Respiratory Therapist RRT

Community Health Systems; Powell (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems, Inc. is seeking a Respiratory Therapist with strong skills in ventilator management and patient assessment. The role involves administering respiratory treatments, monitoring patient responses, and documenting care per physician orders.

Candidates should have 1–3 years of acute care experience and hold an RRT credential, with ACLS, PALS, NRP, and STABLE certifications as applicable to NICU work. The position emphasizes patient safety and collaborative care.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of respiratory care experience in acute care preferred.
• RRT certification required; ACLS, PALS, NRP, and STABLE where NICU is involved.

Responsibilities

• Administers respiratory treatments and monitors patient responses.
• Performs ABG punctures and reports results promptly.
• Assists physicians with bedside procedures and pulmonary testing.
• Maintains respiratory care equipment and ensures proper documentation.
• Ensures proper use of PPE and infection control compliance.

Skills

Ventilator management

Patient assessment

EMR documentation

Job description

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

State Specific Requirements

• Georgia: Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications required. Successful completion of assigned SAMA course within 30 days of hire required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, the facility complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to: hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you are an applicant with a mental or physical disability who needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the director of Human Resources at the facility to which you are seeking employment; Simply go to http://www.chs.net/serving-communities/locations/ to obtain the main telephone number of the facility and ask for Human Resources.