Respiratory Therapist RRT - TEMP PRN Nights

Community Health Systems•Poplar Bluff, MO

About The Position

The 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 assessing patients, monitoring their responses, and implementing treatment plans that support respiratory care, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. The therapist works under the direction of the ordering physician or clinician and collaborates with the healthcare team to provide safe, high-quality care. This is a temporary PRN night position with 5 p.m.–5 a.m. shifts, three 12-hour shifts per pay period, weekend and holiday rotation, and a 14-week length. The therapist maintains accurate documentation, ensures patient safety and infection-control compliance, and maintains respiratory equipment.

Requirements

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification required.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification required.
For work in the NICU, Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) certification is required.
For work in the NICU, STABLE neonatal certification is required.
In Georgia, PALS and NRP certifications are required.
In Georgia, successful completion of the assigned SAMA course within 30 days of hire is required.
Proficiency in administering pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic respiratory procedures.
Strong communication skills for interacting with healthcare teams, patients, and families.
Skills 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.

Nice To Haves

1–3 years of respiratory experience in an acute care setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer advanced respiratory treatments, perform assessments, and monitor patient responses.
Orient patients to treatment modalities before procedures to support cooperation and successful completion.
Perform and document arterial blood gas (ABG) punctures and report results promptly.
Assist physicians with bedside procedures as assigned.
Perform assigned testing procedures, including pulmonary testing procedures.
Follow respiratory protocols and safety and regulatory standards during procedures.
Communicate with peers, healthcare staff, physicians, and leadership, providing timely information and follow-up on patient care concerns.
Evaluate and maintain respiratory therapy equipment, including its function, 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 in compliance with policies.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and patient identification techniques to meet safety and infection-control standards.
Manage ventilator settings and maintain airways to support patient comfort and safety.
Use appropriate judgment and interventions in emergencies, collaborating 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 organizational policies and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.