Respiratory Therapist RT; CRT,RRT

• Pay or shift range: $25 USD to $35 USD
  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

We are seeking a PRN Respiratory Therapist to join our team. This position provides comprehensive, full-scope cardiopulmonary care across all hospital departments, including the Emergency Department (ED), Acute Care/Inpatient Wards, and Outpatient Clinics. Operating in a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) environment, the RRT must possess strong autonomous decision-making skills, as they frequently serve as the sole respiratory expert on-site. This role requires rapid adaptation to stabilize patients of all age groups, from neonatal to geriatric and prepare critical patients for safe transfer to tertiary care facilities.

• Stabilize acute patients presenting to the Emergency Department with severe respiratory distress, trauma, or cardiac arrest.
• Manage mechanical ventilation and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (CPAP/BiPAP), optimizing settings based on patient protocols.
• Perform endotracheal intubation and secure natural or artificial airways during emergent situations.
• Respond immediately to Code Blue and Rapid Response emergencies as a core member of the resuscitation team.
• Prepare and assist with the clinical stabilization and transport preparation for critical care air or ground transfers.
• Administer respiratory treatments, including aerosolized medications, bronchodilators, PAP, OPEP and chest physiotherapy.
• Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) draws, process samples via an automated analyzer, and interpret results for the attending physician.
• Conduct diagnostic testing such as Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), basic EKGs, Stress Testing, Cardiac Monitors and overnight pulse oximetry.
• Lead outpatient services which may include pulmonary and or cardiac rehabilitation, home oxygen evaluations, and sleep apnea compliance checks.
• Consult with physicians and nursing staff to design, modify, and implement patient care plans.
• Educate patients and families on chronic disease management, proper inhaler techniques, and home respiratory equipment safety.
• Maintain and calibrate all respiratory equipment, performing strict quality control testing to ensure device readiness.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from a CoARC-accredited program.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential by the NBRC.
• Active, unrestricted Illinois state license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Life Support
  
  Certifications:
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

• Minimum of 1–2 years of critical care experience (ICU or Emergency Department).
• Prior experience working in a rural healthcare or critical access environment is highly desirable.

• High autonomy:
  Ability to function efficiently with minimal direct supervision.
• Adaptability:
  Comfort switching between diverse patient populations (neonatal to geriatric) seamlessly.
• Stress tolerance:
  Exceptional problem-solving skills under high-pressure, time-sensitive circumstances.

• Schedule:
  
  Rotating shifts (days, nights, weekends, and holidays) with shared on-call responsibilities.
• Physical requirements:
  
  Ability to stand, walk, and move equipment for extended periods; capacity to lift up to 50 lbs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals…