Respiratory Therapist, PRN

Respiratory Therapist

Location: Merit Health River Region

Schedule: PRN - as needed

Job Summary The Respiratory Therapist - RRT is responsible for the administration of pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures, following physician orders. This includes performing assessments, monitoring patient responses, and implementing treatment plans to promote effective respiratory care, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. The Respiratory Therapist ensures accurate documentation, maintains patient safety, and collaborates with healthcare teams to deliver high-quality patient care. The Respiratory Therapist works under the direction of ordering physician/clinician as well as established organizational policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Administers advanced respiratory treatments, performs assessments, and monitors patient responses to ensure effective care.
• Orients patient to treatment modality prior to procedure in order to facilitate patient's cooperation and successful completion of the treatment process.
• Performs and documents Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) punctures accurately, reporting results promptly.
• Assists physicians with bedside procedures as assigned.
• Performs testing procedures, such as pulmonary testing procedures, as assigned.
• Follows respiratory protocols, ensuring adherence to safety guidelines and regulatory standards during all procedures.
• Communicates effectively with peers, healthcare staff, physicians, and leadership, ensuring timely information flow and follow-up on patient care concerns.
• Evaluates and maintains respiratory therapy equipment, ensuring proper functioning, cleanliness, and adherence to safety standards.
• Accurately implements written or verbal physician orders, ensuring compliance with established respiratory care procedures.
• Provides clear, legible, and thorough documentation of all respiratory treatments, assessments, and patient responses, maintaining compliance with policies.
• Ensures proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and patient identification techniques to maintain safety and compliance with infection control standards.
• Manages ventilator settings and airway maintenance, ensuring optimal patient comfort and safety during respiratory support.
• Demonstrates skill and judgment in emergency situations, initiating appropriate interventions and collaborating with healthcare teams to stabilize patients.
• Implements age-specific care considerations for oxygen therapy, tailoring treatment to meet patient needs across all populations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of respiratory experience in an acute care setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in administering pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic respiratory procedures.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with healthcare teams, patients, and families.
• Skilled in patient assessment, ventilator management, and airway maintenance.
• Competent in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems for documentation and reporting.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, safety protocols, and infection control measures.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to regulatory standards.

Licenses and Certifications

• RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support required and
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support required and
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation if working in the NICU Department required and
• STABLE - Neonatal Certification if working in the NICU Department required

Community Health Systems