke Health, Burlington , Respiratory Therapist Assistant - Adult, Healthcare , Durham, North Carolina