Respiratory Care Practitioner

It's more than a career, it's a calling MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, 1201 Grand Worker Type: Regular Job Highlights SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, a LEVEL 1 Time Critical Diagnosis hospital in Stroke, Trauma and STEMI, is at the forefront of ground‑breaking medical treatments, procedures, clinical trials and comprehensive patient care. We are seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist to join our team and are pleased to extend a $20,000 Sign on Bonus to new, external candidates! * Only qualified external candidates will be considered for participation in the sign on bonus and relocation programs. Schedule: Full‑time, Night shift. 36 Hours/Week, 3x12‑Hour Shifts/Week. Rotating holidays and weekends. Shift Differentials: Available for nights, weekends and additional shifts. RRT MO Licensure Required. Job Summary: The respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional responsible for all respiratory care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures provided by the Department of Respiratory Care. The role requires energetic motivation and a collaborative approach to support a growing service. Responsibilities and Requirements Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, ensuring a culture of safety. Perform all respiratory related therapeutic and diagnostic maneuvers in accordance with established policies and procedures. Implement and assess the function of oxygen and therapeutic gas. Ensure proper set‑up and implementation of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Provide aerosolized medication, CPT and IPV. Setup and monitor ventilators according to department and hospital policies. Communicate with peers and staff to develop and improve inter‑ and intradepartmental services; address and resolve problem issues. Perform CPR. Diagnostic procedures include ABG analysis, pulse oximetry, nitric oxide pulmonary hypertension studies. Assess and reassess patients for therapy, monitoring vital signs, breath sounds, oxygen requirements, sputum characteristics, and physician orders. Special duties: interact with physicians and nurses; respond in critical areas (ER, OR, Code); perform routine checks on Life Support Unit; assist with bronchoscopy and minor cardiopulmonary invasive or surgical procedures; perform tracheotomy care; conduct bedside studies and pulmonary function procedures; interpret complex lab data; provide input on patient care decisions. Perform all other aspects of Respiratory Care in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. Assist with prevention of ventilator‑associated pneumonia according to evidence‑based literature. Perform other duties as required such as cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing reusable respiratory and bronchoscopy equipment; routine mechanical maintenance; maintaining neat storage; answering phone professionally. Practice safety and infection control according to universal precautions, hazardous waste disposal, maintaining a clean environment, reporting risk management concerns, completing annual mandatory requirements (Safety/Fire, Blood Borne Pathogens, Hazardous Communication, TB, Department Specific, Age‑Appropriate Care, BLS/ALS). Provide service excellence: explain therapy, be courteous, respect patient rights, maintain confidentiality. Incorporate Quality Assessment into daily work: assist with data collection, complete paperwork timely, review charting for errors, report quality issues to management. Provide age‑appropriate care for infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics; assess and interpret age‑specific data; involve family in decision‑making. Provide specialized care to high‑risk patients, including restraint care, pain management, and abuse assessment. Job Specifications Minimum Education: Graduate of an AMA approved Respiratory Therapy school. Minimum Experience: Leadership skills are desirable and should be demonstrated. Required Registry or License: Registered with the N.B.R.C.; Licensed in Missouri within 6 months of hire. Independent Action: Must demonstrate the ability to provide high‑quality therapy skills with moderate supervision and make independent decisions in critical and non‑critical care areas. Pressure of Work: Capable of withstanding long hours of walking and standing; tolerating sights, sounds, odors associated with sick and dying patients; responding quickly in emergencies; lifting moderate weights; handling hazards from inflammable and explosive gases. Working Conditions: Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, blood borne pathogens, hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids, wastes, electrical and radiant energy hazards; unpredictable situations; irregular hours. Protective Requirements: Eye protection Gowns Lab coat Mask Sterile and non‑sterile gloves Lead aprons Contact With Others: Demonstrate desire and willingness to provide comfort and aid to patients. Cooperative and friendly to all personnel. Present a professional demeanor at all times. Consult supervisor/senior tech when confronted with unusual situations. Period of Adjustment: as per hospital probationary period. Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with equipment used for therapy and diagnostic procedures. Physical Requirements: Heavy physical effort (lift up to 50 lbs.) Prolonged standing/walking. Lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Intermittent exertion during therapies. Reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching. Vision Requirements: Ability to adjust vision for varying degrees of room light. Required Professional Licenses and Certifications: Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) – American Heart Association (AHA) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) – National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Respiratory Care Practitioner – Missouri Division of Professional Registration Work Shift: Night Shift (United States of America) Job Type: Employee Department: Respiratory Therapy Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36 Benefits SSM Health offers a comprehensive benefits package. Paid Parental Leave: One week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro‑rated based on FTE). Flexible Payment Options: Voluntary benefit through DailyPay with instant access to earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday. Upfront Tuition Coverage: Through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. EEO Statement SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr SSM Health