Respiratory Therapist

Community Health Systems; Vicksburg (MS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Health coverage

401(k) matching

Student loan assistance

Competitive pay

Night shift differential

Job summary

The Respiratory Therapist - RRT at Merit Health River Region administers pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic respiratory care per physician orders. You will assess patients, monitor responses, and implement treatment plans to promote safe, effective respiratory care.

Requirements include RRT, BCLS, ACLS, and PALS with 1–3 years in acute care. Demonstrated communication, ventilator management, and EMR documentation are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of respiratory experience in an acute care setting preferred.
• Licensure as an RRT with current certifications.
• Strong clinical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Administers respiratory therapies per physician orders.
• Monitors patient responses and documents outcomes.
• Performs ABG punctures and assists bedside procedures.
• Maintains equipment safety and infection control.
• Communicates with care team to coordinate treatment.

Skills

Respiratory care

Ventilator management

EMR documentation

Infection control

Communication

Patient assessment

Education

RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist

BCLS

ACLS

PALS

NRP (NICU)

STABLE (NICU)

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Why You'll Love Working Here

• $10,000 SIGN ON BONUS!
• 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.
• Increased Night Shift Differential

Role: Respiratory Therapist

Location: Merit Health River Region

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
• BCLS - Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support required
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support required
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation if working in the NICU Department required
• STABLE - Neonatal Certification if working in the NICU Department required