Respiratory Therapist; RRT - Southside Medical Center

Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Southside Medical Center

Bon Secours Mercy Health is dedicated to continually improving healthcare quality, safety and cost effectiveness. Our hospitals, care sites and clinicians are recognized for clinical and operational excellence.

The Respiratory Care Practitioner I is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs all respiratory care procedures including oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services and patient and staff education. Monitors the patient's response to such therapies and makes recommendations to change or modify based on the assessment.

• May serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
• Assesses patient’s physical status by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior and reviewing existing data in patient’s record.
• Performs treatments according to physician orders, explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response.
• Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals including IPPB, aerosol therapy, postural drainage and percussion, ultrasonic nebulizer, incentive spirometry, metered dose inhalers and spacers.
• Sets up and maintains different modes of oxygen therapy to maintain adequate PaO2’s with accurate inspired oxygen levels.
• Administers intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or aerosol therapy, documents vital signs, monitors patient response, and uses judgement and technical skill to manage adverse reactions.
• Provides postural drainage, vibration, percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions; checks orders and imaging prior to treatment; auscultates before and after to confirm clearance.
• Instructs patients and families in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler, postural drainage, flip, oxygen therapy, ventilator care and home aerosol therapy.
• May assist doctor with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy, including tube changes and ensuring proper humidification.
• Collects sputum for culture and sensitivity or performs airway clearance by patient coaching, mucolytic administration, aerosol therapy or suctioning.
• Evaluates laboratory value ranges, performs arterial punctures and analysis, and has in‑depth knowledge of arterial blood gas interpretation.
• Performs arterial line procedures, takes safety precautions, adheres to sterile technique, flushes circuits and aspirates ABGs.
• May perform EKGs, understands electronic monitoring, lead placement and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintains all respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.
• Responds to cardiopulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances.

• Bachelor’s Degree related to Respiratory Therapy, Health Care, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration (preferred).

• Current Respiratory Care License in the state where the position is located.
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association.
• ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support – American Heart Association or Red Cross (preferred).
• PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support – American Heart Association (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license (required for Home Care/DME).

• Previous working experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting.
• Six months of Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area.

• Strong interpersonal skills and effective interaction with patients, families, physicians, and staff.
• Good communication, customer service, organizational, time‑management, and written skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and receive feedback.
• Knowledge of non‑invasive respiratory therapy equipment such as oximeters or end‑tidal CO₂ analyzers.
• Proficiency in therapeutic procedures: CPAP/BiPAP, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high‑flow oxygen, continuous aerosol,…