Stronger Together: How Team Culture Elevates Respiratory Care

In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Ochsner Baptist in New Orleans, every breath matters—and so does every teammate. Here, respiratory therapists are more than clinicians. They’re advocates, collaborators, and often, the calm in the storm for the tiniest patients and their families.

The NICU at Ochsner Baptist is a place of both high acuity and high compassion. It’s where advanced technology meets deeply human care, and where the respiratory therapy team plays a vital role in helping premature and critically ill newborns breathe, grow and thrive.

But what truly sets this team apart? According to the therapists themselves, it’s the culture.

“We’re Truly Friends” — Jessica L., Respiratory Therapist

For Jessica, the NICU isn’t just a workplace—it’s a second home.

“I feel like we're more than just coworkers. We're truly friends. We laugh together, we support one another and we enjoy working together side by side. It's one of the reasons why I enjoy coming into work. It's because of my team.

When things get serious, I don't need to say 'Hey, I need you here.' They just jump in. They know where to go, they know what to do. And it's just one seamless flow of work being done.”

That kind of unspoken coordination doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built over time through shared experiences, mutual respect and a deep commitment to the patients and families they serve.

“They Make Me Want to Be Better” — Brittany A., Respiratory Lead Therapist

As a lead therapist, Brittany sees the best in her team every day, and they bring out the best in her, too.

“What I love most about my team is how supportive and knowledgeable they are. Anytime I have a question or I'm not confident about something, I can always turn to someone and ask them, 'Hey, what's this?'

If I don't quite remember something, they're always supporting me and making me want to be a better person.”

For Brittany, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating a space where everyone feels safe to grow, ask questions and lean on one another.

Advice for Future RTs: “Be Open, Be Adaptable”

Both Brittany and Jessica agree: the work is rewarding, but it takes heart, flexibility and a team-first mindset.

“If you're ready to take the leap,” Brittany says, “just come and join our team, see what we're about. If you're open minded, flexible and a hard worker, we'd love to have you.”

Jessica adds, “Respiratory care is always evolving. This past year alone, there have been so many changes to our protocols and practices—all to provide the highest level of care. You need to be adaptable and able to work in a team.”

Join a Team That Feels Like Family

If you’re a respiratory therapist looking for a place where your voice is heard, your work is valued and your team feels like home, Ochsner Health might be the perfect fit.