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Kenny Tingle, Children's of Alabama PHIL Award — Find your dream job in Birmingham and work with great people. (Children’s of Alabama)

When you think of employees in a hospital, you might think first of doctors and nurses. But in reality, there are a ton of people working there with one mission in mind: Helping the patients to feel their best and get back to enjoying the things they love.

One of these types of jobs is a respiratory therapist. It turns out they are integral to so many more aspects of hospital treatment than you might realize.

We recently met Kenny Tingle, a respiratory therapist who has been at Children’s of Alabama for seven years, and was just recognized for his outstanding service as a therapist.

Keep reading for some things you might not know about this career, why it’s rewarding and why this role might be a fit for you, too.

Respiratory therapists support 10+ areas throughout the hospital

Children's of Alabama — Check out local jobs at Children’s of Alabama. (Bham Now)

By definition, respiratory therapists are there to support mechanical ventilation of the heart and lungs during a patient’s post-op recovery period.

Sure, it makes sense for these therapists to be within the pulmonary realm, but no matter what floor you’re on at Children’s, don’t be surprised if you see a respiratory therapist there.

The department spans multiple areas within the hospital, including:

Cardiac Intensive Care
Critical care transport by air + ground services
ECMO
Emergency Room
Home ventilation teaching + management
Sleep studies
and more

Respiratory therapists wear a lot of hats—Kenny Tingle is proof

Children's of Alabama Phil Award, respiratory therapy — Respiratory therapists are getting the recognition they deserve. (Children’s of Alabama)

As a Respiratory Therapist, Kenny Tingle is on the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit to lend a helping hand with all forms of respiratory care.

This might look like supporting mechanical ventilation, bedside x-ray procedures, trach care management and everything in between.

“Hospitals are a second home to many families, and we provide services of recovery, but also shoulders to lean on and ears to listen during life’s most difficult times.

It brings me pride to be available during times of patient distress and success. I enjoy helping precept incoming respiratory therapists and assisting with teaching new nurses, which helps ensure a positive outcome for our patients.”
Kenny Tingle, respiratory therapist, Children’s of Alabama

Respiratory therapists are earning increasing recognition for their work

This year, Children’s of Alabama introduced the PHIL Award, created in memory of Philip C. Lamka, a patient who battled interstitial lung disease.

Kenny was the inaugural winner of this award—the only national recognition dedicated specifically to respiratory therapists.

“This honor for me is more than an award. It’s a reflection of the trust patients and families place in us during some of their most difficult moments.

Respiratory therapy is not just about clinical skill; it’s about compassion, listening and being present when people need it the most. Receiving the PHIL Award reminds me of why I chose this profession: to serve with both knowledge and heart, and to make even the smallest difference in someone’s life.”
Kenny Tingle, respiratory therapist, Children’s of Alabama

Join Kenny and the rest of the top-notch team—check out careers at Children’s of Alabama.

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