Find & Apply For Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Alexandria, Louisiana

Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, LA is seeking a skilled Respiratory Therapist to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will assess, treat, and care for patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders, performing diagnostic tests, administering therapies, and collaborating with physicians and nurses to optimize patient outcomes. We offer a collaborative, patient-centered culture grounded in compassion, teamwork, and integrity, along with opportunities for professional growth, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on community health. Responsibilities Assess, plan, and deliver respiratory care treatments for patients in acute and critical care settings Administer oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, chest physiotherapy, and other respiratory modalities per physician orders and protocols Manage invasive and non invasive mechanical ventilation, including setup, monitoring, adjustment, and weaning Perform arterial blood gas sampling, analysis, and basic interpretation to guide therapy adjustments Assist with airway management during emergencies, rapid responses, and codes, including intubation support Conduct and assist with diagnostic procedures such as bedside spirometry and basic pulmonary function testing where applicable Monitor patient responses to respiratory treatments and communicate changes to the care team promptly Document all assessments, interventions, and patient education accurately in the electronic medical record Maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure safe operation of ventilators and respiratory care equipment Follow infection control, safety, and regulatory standards in all aspects of respiratory care Educate patients and families on respiratory conditions, medications, equipment use, and discharge/home care instructions Collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to develop and adjust care plans Participate in departmental meetings, continuing education, and performance improvement initiatives Support onboarding and informal mentoring of less experienced staff or students as appropriate Required Skills Respiratory assessment and care planning Mechanical ventilator setup and management (invasive and non invasive) Oxygen therapy and aerosolized medication administration Arterial blood gas sampling and interpretation Airway management support and emergency response Pulmonary function and bedside spirometry techniques Chest physiotherapy and secretion management Use and maintenance of respiratory care equipment Electronic medical record documentation Knowledge of respiratory pathophysiology (COPD, asthma, ARDS, pneumonia, etc.) Infection prevention and control in respiratory care Patient and family education on respiratory conditions and therapies Interdisciplinary communication and teamwork Time management in a fast paced acute care environment Critical thinking and clinical decision making in high acuity situations