Outpatient Respiratory Therapist

Are you a Respiratory Therapist who enjoys variety, autonomy, and meaningful one-on-one patient care? Klickitat Valley Health is seeking a skilled and flexible Outpatient Respiratory Therapist to support our outpatient respiratory services and pulmonology care.

In this primarily clinical role, you’ll perform pulmonary function testing and other respiratory diagnostics, support pulmonology telehealth visits, and serve as a key resource for patient and staff education related to respiratory care, equipment, and best practices. This position is focused on hands-on clinical work and collaboration- there are no departmental coordination or management responsibilities, making it an ideal role for an RT who loves the clinical side of the work.

If you’re looking for a role where your expertise directly supports patients and providers in a community-focused healthcare setting, we’d love to connect with you.

Casual positions are not eligible for benefits. 

Minimum Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications):

Education / Licensure:

• Must be at least 18 years or older
• Associate’s degree required, Bachelor’s (or higher degree) preferred
• Certification: Must be a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Licensure: Current licensure in the state of Washington
• BLS, ACLS & PALS required, NRP additionally preferred

Experience:

• Previous experience in an outpatient respiratory therapy setting is preferred.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Strong clinical assessment and technical skills related to respiratory diagnostics
• Effective communication skills for patient, provider, and staff education
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary clinical teams
• Proficiency with pulmonary function testing and related equipment
• Knowledge of chronic respiratory disease management and patient education

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Clinical Responsibilities

   • Perform outpatient respiratory diagnostic testing and procedures, including but not limited to:
     Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
     Oxygen titration
     Methacholine challenge testing
     6-minute walk tests
     Exercise testing
     Sputum induction
     Inhaler technique demonstration and education
     Chest wall manipulation, as applicable
     Pulmonary rehabilitation support, as applicable
   • Educate patients on chronic respiratory disease management, treatment plans, and the use of equipment.

2. Pulmonology Telehealth Support

   • Facilitate pulmonology clinic tele-visits in collaboration with the consulting pulmonologist, including patient preparation, testing coordination, and real-time clinical support as needed.

3. Education and Training

   • Provide education, training, and in-services to providers and care team staff related to respiratory policies, procedures, equipment, and best practices, as requested or assigned.

4. Equipment and Operational Support

   • Utilize and maintain respiratory equipment in accordance with established policies and manufacturer guidelines.
   • Communicate equipment issues or supply needs to appropriate leadership or support departments (e.g., Biomedical Services).

5. Advisory and Emergency Support

   • Serve as a subject-matter resource related to respiratory care when on-site.
   • Respond to cardiopulmonary emergencies while on site, consistent with the scope of practice and hospital policy.
   • Assist with acute care respiratory procedures as needed and as time allows.

Salary : $37 - $53