Respiratory Therapist (RT) - Registered Respiratory Therapist

Position Overview

Registered Respiratory Therapists evaluate, treat, and monitor patients with respiratory diseases in hospital, clinic, and intensive care settings.

They manage ventilator support, administer respiratory therapies, and collaborate with physicians and nursing staff to optimize patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients' respiratory status and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Administer therapies such as inhaled medications, oxygen delivery, airway clearance techniques, and humidification.
• Operate and monitor mechanical ventilation; perform weaning and extubation as directed.
• Perform arterial blood gas sampling and analyze results to guide therapy.
• Educate patients and families on respiratory care and equipment use.
• Document care and communicate changes to the care team; participate in quality and safety initiatives.
• Ensure equipment maintenance, supply management, and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy; bachelor's degree preferred.

Licensure: State licensure as a Respiratory Therapist; NBRC credentialing (RRT).

Certifications:

• NBRC Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Basic Life Support (BLS); Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) as required by unit

Experience or Skills: Experience in acute care settings; competence with ventilated patients and ABG interpretation; strong teamwork and communication skills.

Experience

• Experience in ICU, ED, or medical-surgical units requiring respiratory therapy support.
• Experience with ventilator management and airway clearance techniques.

Preferred

• Experience with pediatric or neonatal respiratory therapy
• Experience with electronic health records and respiratory therapy databases

Work Environment

Hospital-based clinical environment with variable patient acuity; shift work including nights or weekends based on unit needs.

Collaborative, multi-disciplinary team with documentation in the medical record and ongoing quality initiatives.