Respiratory Therapist

Catholic Health Initiatives; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs is seeking a dedicated Respiratory Therapist to join an experienced team providing cardiopulmonary care. You will manage therapies from nebulizers to ventilator support, applying assessment skills to develop patient treatment plans and ensure timely delivery of care.

The role requires an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, NBRC CRT certification with potential RRT, and active IA/NE licensure. Expect a collaborative, fast-paced hospital environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
• Certified CRT by NBRC and obtain RRT within 1 year of hire.
• Active license in IA or NE as Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• AHA BLS certification; ACLS, PALS, NRP within specified timelines.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic respiratory care and develop therapy plans per physician orders or protocols.
• Administer and monitor mechanical ventilation and physiological monitoring per policies.
• Assess patient needs and communicate data to physicians; adjust therapy as needed.
• Document responses and educate patients and families; assist in Home Care referrals.

Skills

Respiratory therapy

Critical thinking

Assessment skills

Physician communication

Home care instruction

Education

Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Tools

NBRC CRT certification

State license IA/NE

AHA BLS

ACLS certification

PALS certification

NRP certification

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a Respiratory Therapist, you will join an established team of RRTs who share your passion for delivering highly specialized cardiopulmonary care to patients experiencing breathing issues. You'll be instrumental in providing a range of treatments from breathing techniques and nebulizer treatments to ventilator management, oxygen therapies, and external ventilation support.

Every day you will apply your keen assessment skills and critical thinking to manage diverse patient needs, develop and execute effective care plans, and ensure calm, focused intervention in both routine and emergent situations.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate a strong sense of urgency, unwavering calm under pressure, and the ability to anticipate outcomes. Your dedication to patient well-being and exceptional problem-solving abilities will drive success in this vital role.

• Performs basic respiratory care and develops plans for the delivery of Respiratory Therapy as directed by physicians or protocols and implements in a timely manner. Promotes a positive quality work environment in the provision of quality patient care.
• In accordance with established policies, administers and monitors critical care procedures such as mechanical ventilation, physiological monitoring, and diagnostic procedures.
• Performs assessment of the patient, determining needs related to therapy modality, frequency, and duration of the treatment regime ordered by the MD based on patient’s age, cognitive and physician abilities, and/or developmental needs. Is responsible for the communication to the physician of pertinent patient evaluation data. Makes recommendations for changes in specific modes of therapy.
• Authorized to make entries in the medical record, consistent with and limited to the scope of the job duties and any applicable licensure. Observes the response of the patients to therapy, evaluated and records in the patient’s medical record. Immediately reports adverse reactions.
• Provides instruction to patients, family, staff, and students about theory, therapy, and equipment used in Respiratory Therapy procedures and techniques, and documents such as required. Provides instruction and referral for Home Care patients and their families/care givers using language and materials appropriate for age, cognitive, and physical abilities, and/or developmental needs.
• Assumes charge person responsibilities in the supervisor’s absence. Assigns work load, based on staff’s level of competency.

Job Requirements

Required:

• Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited Respiratory program
• Certified CRT by NBRC and obtain RRT within 1 year upon hire
• Active license in the state of Nebraska and/or Iowa as a Respiratory Care Practitioner
• BLS through AHA required
• ACLS certification within 3 months of hire, PALS within 6 months, and NRP within 9 months

Where You'll Work

At CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs, patients are at the heart of our care. Our campus is designed to heal the body, mind and spirit of every person in a more comfortable, less stressful hospital environment. Our full range of medical services include a new pavilion featuring enhancements in heart and vascular care, surgery, maternity, cancer care, and diagnostic imaging.

Pay Range

$33.84 - $50.34 /hour

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.