Respiratory Therapist

Job Type Full-timeDescriptionNight Shift 6p-6:30aThe Respiratory Therapist is responsible for administering respiratory medications and providing other respiratory services and/or therapeutic treatments to hospital patients. Services and treatments could include BIPAP/CPAP; oxygen therapy; sputum collection; suctioning; airway management; inhalation therapy treatments; humidifier and mist test setup and monitoring; pulmonary function tests; pulse oximetry and others.RequirementsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge & ExperienceSkills-Demonstrates ability to give and follow instructions accuratelyDemonstrates effective interpersonal skills necessary to interact with various levels of health care personnel and patientsDemonstrates proficiency in basic computer skillsKnowledge-Anatomy and physiology of pulmonary systemBasic respiratory therapy therapeutic treatments and servicesAdvanced Cardiac Life Support concepts and measuresPediatric Advanced Life Support concepts and measuresEducation-Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory therapy preferredCertified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials requiredCurrent registration as a Respiratory Care Practitioner with the state of Indiana Health Professions BureauExperience-Two-five years of experience preferredA minimum of one year of previous clinical experience requiredAuthority and AccountabilityExtensive exposure to confidential information or mattersFrequent contact with various persons or groups within and outside of the hospital including employees, department managers, physicians, patients, visitors and outside agency personnelMust be able to work with and communicate with different types of peopleAptitudesMust be able to prioritize, utilize critical thinking, and adjust to changeMust be able to reason and use logical problem-solving skillsPerforms duties that require some latitude for independent judgment and initiative in handling situations out of the ordinaryPHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORTThe physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Regular requirement to walk, stand, and sit; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; talk; and hearFrequent requirement to stoop, crouch, and kneelRegular requirement to lift 10-25 poundsOccasional requirement to lift > 25 poundsSpecific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusSpeaking and listening skills are essentialMust be able to work under a moderate amount of stressMust be able to read, write and do simple calculations; follow written and oral instructionsENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONSThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.The noise level in this work environment is usually moderateWork is performed in a clean, well-lighted and ventilated buildingCould be subject to infectious diseases, cuts, abrasions, burns, and puncturesWork schedule may varyACCOUNTABILITYReports to the VP of NursingQUALITY ASSURANCE-KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Administers oxygen per physician order Nasal cannulaMaskRegularNon-rebreatherVenturiPediatricT-Tube Sets up, maintains, and takes down mist/croup tents Cleans, sterilizes and stores Respiratory Services equipment appropriately and in a timely fashion Performs pulse oximetry readings bedsideexercise oximetry Performs patient suctioning appropriately OralNasalEndotrachealTracheostomyPerforms sputum induction and specimen collection appropriatelyAssists with airway management during emergency situations; responsible for utilizing bag-valve-mask equipmentPerforms tracheostomy care appropriatelyProvides chest physiotherapy appropriatelyProvides respiratory therapy-related patient education as directed and as necessaryProvides medication inhalation therapy treatments appropriately and in a timely fashion; monitors patients before, during and after treatmentsSets up and monitors bedside humidifiersPerforms Pulmonary Function TestingAssists with Holter Monitor testing as necessarySets up and monitors BIPAP / CPAP machine as necessaryDemonstrates appropriate and correct documentation in the patient medical record and in respiratory services department-related record-keeping systemsPerforms patient tobacco use assessment on Medical/ Surgical patients; provides tobacco cessation education and assistance to patients upon request; documents efforts appropriatelyDemonstrates knowledge of oxygen safety measuresRestocks respiratory services supplies and equipment on patient care units as necessary and as directedMonitors oxygen "full" status on oxygen tanks on unitsCompletes charge tickets accuratelyDemonstrates team attitude; offers assistance to co-workers to provide optimal patient care; solicits assistance from co-workers when necessaryAssists in orientation process for staff members to the department as patient care allows; assists in volunteer program as patient care allowsServes as a change agent, assisting all staff in understanding the importance, necessity, impact, and process of changePerforms other duties as assignedPUBLIC RELATIONSMaintains effective channels of communication with other employees, physicians, patients and patient visitors/familyTakes appropriate action in problem situations to offset adverse effectsProjects a professional and positive attitude regarding the hospitalLEADERSHIPOTHER RESPONSIBILITIESAttends 70% of departmental meetings held during the yearAttends mandatory inservice and educational offeringsObserves hospital dress guidelines and wears ID badgeProvides proper notification for absence and tardiness and is punctual for start of scheduled work timeMaintains equipment assigned to department and reports malfunctions appropriatelyParticipates in emergency procedures, fire drills, evacuation procedures and internal/external disaster plans and procedures in accordance with departmental responsibilitiesCONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENTParticipates in the Continuous Quality Improvement Program (CQI) under the direction of Nursing Leadership to meet stated goals and objectives of the CQI Program by:Bringing potential problems to nursing leader's attentionAssisting in data collectionSuggesting solutions to problemsEmphasizing, supporting and committing to CQI practices and processesTaking action to assure CQI within areas of responsibility

Created: 2026-04-15