Respiratory Therapist - PRN

Mercyhealth; Freeport (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Mercyhealth Freeport Hospital in Freeport, IL is seeking a PRN Respiratory Therapist to provide ventilation support, oxygen therapy, medications, and related treatments to patients with breathing and lung problems.

The role includes initiating and monitoring ventilation, performing assessments, documenting in the EMR, and responding to emergencies per AHA guidelines. Requires RRT/CRT and IL licensing; on-site, variable schedule.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program.
• RRT/CRT will be accepted; remaining licensure per state rules.
• CPR/NRP within 90 days of orientation, for departments requiring delivery attendance.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, monitor, evaluate, and wean invasive and non-invasive ventilation.
• Assess patients before and after medications or devices; adjust therapy as needed.
• Document care in the EMR and departmental records accurately and timely.
• Provide chest compressions and airway management in emergent situations per AHA guidelines.
• Titrate oxygen per protocol during oxygen and aerosol rounds; perform rounds and assessments.
• Maintain and troubleshoot mechanical ventilators and NIV devices; ensure equipment readiness.

Skills

Ventilation management

Patient assessment

Documentation

Emergency response

Education

Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program

Tools

Mechanical ventilators

Non-invasive ventilation devices

Job description

## Respiratory Therapist - PRNApply: Mercyhealth Freeport Hospital - Freeport, IL: PRN: Posted Today: 2026-02970**OVERVIEW** This job involves treating patients with breathing and lung problems by providing oxygen, medications, and breathing treatments. **SCHEDULE:** PRN (as needed)**SHIFT:** Variable**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*** Performs routine therapies that aid in the treatment, diagnosis, and evaluation of their cardiopulmonary status.* Will Initiate, monitor, evaluate, and wean invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Makes parameter recommendations based on clinical assessment, technical assessment, patient compliance, patient response, laboratory values, and patient status.* Initiates and provides on-going evaluation of treatment regime including medication delivery and oxygen administration through therapist driven protocols by performing patient assessments to determine the needs related to treatment therapies, frequencies, and duration of treatment regime ordered by physician.* Assesses patients clinically before and after the administration or application of any medication, procedure, or device; recommends appropriate therapy including initial therapy, changes in therapy, and discontinuation.* Monitors, assesses, educates, and documents the patient and/or family on therapies, medications, goals of therapies, and equipment during treatment.* Documents work timely, completely, and accurately including documentation in the patient electronic medical record and departmental records.* Demonstrates competence in the set-up, calibration, and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators, noninvasive ventilation devices, therapeutic bronchoscopies and pulmonary function screens.* Cleans using high level disinfection, assembles, and maintains equipment and the stocking of departmental supplies.* Performs and documents emergency rounds, oxygen saturation checks, and titrates oxygen per protocol during oxygen and aerosol rounds.* Performs therapies in strict compliance to universal precautions and proper body mechanics, using sound judgment in evaluating situations, and taking appropriate action when necessary.* Responds to emergent care situations in the hospital and assists with resuscitation by providing chest compressions, airway management, airway stabilization, and ventilatory support in accordance with the American Heart association guidelines and as directed by the Code Team Leader.* Transports adult patients on mechanical ventilators, non-invasive ventilation devices, and critically ill to intrahospital procedures and testing.* Provides developmentally appropriate care to support the various patient populations during their hospitalization. Demonstrates competence in the care of pediatric and adult patients (when/if assigned to these patients) relative to determining each patient’s age related and other physical, psycho-social, and cultural needs.* Maintains proficiency in the processing and interpreting of point of care (POC) blood gases, glucose, and electrolytes; and collaborates on quality control with the POC Coordinator (at applicable locations only).* May require on call coverage as needed.* Performs other duties as assigned.**EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE**Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program**CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE**RRT- CRT will be accepted for RTs that are not eligible for RRT. All other CRTs must earn RRT within 1 year of hire.CPRNRP within 90 days of orientation, for those departments requiring delivery attendanceIL and/ or WI Respiratory Care Practitioner license**OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES**Good mathematical and interpersonal skills**LEVEL OF SUPERVISION**Work requires a moderate level of independent judgment along with good interpretative and interpersonal skills with justification and accountability to Lead, Supervisor, Manager, and Director.**PAY RANGE:**$33.12 - $51.33