Respiratory Care Practitioner

Mercy Health

As a faith‑based and patient‑focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well‑being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

Respiratory Care Practitioner I – Mercy Fairfield Hospital

Job Summary

The Respiratory Care Practitioner I is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs all respiratory care procedures including but not limited to oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services and patient and staff education. Monitors the patient's response to such therapies and makes recommendations to change or modify based on the assessment.

Essential Functions

• May serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
• Assesses patient's physical status by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior and reviewing existing data in patient’s record.
• Performs treatments according to physician orders, explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response.
• Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals including IPPB, aerosol therapy, postural drainage and percussion, ultrasonic nebulizer, incentive spirometry, metered dose inhalers and spacers, etc.
• Sets up and maintains different modes of oxygen therapy to maintain adequate PaO₂’s with accurate inspired levels of oxygen.
• Administers intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or aerosol therapy by first preparing the prescribed medication ordered by the physician and adjusting the machine or device to accomplish patient’s individual clinical needs; documents and observes patient’s vital signs, cough productivity, relief of dyspnea, improved breath sounds and any adverse reactions to therapy; and uses judgment and technical skill to determine possible adverse reactions and suggestions for appropriateness of therapy.
• Gives postural drainage, vibration, percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions by use of manual or mechanical percussion; checks orders and X‑rays for segments to be treated prior to initiating treatment; auscultates before and after procedure to note presence of clearance of secretions and response to therapy.
• Instructs patients and families in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler (MDI) administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care and home aerosol therapy.
• May assist doctor with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy; assists with tracheostomy endotracheal tube changes; ensures proper humidification.
• Procures sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance either by patient coaching, administration of mucolytics, aerosol therapy or endotracheal/nasopharyngeal suctioning.
• Evaluates normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory value ranges.
• Performs arterial punctures and analysis; has an in‑depth knowledge of analysis and arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation. Performs arterial line procedures, takes safety precautions, sterile procedure, flushing, and ABG aspirations.
• May perform EKG’s; understands electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintains all Respiratory Therapy equipment and supplies.
• Responds to cardiopulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job‑related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree, Related to Respiratory Therapy/Health care/Healthcare Admin/Business Admin (preferred)

Required Licensing & Certifications

• Current Respiratory Care License in the state they are working (required)
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed (required)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred)
• BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association (required)
• ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support – American Heart Association or Red Cross (preferred)
• PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support – American Heart Association (preferred)
• Valid Driver’s License (required for Home Care/DME)

Experience

• Previous working experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting (preferred)
• 6 months Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area (preferred)

Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively interact with patients, their families, physicians, and other staff members
• Good communication skills
• Able to effectively work with diverse people
• Good customer service skills
• Good organizational skills and time‑management skills
• Good oral and written communication
• Able to receive feedback
• Able to gather and interpret data
• Accountability
• Knowledge of non‑invasive respiratory therapy equipment such as oximeters or end‑tidal CO₂ analyzers
• Therapeutic procedures to include CPAP/BiPAP, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, diagnostic testing
• Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias
• Arterial blood gas punctures and testing
• Airway maneuvers
• Bedside pulmonary function
• Patient assessment
• Patient education
• Knowledge of chest suction equipment
• Knowledge of chest X‑ray interpretation

Training

• EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred)

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short‑ and long‑term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you would like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Bon Secours Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are affirmative action and equal opportunity employers, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team at View email address on click.appcast.io.