Respiratory Therapist

At ScionHealth , we empower our caregivers to do what they do best. We value every voice by caring deeply for every patient and each other. We show courage by running toward the challenge and we lean into new ideas by embracing curiosity and question asking. Together, we create our culture by living our values in our day-to-day interactions with our patients and teammates.

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care to patients of all age groups by performing respiratory therapy treatments, ventilator management, diagnostic testing, and emergency procedures. The Respiratory Therapist collaborates with the healthcare team to deliver quality, patient-centered care in accordance with clinical policies, procedures, and professional standards.

Essential Functions

• Performs routine respiratory therapy procedures including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and suctioning.
• Assists with emergency interventions, including manual resuscitation and code response.
• Manages and monitors mechanical ventilators, including appropriate parameter adjustments and troubleshooting.
• Obtains and interprets arterial blood gases and communicates results.
• Conducts pulmonary function testing and 12-lead EKGs; identifies life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Maintains and calibrates respiratory equipment according to infection control guidelines.
• Documents care delivered, interventions, and patient responses accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assists with quality improvement activities and departmental clerical functions.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and healthcare staff.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong foundational knowledge of respiratory therapy equipment and procedures.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrates safe practice and infection control compliance.
• Physically capable of prolonged standing, walking, lifting up to 50 lbs, and operating patient care equipment.
• Works cooperatively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Exposure to blood, body fluids, airborne pathogens, hazardous materials, and varying temperatures.
• Requires use of personal protective equipment and adherence to OSHA standards.

Education

• Graduate of a two-year AMA-approved respiratory therapy program leading to CRT or RRT eligibility.

Licenses/Certifications

• Current state license or certification as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within time frame required by facility policy.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required within time frame required by facility policy.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) (per facility requirements) within time frame required by facility policy.

Experience

• Experience in an acute care or clinical environment preferred.
• Requires critical thinking skills, judgment, and the ability to work independently in high-stress situations.