Respiratory Therapist

Merit Health; Flowood (MS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Future Security

Student Loan Support

Competitive Pay & Full Benefits

Job summary

Merit Health River Oaks in Flowood, MS is seeking a Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for full-time day shifts. The role focuses on administering respiratory care, following physician orders, and delivering high-quality patient care in collaboration with the healthcare team.

The ideal candidate has RRT certification, 1–3 years of acute care experience, and strong skills in ventilator management, ABG sampling, and documentation using EMR systems.

Qualifications

• Proficient in administering pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic respiratory procedures.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with healthcare teams, patients, and families.
• Skilled in patient assessment, ventilator management, and airway maintenance.
• Competent in using EMR systems for documentation and reporting.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, safety protocols, and infection control measures.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Administers advanced respiratory treatments, performs assessments, and monitors patient responses.
• Orients patient to treatment modality prior to procedure to facilitate cooperation and completion.
• Performs ABG punctures accurately and reports results promptly.
• Assists physicians with bedside procedures as assigned.
• Performs pulmonary function testing and other respiratory tests as assigned.
• Follows respiratory protocols and safety guidelines per regulatory standards.
• Maintains and checks respiratory therapy equipment for safety and cleanliness.
• Implements physician orders accurately and documents treatments thoroughly.
• Ensures proper PPE use and patient identification to maintain infection control.

Education

RRT Certification

ACLS Certification

PALS Certification

NRP Certification

STABLE Certification

Tools

EMR Systems

Job description

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Student Loan Support – Up to $10,000 repayment assistance, because we invest in your future.
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Student Loan Support – Up to $10,000 repayment assistance, because we invest in your future.
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.

Role:

Respiratory Therapist

Location:

Merit Health River Oaks

Schedule:

Full-Time Days

Job Summary

The Respiratory Therapist - RRT is responsible for the administration of pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures, following physician orders. This includes performing assessments, monitoring patient responses, and implementing treatment plans to promote effective respiratory care, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. The Respiratory Therapist ensures accurate documentation, maintains patient safety, and collaborates with healthcare teams to deliver high-quality patient care. The Respiratory Therapist works under the direction of ordering physician/clinician as well as established organizational policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Administers advanced respiratory treatments, performs assessments, and monitors patient responses to ensure effective care.
• Orients patient to treatment modality prior to procedure in order to facilitate patient’s cooperation and successful completion of the treatment process.
• Performs and documents Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) punctures accurately, reporting results promptly.
• Assists physicians with bedside procedures as assigned.
• Performs testing procedures, such as pulmonary testing procedures, as assigned.
• Follows respiratory protocols, ensuring adherence to safety guidelines and regulatory standards during all procedures.
• Communicates effectively with peers, healthcare staff, physicians, and leadership, ensuring timely information flow and follow-up on patient care concerns.
• Evaluates and maintains respiratory therapy equipment, ensuring proper functioning, cleanliness, and adherence to safety standards.
• Accurately implements written or verbal physician orders, ensuring compliance with established respiratory care procedures.
• Provides clear, legible, and thorough documentation of all respiratory treatments, assessments, and patient responses, maintaining compliance with policies.
• Ensures proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and patient identification techniques to maintain safety and compliance with infection control standards.
• Manages ventilator settings and airway maintenance, ensuring optimal patient comfort and safety during respiratory support.
• Demonstrates skill and judgment in emergency situations, initiating appropriate interventions and collaborating with healthcare teams to stabilize patients.
• Implements age‑specific care considerations for oxygen therapy, tailoring treatment to meet patient needs across all populations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of respiratory experience in an acute care setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficient in administering pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic respiratory procedures.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with healthcare teams, patients, and families.
• Skilled in patient assessment, ventilator management, and airway maintenance.
• Competent in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems for documentation and reporting.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, safety protocols, and infection control measures.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and adherence to regulatory standards.

Licenses and Certifications

• RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support required and
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support required and
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation if working in the NICU Department required and
• STABLE - Neonatal Certification if working in the NICU Department required