What are the responsibilities and job description for the Respiratory Therapist position at PALO ALTO COUNTY HEALTH SYSTEM?
At Palo Alto County Health System, we are proud to serve as the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa, delivering compassionate, personalized, and high-quality care to every patient we serve. As a Respiratory Therapist, you will play an essential role in providing comprehensive respiratory care services, supporting patients across the lifespan, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve optimal outcomes.
In this role, you will assess and evaluate patients’ respiratory status and work closely with providers, nursing, and other healthcare professionals to develop and deliver appropriate respiratory care plans. You will administer a variety of respiratory therapies and treatments, including aerosol medications, oxygen therapy, and advanced airway support, while ensuring patient safety and comfort at all times.
You will respond to emergency situations such as cardiac and respiratory arrests, assisting in airway management and participating in advanced life support interventions as directed. You will ensure all treatments are provided in accordance with physician orders, clinical protocols, and safety standards, including infection control guidelines.
In addition to patient care, you will maintain and troubleshoot respiratory equipment, monitor inventory levels, and coordinate necessary supplies or repairs to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. You will also assist with outpatient testing and diagnostic services such as pulmonary function testing, cardiac monitoring applications, and other specialized procedures as appropriate.
This role includes patient education, helping individuals understand their respiratory conditions, medications, and equipment such as CPAP devices. You will collaborate with home medical equipment providers to coordinate ongoing respiratory support needs following discharge. Strong communication and teaching skills are essential to support both patients and colleagues effectively.
You will also support operational and administrative functions within the department, including scheduling, documentation, maintaining accurate medical records, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Participation in quality improvement initiatives, policy development, and departmental collaboration is expected, along with a proactive approach to expanding respiratory services to meet patient needs.
To be successful in this role, candidates must be graduates of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program and hold current certifications including BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Registration through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is preferred. Candidates should have strong clinical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently while adapting to a fast-paced healthcare environment. Two to three years of experience is preferred but not required.
Employee Benefits
PACHS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:
Health & Wellness
- Two medical plan options (PPO and HDHP) with no-cost preventive care
- Employer HSA contributions for eligible participants
- Dental insurance with 100% preventive coverage
- Vision insurance through VSP
- Discounted membership at the Arthur & Audrey Smith Wellness Center
Financial Security
- Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)
- Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
- Optional voluntary life insurance
- Employer-paid Short-Term Disability
- Employer-paid Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness coverage
Time Off & Lifestyle
- PTO begins accruing on your first day
- PTO cash-out program available up to four times per year
- Holiday Club payroll savings option
Support & Resources
- Employee Assistance Program offering 24/7 confidential counseling, financial guidance, legal support, coaching, and more
About Palo Alto County Health System
Palo Alto County Health System is the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa, known for delivering exceptional patient-centered care supported by a culture of teamwork, respect, and compassion. Our employees are valued members of a collaborative, family-focused environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and high-quality care are prioritized. When you join PACHS, you become part of a mission-driven team dedicated to caring for our community — and each other.