Respiratory Therapist PRN - Night Shift

Community Health Systems•Valparaiso, IN

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist (CRT or RRT) delivers diagnostic, therapeutic, and pharmacologic respiratory care in accordance with physician orders and established clinical protocols. Under the direction of an ordering physician or clinician, the therapist assesses patients, monitors responses to therapy, and implements individualized treatment plans to support respiratory function and recovery. The role requires accurate documentation, attention to patient safety, collaboration with the healthcare team, and compliance with organizational policies and regulatory standards. The position is PRN and assigned to the night shift. A CRT certification is required. One to two years of experience in a healthcare or clinical setting is preferred. The position requires the specified life-support and other certifications, with certain state-specific and NICU-related requirements.

Requirements

CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) certification required.
BCLS (Basic Life Support) required within 30 days of hire.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) required, subject to applicable state-specific timing and requirements.
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) required, subject to applicable state-specific timing and requirements.
NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation) required when working in the NICU, subject to applicable state-specific requirements.
STABLE neonatal certification required when working in the NICU, subject to applicable state-specific requirements.
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 continuous professional development and adherence to regulatory standards.
State-specific certification requirements apply: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas require ACLS, NRP, and PALS; Florida requires ACLS and NRP; North Carolina and Pennsylvania require ACLS and PALS. Georgia requires NRP and PALS within 90 days and assigned SAMA training within 30 days. Indiana requires ACLS and NRP within 90 days, PALS within 12 months, assigned SAMA training within 30 days, and STABLE within 6 months. Texas requires assigned SAMA training within 30 days and STABLE within 6 months for NICU therapists.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of experience in a healthcare or clinical setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer respiratory treatments, including oxygen therapy, aerosol treatments, and chest physiotherapy, according to physician orders and protocols.
Orient patients to treatment modalities before procedures to facilitate cooperation and successful completion of treatment.
Assess patients, coordinate care with their needs, and monitor responses to respiratory treatments, including pharmacological interventions.
Implement written and verbal physician orders accurately and follow established respiratory care procedures.
Manage ventilator settings and maintain airways to support patient comfort and safety.
Communicate with peers, healthcare staff, physicians, and leadership, including providing timely information and following up on patient care concerns.
Document respiratory treatments, assessments, and patient responses clearly and thoroughly in compliance with policies.
Follow patient identification protocols, safety measures, and infection-control standards.
Administer prescribed medications using patient-safety techniques and document their delivery.
Use appropriate judgment and skills in emergencies, initiate interventions, and collaborate with healthcare teams to stabilize patients.
Apply age-specific considerations when providing oxygen therapy across patient populations.
Use personal protective equipment and patient-identification techniques to maintain safety and infection-control compliance.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with all policies and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.