Respiratory Therapist (Clin 3) - Surgical-Trauma & Neuro (Nights)

Join a team where experienced respiratory therapists are empowered to practice at the highest level of their profession while helping shape the future of respiratory care. This is an exceptional opportunity for a clinically advanced RT to bring leadership, expertise, and mentorship to a high-acuity environment serving some of UVA Health’s most complex patient populations. 

As a Respiratory Therapist Clin 3 supporting the Surgical-Trauma and Neuro teams on nights, you will combine expert bedside care with leadership responsibilities that influence patient outcomes, team development, and operational excellence. This role is designed for an experienced therapist who is ready to be a trusted resource, mentor, and clinical leader within a collaborative academic medical center. 

The Role 

This position offers the opportunity to care for critically ill patients while serving as a key leader on the night shift. Working alongside interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment, you will help drive clinical excellence, support colleagues, and contribute to the continued growth of respiratory therapy practice. 

In this role, you will: 

• Serve as a visible clinical leader for the Surgical-Trauma and Neuro teams during night shift operations. 

• Provide advanced respiratory care for patients requiring complex airway management, mechanical ventilation, and critical care support. 

• Act as a trusted resource when challenging clinical situations arise. 

• Mentor newer respiratory therapists while helping develop and elevate the skills of experienced team members. 

• Support precepting, professional development, and clinical knowledge sharing. 

• Promote a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture. 

• Strengthen communication and continuity between day and night shift teams. 

• Support consistent application of evidence-based practices, protocols, and clinical standards. 

• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, communication, patient care, and operational effectiveness. 

• Partner with department leadership on initiatives that advance respiratory therapy practice and team performance. 

This role is ideal for therapists who have demonstrated leadership through precepting, charge responsibilities, committee participation, project work, student support, or by serving as a trusted clinical resource for colleagues. 

Why UVA Health 

UVA Health offers respiratory therapists something increasingly rare: meaningful bedside engagement in a highly advanced clinical environment. Respiratory therapists are valued members of the care team and play a critical role in managing complex patient populations across a nationally recognized academic medical center. 

As a Clin 3 therapist, you will benefit from: 

• A high-acuity practice environment with exposure to complex trauma, surgical, neuro, and critical care patients. 

• The opportunity to work alongside physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals within an academic health system committed to innovation and excellence. 

• A structured clinical ladder designed to support growth from bedside clinician to advanced clinical expert and future leader. 

• Opportunities to contribute beyond direct patient care through mentorship, leadership, quality improvement, and operational initiatives. 

• A culture that values accountability, teamwork, professional development, and lifelong learning. 

• Access to advanced clinical experiences that help respiratory therapists expand their skills and practice at the top of their license. 

• The chance to make a meaningful impact during night shift operations, where experienced clinical leadership is essential to team success and patient outcomes. 

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. 

For experienced respiratory therapists seeking more than a routine bedside role, this position offers the opportunity to influence practice, develop future clinicians, and help shape the direction of a growing respiratory therapy team. 

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville 

Charlottesville offers an outstanding blend of professional opportunity and quality of life. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides easy access to hiking, cycling, wineries, outdoor recreation, and breathtaking scenery. Residents enjoy a vibrant food and arts scene, excellent schools, historic charm, and a welcoming community atmosphere. With the resources of a nationally recognized academic health system and the balance of a thriving mid-sized city, Charlottesville is a place where healthcare professionals can build rewarding careers while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle.