Respiratory Therapist II

CommonSpirit Health; Live Oak (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Dignity Health - Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, California, is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to join an established RT team delivering specialized cardiopulmonary care. You will manage ventilation, oxygen therapy, and arterial blood gases, while preparing clear patient reports for the next shift.

The role requires a strong sense of urgency, calm under pressure, and the ability to adapt in routine and emergent situations. Prior RT experience and CA credentials are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in respiratory care with clinical rotations completed.
• 1 year of experience as a respiratory therapist.
• RRT credential and CA licensure.
• CPR/BLS and advanced life support certifications (ACLS, PALS, NRP).

Responsibilities

• Initiates and monitors mechanical ventilation per protocol or orders.
• Draws arterial blood gases following infection control methods.
• Extubates patients per ICU protocols or physician orders.
• Provides comprehensive shift reports to the incoming team.
• Consults with physicians and adjusts therapy as indicated.
• Monitors oxygen therapy and adjusts as needed.

Skills

Ventilator management

Patient assessment

Critical thinking

Pulse oximetry interpretation

Emergency response

Education

Associates Of Science

Accredited school of respiratory therapy

Registered Respiratory Therapist

CA Respiratory Care Practitioner

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a Respiratory Therapist, you will join an established team of RTs 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.

• Initiates and monitors mechanical ventilation to assure the patient is being ventilated adequately and according to protocol or the physician's written or verbal orders.
• Draws blood from arterial lines following appropriate infection control technique.
• Extubates patients as per Cardiac and ICU protocol or the physician's written or verbal orders.
• Organizes and gives a comprehensive patient report to the incoming shift.
• Approaches the physician to clarify prescribed therapy and recommends modification when indicated.
• Assesses and monitors the use of oxygen by performing pulse oximetry to verify medical need for oxygen. Recommends changes in therapy.

Job Requirements

Required

• Associates Of Science
• Successful completion of accredited school of respiratory therapy and associated clinical rotations
• 1 year of experience as a respiratory therapist
• Respiratory Care Practitioner: CA
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support - CPR
• American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• American Heart Association Neonatal Resuscitation Program
• Registered Respiratory Therapist

Preferred

• 2 years of experience as a respiratory therapist

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1941, Dignity Health - Dominican Hospital is a 188-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Santa Cruz, California. Serving over 80,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including heart care, orthopedics, and a Family Birthing Center. Additionally, Dominican Hospital has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, and has been awarded the AMA/ASA’s Get the Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to providing the best stroke care.

One Community. One Mission. One California