Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary

The Respiratory Therapist provides high-quality respiratory therapy care and life-support services within their scope of practice and under the direction of a healthcare provider. This role collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to support and achieve each patient’s individualized plan of care across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and sleep-study services. This is a part-time, 30 hour/week position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Patient Support

• Administer respiratory therapy treatments and life-support services to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies or abnormalities, in accordance with provider orders and approved protocols.

• Perform all cardiopulmonary services offered by the department.

• Interpret provider orders, arterial blood gases, and patient data to determine appropriate therapy type, method, duration, and medication dosing.

• Administer medical gases, aerosolized medications, and inhalants using appropriate delivery methods.

• Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist patients with breathing exercises.

• Conduct pulmonary function testing to support diagnostic evaluation.

• Provide emergency respiratory care, including artificial respiration and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Draw arterial blood gases as indicated.

• Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other healthcare personnel.

Treatment Monitoring & Modification

• Monitor patient responses to therapy, including vital signs, blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.

• Recognize, respond to, and report adverse reactions to prescribed therapies.

• Collaborate with healthcare providers to modify treatment plans as clinically indicated.

Equipment Use & Maintenance

• Operate, inspect, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe and effective function.

• Ensure equipment parameters (e.g., volume, gas concentration, humidity, temperature) meet prescribed requirements.

• Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate repairs or calibration as needed.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and ongoing documentation of patient assessments, treatments, and outcomes in the medical record.

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.

Medication Administration

• Administer respiratory medications via handheld nebulizers.

• Monitor oxygen saturation and collaborate with providers to adjust oxygen therapy as needed.

Patient & Family Education

• Educate patients and families on respiratory conditions, treatment plans, breathing techniques, and use of respiratory equipment.

• Explain procedures clearly to promote understanding, cooperation, and comfort.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with nursing staff, providers, and other members of the healthcare team regarding patient status and care plans.

• Participate in shift reports using approved formats.

• Identify changes in patient condition, prioritize care needs, and promptly report concerns to medical providers.

Safety & Quality

• Promote patient and staff safety through proper body mechanics, infection control practices, and adherence to National Patient Safety Goals.

• Follow procedures for medication handling, narcotic wasting, and disposal of sharps and hazardous materials.

• Use automated medication administration systems appropriately.

Sleep Lab & Specialty Services

• Collaborate with contracted sleep study staff to ensure compliance with sleep study accreditation requirements.

• Support ongoing sleep lab operations and quality assurance processes.

• Assist with scheduling home and formal sleep studies and overnight oximetry testing.

Additional Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate of an AMA-approved Respiratory Care Program

• Current licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Nebraska

• Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Preferred

• Prior experience as a Respiratory Therapist

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical judgment and problem-solving skills

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply clinical, regulatory, and organizational policies and procedures

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based healthcare environment

• Ability to make frequent decisions regarding methods of care delivery

Equipment & Technology

• Standard respiratory therapy and patient-care equipment

• Computer systems, information systems, and general office equipment

Confidentiality & Security

This position requires access to confidential patient and organizational information and strict adherence to all privacy policies, HIPAA regulations, and organizational confidentiality standards.