Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) *Overnights*

Job Description

Job Description

Join a team dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing respiratory health. Mahaska Health is seeking a compassionate and skilled Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to provide comprehensive cardiopulmonary care across a variety of patient populations. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside a collaborative healthcare team while making a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and families every day.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong clinical skill set and demonstrate the ability to work independently as the sole Respiratory Therapist on duty during overnight shifts. This role requires confidence in assessment, critical thinking, and decision-making while managing respiratory care services throughout the facility. The successful candidate will be a collaborative team member who is willing to assist in other areas of the hospital when respiratory workload permits, supporting overall patient care and organizational needs.

As a Respiratory Therapist, you will provide respiratory care treatments and diagnostic services according to physician orders and established clinical protocols. Responsibilities include:

Respiratory Therapy Services

• Administer oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, and bronchodilator treatments.
• Perform pulmonary hygiene and airway clearance procedures.
• Provide endotracheal and nasotracheal suctioning.
• Conduct patient assessments and monitor respiratory status.
• Educate patients and families on treatments, procedures, and home care needs.

Critical Care Support

• Set up, monitor, and troubleshoot mechanical ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP systems, and arterial lines.
• Assist with emergency response activities, including:
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Intubation and extubation
  • Trauma care
  • Code team response
  • Patient transport for critical procedures

Diagnostic Testing

• Perform and analyze:
  • Arterial blood gas (ABG) testing, including Art line access
  • Pulmonary function testing, including Methacholine Challenges
  • Oximetry studies
  • Ventilation and weaning studies
  • End-tidal CO₂ monitoring

Cardiac Services

• Conduct cardiac diagnostic procedures including but not limited to:
  • Cardiac stress testing, including Stress Echo testing and Nuclear Stress Testing support
  • Cardiac Rehab

Care Coordination & Documentation

• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and patient records.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support patient care and discharge planning.
• Serve as a resource for patients, families, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist with the orientation and mentoring of new staff members.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program
• State of Iowa Respiratory Care license required with CRT or RRT credentials.
• A graduate from an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Care.
• Proficiency in operating ventilators, oxygen therapy devices, and diagnostic equipment
• Required to be current in BLS (Basic Life Support) by the standards of the American Heart Association.
• Will be required to show proof of having completed Mandatory Reporter course at the time of hire or attend within 6 months of the start date.
• Must adhere to all training requirements as mandated by Federal, State, and Professional licensure and regulatory standards.