Respiratory Therapist - PRN NIGHTS

Kindred Healthcare•Watertown, WI

About The Position

Watertown Regional Medical Center is hiring a per diem Respiratory Therapist for a PRN night-shift position. The role requires working every Thursday night, with the option to pick up additional shifts. The Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory care to patients of all age groups by performing respiratory therapy treatments, ventilator management, diagnostic testing, and emergency procedures. The therapist collaborates with the healthcare team to deliver quality, patient-centered care in accordance with clinical policies, procedures, and professional standards. The position includes routine respiratory procedures, ventilator management, emergency response, diagnostic testing, equipment maintenance, and accurate documentation. The Respiratory Therapist also communicates with patients, families, and healthcare staff and assists with quality improvement activities and departmental clerical functions. The role requires safe practice, infection-control compliance, teamwork, and the ability to work independently in high-stress situations. This position involves exposure to blood, body fluids, airborne pathogens, hazardous materials, and varying temperatures. It requires using personal protective equipment and following OSHA standards. Physical demands include prolonged standing and walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating patient-care equipment.

Requirements

Graduate of a two-year AMA-approved respiratory therapy program leading to CRT or RRT eligibility.
Current state license or certification as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Basic Life Support (BLS), required within the time frame specified by facility policy.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), required within the time frame specified by facility policy.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), per facility requirements and within the time frame specified by facility policy.
Strong foundational knowledge of respiratory therapy equipment and procedures.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated safe practice and infection-control compliance.
Ability to work cooperatively within multidisciplinary teams.
Critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and ability to work independently in high-stress situations.
Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and operate patient-care equipment.
Ability to use personal protective equipment and adhere to OSHA standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an acute-care or clinical environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform routine respiratory therapy procedures, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and suctioning.
Assist with emergency interventions, including manual resuscitation and code response.
Manage and monitor mechanical ventilators, adjust parameters appropriately, and troubleshoot equipment.
Obtain and interpret arterial blood gases and communicate results.
Conduct pulmonary function testing and 12-lead EKGs, and identify life-threatening arrhythmias.
Maintain and calibrate respiratory equipment according to infection-control guidelines.
Document care, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly.
Assist with quality improvement activities and departmental clerical functions.
Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare staff.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to provide quality, patient-centered respiratory care.