Respiratory Therapist RRT

Community Health Systems•Birmingham, AL

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) administers pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures in accordance with physician orders and organizational policies. The role includes conducting assessments, monitoring patient responses, and implementing treatment plans to support respiratory care, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. The therapist maintains accurate documentation, promotes patient safety, and collaborates with healthcare teams. The position works under the direction of the ordering physician or clinician. The therapist administers advanced respiratory treatments; performs and documents ABG punctures and assigned pulmonary testing; assists physicians with bedside procedures; manages ventilator settings and airways; and provides age-specific oxygen therapy. The role also includes orienting patients to treatments, following safety and infection-control procedures, maintaining respiratory equipment, responding to emergencies, and communicating and documenting patient care information. This is a full-time position with a $7,500 sign-on bonus. The posting lists medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with matching, up to $10,000 in student loan repayment assistance, educational tuition assistance, paid time off, life insurance, and competitive pay and benefits.

Requirements

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification required.
In Georgia, PALS and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications are required.
In Georgia, successfully complete the assigned SAMA course within 30 days of hire.
Proficiency in administering pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic respiratory procedures.
Strong communication skills for interacting with healthcare teams, patients, and families.
Skill in patient assessment, ventilator management, and airway maintenance.
Competence using electronic medical record (EMR) systems for documentation and reporting.
Knowledge of regulatory standards, safety protocols, and infection-control measures.
Commitment to professional development and adherence to regulatory standards.

Nice To Haves

1–3 years of respiratory experience in an acute care setting is preferred.
NRP certification is required if working in the NICU Department.
STABLE neonatal certification is required if working in the NICU Department.

Responsibilities

Administer advanced respiratory treatments and assess and monitor patient responses.
Orient patients to treatment modalities before procedures.
Perform and accurately document arterial blood gas (ABG) punctures and promptly report results.
Assist physicians with bedside procedures as assigned.
Perform assigned testing procedures, including pulmonary testing.
Follow respiratory protocols and safety and regulatory guidelines.
Communicate with peers, healthcare staff, physicians, and leadership and follow up on patient care concerns.
Evaluate and maintain respiratory therapy equipment, including its functioning, cleanliness, and safety.
Implement written and verbal physician orders in accordance with respiratory care procedures.
Document respiratory treatments, assessments, and patient responses clearly and thoroughly.
Use personal protective equipment and patient identification techniques in accordance with infection-control standards.
Manage ventilator settings and maintain airways to support patient comfort and safety.
Use appropriate judgment and interventions in emergencies and collaborate with healthcare teams to stabilize patients.
Apply age-specific considerations when providing oxygen therapy across patient populations.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with policies and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.