A Respiratory Therapist assists patients who have trouble breathing because of a chronic respiratory illness, trauma, or other conditions. Administers tests to diagnose breathing problems, performs treatments to help patients breathe easier, or sets up breathing equipment such as ventilators. Works closely with physicians and other healthcare workers, and may also assist in providing emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Works in hospitals; may also provide care and counseling to patients in their homes.
Piedmont Healthcare is seeking a dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this night-shift role, you will provide comprehensive respiratory care, including assessment, treatment, and monitoring of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. You'll collaborate closely with physicians and nurses in a fast-paced, patient-centered environment. Piedmont Healthcare's culture of respect, innovation, and teamwork supports your professional growth through ongoing training and development, offering a rewarding opportunity to advance your respiratory therapy career while making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes. Responsibilities Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments and implement physician-ordered respiratory care plans for diverse patient populations on night shift Administer oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, airway clearance techniques, and related respiratory treatments safely and effectively Manage non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, including setup, monitoring, troubleshooting, and weaning per protocol and physician direction Respond to respiratory emergencies, rapid response calls, and codes, assisting with airway management and intubation support Obtain, interpret, and act on arterial blood gases and other respiratory diagnostics, communicating critical values promptly to the care team Document all assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately and timely in the electronic medical record Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and modify individualized respiratory care plans Educate patients and families on respiratory conditions, medications, equipment use, and self-management strategies as appropriate Follow infection prevention, safety, and regulatory standards while maintaining and troubleshooting respiratory therapy equipment Participate in ongoing training, competency validation, and quality improvement initiatives within the respiratory care and hospital teams Work a Weekend Option (WEO) Nights schedule, providing reliable coverage and supporting continuity of care during off-hours Required Skills Respiratory therapy assessment and care planning Mechanical ventilator setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting Non-invasive ventilation (Bi
PAP/CPAP
) management Arterial blood gas sampling and interpretation Administration of aerosolized medications and oxygen therapy Airway management and emergency response support Pulmonary function and bedside spirometry basics Use of respiratory therapy equipment (nebulizers, humidifiers, suction devices) Infection prevention and equipment disinfection practices Clinical documentation in electronic medical records (EMR), preferably Epic Interdisciplinary communication and collaboration Patient and family respiratory education Time management and prioritization in acute-care settings Critical thinking and clinical decision-making on night shift
