Respiratory Therapist I

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates therapeutic respiratory interventions for patients requiring services due to acute and chronic cardiopulmonary disease. Therapeutic modalities include airway management, arterial blood gas sampling, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of medical gases and pharmacological agents to the tracheobronchial tree, comprehensive ventilator management, and participation in hemodynamic monitoring. With approval from the Pulmonary Council and Respiratory Care Department, the therapist may perform elective and emergency intubations, insertion of arterial lines, and bedside bronchoscopies. The Respiratory Therapist may initiate therapy under established departmental protocols. Active interdisciplinary collaboration with physicians, advanced practice providers, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals is expected and encouraged. Professional responsibilities may also include precepting or being shadowed by healthcare students.

Required Qualifications

• Active State of Florida licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) under Florida Statutes, Chapter 468.
• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within six (6) months of hire.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification within six (6) months of transfer/hire (Venice Location only).
• Active RRT Credential with the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher in respiratory care or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work and plan with others in a team setting while being creative and time effective.

As part of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System's commitment to keeping people safe, all individuals providing care to vulnerable populations are required to undergo background screening through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.