Respiratory Therapist

UnityPoint Health; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Sign-on bonus of $20,000

Job summary

UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, Iowa is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to provide expert care for patients across various settings. In this role, you will administer therapies, perform diagnostic tests, and collaborate with healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes.

Applicants should have a degree in respiratory therapy, and hold a CRT credential, with a commitment to achieving RRT status. The position offers flexible scheduling and a comprehensive benefits package including a sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Must have CRT credential and pursue RRT within 6 months.
• Current licensure in good standing as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in Iowa.
• BLS certification required within three months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assess and monitor respiratory status across populations.
• Administer therapies including nebulization and airway management.
• Perform diagnostic procedures like ABG collection and pulse oximetry.

Skills

Respiratory therapy

Patient assessment

Collaboration with healthcare teams

Diagnostic testing

Ventilation management

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy

Graduate of a CoARC approved program

Tools

Medical gas delivery systems

Ventilators

Pulmonary function testing equipment

Job description

Shift: Flexible Scheduling – Let us know your availability and we will discuss if we can make it work! Full‑time, part‑time, and weekend package options.

Job ID: 184023

Area of interest: Allied Health

Sign On Bonus: $20,000

FTE / Hours per pay period: 0.9

Department: Respiratory Care – Meth

Overview

We’re seeking a Respiratory Therapist to join our team! In this role, you’ll provide expert respiratory care to a diverse patient population across inpatient and outpatient settings, ranging from neonates to adults. You’ll optimize patient outcomes by delivering safe, efficient, and compassionate respiratory therapies and diagnostic testing by collaborating with healthcare teams.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members. Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.

Benefits

• Paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) matching and employee recognition program.
• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short‑term and long‑term disability and more. Pet insurance available.
• Early access to earned wages (Daily Pay), tuition reimbursement, and adoption assistance.

Responsibilities

• Assess respiratory status through exams and medical record review, providing appropriate care across neonatal to adult populations.
• Administer respiratory therapies including medical gas delivery, nebulization, chest physiotherapy, airway management, and invasive/noninvasive ventilation.
• Perform diagnostic procedures such as ABG collection/analysis, pulmonary function testing, and pulse oximetry.
• Monitor patient responses to therapy, adjust treatments as needed, and escalate concerns to the care team.
• Manage artificial airways, troubleshoot respiratory equipment, and maintain safe, effective operation of all devices.
• Participate in medical emergency response teams and assist with internal patient transport.
• Document all assessments, treatments, and patient responses accurately in the EMR and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Set up, clean, and maintain respiratory equipment; mentor students and new staff; and contribute to quality improvement and safety initiatives.

Note: Are you a current Respiratory student? Learn more about our student stipend program: UPH Career Launch.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
• Graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory Care program.
• No previous experience required.
• Must have CRT credential and actively pursue RRT credential within 6 months. If test not passed by 6 months, proof of re‑attempt every 3 months is required; if not passed within 2 years, qualification fails.
• Must have current licensure in good standing to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in Iowa.
• Must possess and maintain current BLS certification or obtain it within three (3) months of hire.
• If main specialization is critical care, must have ACLS, PALS or NRP certification within 1 year of hire.
• Valid driver’s license for work‑related travel.
• Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) and/or Neonatal‑Pediatric Specialty (NPS) credentials preferred for critical care roles.