Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary Saint Louis University Hospital, a Level 1 Time Critical Diagnosis hospital in Stroke, Trauma and STEMI, is seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join our department. The position offers a $20,000 sign‑on bonus for new, external candidates who meet licensure requirements. Schedule & Shift Full‑time, 36 hours per week (3×12‑hour shifts). Shift differential is available for nights, weekends, and additional shifts. Rotating holidays and weekends apply. Position Accountabilities and Performance Criteria **Professional Interactions** – Relate to coworkers with respect, supporting a culture of safety. **Respiratory Care** – Perform all therapeutic and diagnostic maneuvers in accordance with established policies and procedures (50%). A. Implement and assess oxygen and therapeutic gas functions. B. Set up and implement therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. C. Provide aerosolized medication. D. Provide CPT and IPV. E. Set up and monitor ventilators per department and hospital policies. F. Communicate with peers and staff to improve inter‑ and intra‑departmental services. G. Perform CPR. H. Conduct diagnostic procedures, including: 1. ABG analysis 2. Pulse oximetry 3. Nitric oxide pulmonary hypertension studies **Patient Assessment** – Assess and reassess patients for therapy, including: A. Vital signs before and after therapy. B. Breath sounds before and after therapy. C. Verify physician orders for therapy. D. Pre‑ and post‑assessment for therapy tolerance and response. E. Oxygen requirements. F. Sputum color, viscosity, and quantity. G. Other patient‑specific observations as needed. **Special Duties** – Interact with physicians and nurses; may work in an intensive care unit area (25%). A. Respond to critical areas (e.g., ER, OR, Code). B. Perform routine checks on Life Support Unit. C. Assist with bronchoscopy, minor cardiopulmonary invasive or surgical procedures. D. Perform tracheotomy care. E. Conduct bedside studies (f/vt, shunt studies, ventilator mechanics, dead space, compliance, O₂ content, metabolic cart studies). F. Perform bedside pulmonary function procedures. G. Interpret complex lab data. H. Provide input in patient care decisions on and off life support systems. I. Consult with physicians regarding patient care. J. Demonstrate independent thinking in daily duties. K. Assist in preventing ventilator‑associated pneumonia.

• *Additional Responsibilities** – Perform all other aspects of respiratory care per hospital policies (5%) and other duties as required (5%).
• *Safety & Infection Control** – Practice universal precautions, maintain a clean therapeutic environment, report risk management concerns, and complete mandatory safety training (5%).
• *Service Excellence** – Provide courteous, respectful care, explain therapy to patients, respect patient rights, and maintain confidentiality (10%).
• *Quality Improvement** – Incorporate quality assessment into daily work; assist data collection, complete paperwork, review charting, and report quality issues (5%).
• *Age‑Appropriate Care** – Provide care to infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, including dosage titration appropriate for developmental stages.
• *Specialized Care** – Provide restraints care, pain management, and abuse assessment for high‑risk patients ( Job Specifications Minimum Education: Graduate of an AMA‑approved Respiratory Therapy school.

Minimum Experience: Demonstrated leadership skills. Registry or License: Registered with N.B.R.C. and licensed in Missouri within 6 months of hire. Independent Action: Ability to provide high‑quality therapy with moderate supervision and make independent decisions in critical and non‑critical care areas. Physical Requirements: Endure long hours of walking and standing, tolerate hazards of anesthetic agents, body fluids, and explosive gases; lift up to 50lb. Vision Requirements: Adjust vision for varying room light levels. Professional Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS HCP) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Working Conditions Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, blood‑borne pathogens, hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids, electrical and radiant energy hazards, and chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol and cleaning solutions. Situations may include emergencies, irregular hours, and handling hazardous materials. Protective Requirements Eye protection, gowns, lab coat, mask, sterile and non‑sterile gloves, lead apron. Benefits Paid parental leave: one week for newborns or newly adopted children. Flexible payment options: instant access to earned base pay through DailyPay (fees may apply). Upfront tuition coverage via FlexPath fund. Comprehensive benefits package tailored to employee needs. Equal Opportunity Statement SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer and 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-SLUH, Inc