Respiratory Care Practitioner 2 - Pediatrics
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Department Overview
OHSU is Oregon’s only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health – and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland’s largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.
This is a Pediatric Respiratory Care position. Work units include NICU, PICU, Emergency Department, and pediatric & adult acute/intermediate care wards. Respiratory Therapists at OHSU provide bedside respiratory care modalities in accordance with hospital and departmental guidelines as ordered by healthcare providers.
Function/Duties of Position
Provides therapeutic interventions including but not limited to: airway management, therapeutic gases and ventilator management, newborn resuscitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Performs diagnostic procedures including but not limited to: sampling of arterial blood, bedside spirometry, spontaneous ventilatory parameters, point of care testing.
Therapeutic modalities and communication approached with reference to age specific needs of the patient, including Doernbecher Children's Hospital Family Centered Care Program.
- Assists other Respiratory Care Practitioners and health professionals to provide quality patient care in the spirit of teamwork. Trains new Respiratory Therapists, students and other healthcare team members.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by a manager, supervisor or lead worker.
Demonstrates an understanding of current and all new care modalities
and equipment.
Completes all competency testing, required in-services and activities. Takes personal responsibility for maintaining competency for equipment and modalities within the Respiratory Care Practitioner scope of practice.
Seeks assistance in managing workload as needed.
Recognizes the need for guidance and uses expertise of others when appropriate.
Utilizes appropriate chain-of-command and committee process to effect change.
Charts and charges all services provided per policy.
Required Qualifications
- A current, valid Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner's (LRCP) credential issued by the Health Licensing Office for the State of Oregon and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (Upon hire).
- Minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association. Some positions may require ALCS, NRP or PALS certification within 6 months of hire, as indicated on position description.
- For positions posted in the PANDA unit, 3 years Pediatric Intensive Care and/or Neonatal Intensive Care Experience required.
- Some positions may require ALCS, NRP or PALS certification within 6 months of hire, as indicated on position description.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree
- 2 years of clinical respiratory care
- Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (NPS) credential issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) issued by the American Heart Association
Additional Details
Work location in sometimes noisy patient care areas. 12 hour shifts. Possible exposure to blood, body fluids, airborn pathogens, magnetic fields, and radiation.
Benefits:
- Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
- Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
- Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
- Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
- 8 paid holidays per year
- Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
- Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.
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Frequently asked questions
A Respiratory Care Practitioner 2 specializing in pediatrics focuses on respiratory support for infants and children, including NICU and PICU care. This role demands expertise in age-specific interventions like newborn resuscitation and ventilator management tailored to pediatric patients, unlike general respiratory therapy that often serves adult populations.
Professionals in this role can advance toward specialized certifications such as Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty credentials or transition into respiratory therapy education and clinical specialist positions. Experience in pediatric intensive care units enhances opportunities for leadership roles or advanced practitioner statuses in healthcare systems.
In Portland, certifications like the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and state licensure via Oregon’s Health Licensing Office are essential. Additionally, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications are highly preferred to meet local clinical standards.
OHSU combines academic rigor with clinical excellence, offering access to cutting-edge respiratory technologies and research. Its commitment to family-centered pediatric care and comprehensive professional development fosters a collaborative environment tailored for respiratory therapists aiming to impact vulnerable pediatric populations.
OHSU provides structured competency programs, ongoing in-services, and encourages advanced certifications such as the Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty credential. The institution’s focus on mentorship and team collaboration nurtures continuous learning and skill advancement aligned with pediatric respiratory care innovations.
Portland’s status as Oregon’s largest healthcare employer and academic hub elevates demand for pediatric respiratory care specialists, but it also attracts more qualified candidates, increasing competition. Rural areas may have fewer openings but also less candidate density, influencing local job market dynamics.
Given Portland’s urban traffic and public transit dynamics, respiratory therapists may experience peak-hour congestion. However, OHSU offers substantial TriMet and C-Tran discounts, which can ease commuting costs and encourage use of sustainable transport options within the city.
Salaries for pediatric respiratory care practitioners in Portland typically range from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, reflecting local market rates and specialized skill sets. Benefits like healthcare coverage and pension plans at OHSU further enhance total compensation packages.
At OHSU, Respiratory Care Practitioner 2s manage complex respiratory therapies across NICU, PICU, emergency, and acute care settings. Their duties include advanced airway management, diagnostic testing, and mentoring new therapists, emphasizing a high level of clinical expertise and interdisciplinary teamwork.
This role requires adapting respiratory interventions to the developmental and physiological needs of children, integrating family-centered care principles unique to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Therapists prioritize age-appropriate communication and tailored therapeutic strategies to optimize pediatric outcomes.