Respiratory Care Practitioner

Job Title Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Job Summary The respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional employed to perform all respiratory care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures provided by the Department of Respiratory Care. The role supports a Level 1 Time Critical Diagnosis hospital in Stroke, Trauma and STEMI, and tasks include direct patient care, therapeutic interventions, diagnostic procedures, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Key Responsibilities Demonstrate professional and respectful interaction with coworkers to promote a culture of safety. Perform all respiratory related therapeutic and diagnostic maneuvers in accordance with established policies and procedures, including: Implement and assess oxygen and therapeutic gas. Ensure proper set‑up and implementation of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Provide aerosolized medication, CPT, and IPV. Set up and monitor ventilators according to department and hospital policies. Communicate with peers and staff to develop and improve inter‑ and intradepartmental services. Perform CPR. Conduct diagnostic procedures such as ABG analysis, pulse oximetry, nitric oxide pulmonary hypertension studies. Assess and reassess patients for therapy, monitoring vital signs, breath sounds, physician orders, therapy tolerance, response, oxygen requirements, sputum characteristics, and other patient‑specific observations. Interact with physicians and nurses; provide care in critical areas (ER, OR, Code), routine checks on Life Support Unit, assist with bronchoscopy, minor cardiopulmonary procedures, tracheotomy care, and bedside pulmonary function studies. Perform all other aspects of Respiratory Care in accordance with hospital policies, including attending monthly department meetings, recording time and exceptions, communicating therapy goals with physicians, and maintaining accurate records. Perform supporting duties such as cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing equipment, routine mechanical maintenance, and maintaining neat work areas. Practice safety and infection control: universal precautions, proper hazardous waste disposal, maintaining a safe environment, reporting risk management concerns, and completing mandatory annual requirements (Safety/Fire, Blood Borne Pathogen, Hazardous Communication, TB, Department Specific, Age Appropriate Care, BLS/ALS recertification). Provide customer‑facing service excellence: explain therapy, be courteous to patients and families, respect patient rights, and practice patient confidentiality. Incorporate Quality Improvement: assist with data collection, complete paperwork, review charting, and report quality issues to management. Provide age‑appropriate care for infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, assessing and interpreting age‑specific data, involving family in decision‑making, and titrating dosages appropriately. Perform specialized care for patients at high risk for injury (restraint care, pain management, abuse assessment), ensuring adherence to approved procedures and monitoring patient responses. Qualifications Graduate of an AMA‑approved Respiratory Therapy program is preferred. Leadership skills desired and should be demonstrated. Registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and licensed to practice in Missouri within six months of hire. State of work location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin. Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS HCP - AHA), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT - NBRC), Respiratory Care Practitioner‑Missouri Division of Professional Registration. Working Conditions The role requires physical effort such as lifting up to 50lbs, walking, standing, and handling hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids, and chemicals. Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, blood‑borne pathogens, and potential medical emergencies is anticipated. The position may involve irregular hours, exposure to unpleasant elements, and emergency or crisis situations. Benefits SSM Health offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid parental leave, flexible payment options, and upfront tuition coverage. Equal Employment Opportunity 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