What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Respiratory Therapist PRN position at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center?
Description
Join St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho—where nationally recognized quality meets small-town heart. We’re proud to be recognized for excellence and patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, inclusion in Becker’s list of “Great Community Hospitals,” and U.S. News & World Report accolades for maternity care. Here, you’ll find a teamwork-first culture, leaders who support you, and coworkers who genuinely have your back. New grads are welcome—we’re committed to training, mentoring, and helping you build confidence as you grow. And because we know great care starts with taking care of our people, we offer competitive benefits and a workplace you can feel good about. If you’re looking for a place to do meaningful work, build a career, and feel proud serving your community—you belong at St. Joe’s.
Job Summary
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) delivers advanced respiratory care for patients across the lifespan with both acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. The RRT performs critical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, manages mechanical ventilation, and provides emergency respiratory support. The RRT functions as a clinical expert and collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes.
Essential Functions
- Independently manages ventilator settings based on patient condition, blood gases, and physician direction.
- Performs advanced diagnostics such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, EKG interpretation, and bronchoscopy support.
- Assists with rapid response and code blue interventions.
- Provides age-specific therapy to neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.
- Educates patients and staff regarding respiratory treatments, equipment, and disease management.
- Leads or assists in staff orientation, training, and competency evaluations.
- Maintains documentation of all assessments, therapies, and outcomes in a timely manner.
- Ensures proper disinfection, maintenance, and operation of all respiratory equipment.
- Participates in quality improvement and performance monitoring initiatives.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
- Advanced clinical knowledge of respiratory pathophysiology, equipment, and treatment protocols.
- Excellent assessment, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Able to function effectively under pressure and during emergencies.
- Proficient with electronic medical record systems and documentation.
- Able to lift and transport up to 50 lbs and work prolonged shifts.
- Demonstrates leadership and mentoring skills.
Qualifications
Education
- Graduate of a two-year AMA-approved respiratory therapy program leading to RRT eligibility.
Licenses/Certifications
- Current state license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Basic Life Support (BLS) required within time frame required by facility policy.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required within time frame required by facility policy.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) required within time frame required by facility policy.
Experience
- Three years of experience in respiratory therapy preferred.
- Demonstrated clinical proficiency in ventilator management, diagnostic testing, and critical care procedures.