Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

It's more than a career, it's a calling MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital 1201 Grand Worker Type Regular Job Highlights $20,000 Sign-On Bonus Schedule: Full-time, 36 Hours/Week, 3x12‑Hour Shifts/Week, 7‑7 Shift Differentials: Available for nights, weekends, and additional shifts RRT Required, MO Licensure Only qualified external candidates will be considered for participation in the sign‑on bonus and relocation programs 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. They should be energetic and motivated to support the success of a growing service. The respiratory therapist should refer to supervisory personnel in any doubtful situation. Job Responsibilities and Requirements Accountabilities (% of time) Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety. Perform all respiratory related therapeutic and diagnostic maneuvers in accordance with established policies and procedures. Therapeutic Procedures (50%) Implement and assess function of oxygen and therapeutic gas. Ensure proper set‑up and implementation of therapeutic and diagnostic procedure. Provide aerosolized medication. Provide CPT and IPV. Setup and monitor ventilators in accordance with department and hospital policies. Communicate with peers and staff to improve services; resolve problems. Perform CPR. Perform diagnostic procedures: ABG analysis, pulse oximetry, nitric oxide pulmonary hypertension studies. Assess patients' status to determine care needs and reassess responses to treatment. Assessment & Reassessment Vital signs before & after therapy. Breath sounds before & after therapy. Check physician orders. Pre & post assessment for therapy tolerance & response. Oxygen requirements, sputum color, viscosity, quantity, other patient‑specific observations. Special Duties (25%) Respond to critical areas (ER, OR, Code). Routine checks on Life Support Unit. Assist with bronchoscopy, cardiopulmonary invasive or surgical procedures, tracheotomy care. Perform bedside studies including F/Vt, shunt studies, ventilator mechanics, dead space, compliance, O2 content, metabolic cart. Perform bedside pulmonary function procedures; interpret complex lab data. Provide input in patient care decisions via physician consultations. Display independent thinking. Assist with prevention of ventilator‑associated pneumonia per evidence‑based literature. Perform all other aspects of Respiratory Care per policies. (5%) Other Duties (5%) Cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing reusable respiratory and bronchoscopy equipment. Routine mechanical maintenance of respiratory equipment. Maintain neat and clean work and storage areas. Maintain accurate records. Answer phone professionally and timely. Follow safety/infection control policies. Safety/Infection Control (1‑5%) Practice universal precautions and proper disposal of hazardous waste. Maintain a clean, comfortable therapeutic environment. Adhere to dress code. Report risk management concerns. Complete annual mandatory requirements: Safety/Fire, Blood Borne Pathogen, Hazardous Communication, TB, Department Specific, Age Appropriate Care, BLS/ALS recertification. Work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. Service Excellence Explain therapy to patient before initiation. Be courteous to patients, families, visitors, coworkers. Respect patient rights and confidentiality. Quality Improvement (5%) Assist with collection of data for reporting. Complete paperwork timely. Complete charting/charging by shift end. Review charting for errors before signing. Report discrepancies to supervisor. Follow policies when administering care. Report quality issues to management. Age Appropriate Care Provide care for infants, children, adolescents, adults, geriatric as appropriate. Demonstrate knowledge of normal growth & development; assess & interpret age‑specific data. Involve family or significant other in decision‑making. Provide therapy tailored to growth stages. Specialized Care Restraint care: initiate, evaluate alternatives, apply, monitor response. Pain management: assess pain, incorporate patient beliefs, implement techniques, involve family, use non‑pharmacologic methods. Abuse assessment: identify and report signs of abuse/neglect; recommend consultations. Rationale for Essential Functions The performance of this function is the reason the job exists. It occupies a substantial part of the employee’s time, requires specialized skills, and has serious consequences if not performed. Only a limited number of employees can perform this function, exposing them to blood‑borne pathogens and tuberculosis which require protective equipment. Job Specifications Minimum Education: Graduate of an AMA approved Respiratory Therapy school, preferred. Minimum Experience: Leadership skills desirable. Required Register/License: Registered with N.B.R.C and Licensed in Missouri within 6 months of hire. Independent Action: Provide high‑quality therapy with moderate supervision and make decisions in critical and non‑critical areas. Pressure of Work: Withstand long hours walking/standing, respond quickly to emergencies, lift moderate weights, handle hazardous gases. Working Conditions: Exposure to infectious diseases, blood‑borne risks, hazardous anesthetic agents, bodily fluids, electrical and radiant hazards, irregular hours. Protective Requirements: Eye protection, gowns, lab coat, mask, sterile & non‑sterile gloves, lead aprons. Equipment Knowledge: Familiar with therapy and diagnostic equipment. Physical Requirements: Lift up to 50 lbs, prolonged standing/walking, lifting patients, moving equipment, manual dexterity, intermittent exertion, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching. Vision Requirements: Adjust vision for varying room light. Required Professional License and Certifications Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) – American Heart Association (AHA) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) – National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Respiratory Care Practitioner – Missouri Division of Professional Registration Work Shift Night Shift (United States of America) Job Type Employee Department View phone number on click.appcast.io Respiratory Therapy Scheduled Weekly Hours 36 Benefits Paid Parental Leave: one week for newborns or adopted children (pro‑rated based on FTE). Flexible Payment Options: DailyPay access to earned unpaid base pay. Upfront Tuition Coverage: FlexPath funded for eligible members. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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