Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary The Respiratory Therapist provides high-quality respiratory therapy care and life-support services within their scope of practice and under the direction of a healthcare provider. This role collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to support and achieve each patient's individualized plan of care across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and sleep-study services. This is a part-time, 30 hour/week position. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Care & Patient Support Administer respiratory therapy treatments and life-support services to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies or abnormalities, in accordance with provider orders and approved protocols. Perform all cardiopulmonary services offered by the department. Interpret provider orders, arterial blood gases, and patient data to determine appropriate therapy type, method, duration, and medication dosing. Administer medical gases, aerosolized medications, and inhalants using appropriate delivery methods. Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist patients with breathing exercises. Conduct pulmonary function testing to support diagnostic evaluation. Provide emergency respiratory care, including artificial respiration and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Draw arterial blood gases as indicated. Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other healthcare personnel. Treatment Monitoring & Modification Monitor patient responses to therapy, including vital signs, blood gases, and blood chemistry changes. Recognize, respond to, and report adverse reactions to prescribed therapies. Collaborate with healthcare providers to modify treatment plans as clinically indicated. Equipment Use & Maintenance Operate, inspect, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe and effective function. Ensure equipment parameters (e.g., volume, gas concentration, humidity, temperature) meet prescribed requirements. Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate repairs or calibration as needed. Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate, timely, and ongoing documentation of patient assessments, treatments, and outcomes in the medical record. Ensure compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements. Medication Administration Administer respiratory medications via handheld nebulizers. Monitor oxygen saturation and collaborate with providers to adjust oxygen therapy as needed. Patient & Family Education Educate patients and families on respiratory conditions, treatment plans, breathing techniques, and use of respiratory equipment. Explain procedures clearly to promote understanding, cooperation, and comfort. Communication & Collaboration Communicate effectively with nursing staff, providers, and other members of the healthcare team regarding patient status and care plans. Participate in shift reports using approved formats. Identify changes in patient condition, prioritize care needs, and promptly report concerns to medical providers. Safety & Quality Promote patient and staff safety through proper body mechanics, infection control practices, and adherence to National Patient Safety Goals. Follow procedures for medication handling, narcotic wasting, and disposal of sharps and hazardous materials. Use automated medication administration systems appropriately. Sleep Lab & Specialty Services Collaborate with contracted sleep study staff to ensure compliance with sleep study accreditation requirements. Support ongoing sleep lab operations and quality assurance processes. Assist with scheduling home and formal sleep studies and overnight oximetry testing. Additional Duties Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Required Graduate of an AMA-approved Respiratory Care Program Current licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Nebraska Basic Life Support (BLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Preferred Prior experience as a Respiratory Therapist Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong clinical judgment and problem-solving skills Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations Ability to read, interpret, and apply clinical, regulatory, and organizational policies and procedures Effective written and verbal communication skills Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based healthcare environment Ability to make frequent decisions regarding methods of care delivery Equipment & Technology Standard respiratory therapy and patient-care equipment Computer systems, information systems, and general office equipment Confidentiality & Security This position requires access to confidential patient and organizational information and strict adherence to all privacy policies, HIPAA regulations, and organizational confidentiality standards.