Local Contract Respiratory Therapist - $44 per hour

Local contract position in Norfolk, VA. Start: 12/28/2026, 13‑week assignment. 36 hours/week (12‑hour nights, 19:00–07:00), minimum 35 hours guaranteed.

Position Summary

Under general supervision and medical direction, performs respiratory care‑related procedures. Exercises considerable judgment in accordance with the physician's treatment plan and within the scope of departmental policies and procedures. Scope of practice includes patient/family assessment and management, resource management, care facilitation, and discharge planning as required. Assesses resident's condition, administers prescribed therapy and aerosolized medications, observes and records resident's progress and response to therapy modalities including adverse reactions to drugs and therapy. Provides in‑service training to residents, family members, and facility staff. The resident population is primarily adult and geriatric. Utilizes knowledge of the principles of growth and development appropriate to the resident's age to ensure that care provided meets the unique physical and psychological needs of the resident. Involves appropriate parties (resident's family or facility staff) in the assessment, treatment, and continuing care of the resident as needed.

Responsibilities

• Initiates, monitors, and maintains life support systems for residents in the skilled nursing facility.
  • Performs airway care and maintenance.
  • Manages artificial ventilation status as directed by an approved protocol.
  • Maintains and troubleshoots mechanical ventilators.
  • Participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures of bag ventilation and closed chest massage.
• Initiates, monitors, and documents performance of various respiratory care modalities.
• Assesses residents' cardiopulmonary status using physical assessment and history taking skills, laboratory findings, radiological studies of the chest, pulmonary function testing and professional judgment to formulate a respiratory care plan upon the order of a physician.
• Performs various tasks prior to treating a resident:
  • Check physician's orders for completeness.
  • Orders to include: diagnosis, ICD‑10 code, type and duration of therapy, type and dosage of medication, FiO₂, and frequency.
  • Check the resident's chart for history, physical and for permanent information to determine precautions to be observed at bedside.
  • Observe and chart: pulse, respirations, breath sounds (number and quality), and the resident's general appearance, including breathing exercises and teaching and training to residents.
• Administers proper technical respiratory care procedures. Dispenses proper dosage of medication, acquires and adjusts devices to ensure optimal results from therapy. This includes mask, mouthpiece, or trach equipment for the resident's comfort and ease of operation, regulates flow and pressure of equipment. Observes resident's respiratory rate and pattern, pulse, breath sounds, reaction to medication, any difficulty with therapy during and after treatment. Charts and communicates to the resident's nurse any pertinent information. Observes thoroughly and accurate change technique.
• Inspects and tests equipment, disassembles, cleans, and reassembles equipment as required. Maintains an adequate supply of necessary equipment. Performs administrative duties and record‑keeping when required. Disposes of equipment properly.
• Assists in emergency cardio‑pulmonary resuscitation as an integral part of the emergency team. A therapist is required to be CPR certified.
• Initiates, administers, evaluates response to, and documents all therapy modalities according to departmental procedure and ordered by a physician, including: intermittent positive pressure breathing, hand‑held nebulizer, chest physical therapy modalities (percussion, vibration, breathing and cough retraining exercises), deep tracheal suctioning, incentive spirometry, and sputum induction.
• Recognizes the resident's adverse reaction to therapy modalities and takes correct action.
• Documents all resident care services rendered as part of a medical record.
• Accepts and transcribes verbal orders related to respiratory care procedures.
• Sets up, maintains, and records log entries on all types of oxygen and respiratory supplies and equipment as required.
• Instructs residents and family members in the rationale and methodology of every respiratory procedure administered to each resident to facilitate resident cooperation, understanding, and efficiency of treatment. Works towards set goals to reach maximum rehabilitation potential.
• Attends internal and external educational programs and reads appropriate professional journals in order to maintain and enhance technical skills and clinical competencies.
• Participates in interdisciplinary resident rounds and conferences to plan and evaluate effective resident care.
• Participates in quality assurance program data collection as assigned.
• Responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of rehab services; adherence to an established plan of care, department and patient(s)' schedule, and timely documentation of services.
• Participates in general equipment troubleshooting and specific tasks to optimize the accuracy of diagnostic equipment, including quality control methods and preventive maintenance, and calibration.

Requirements

• Completion of an NBRC‑approved and accredited respiratory therapy program and one year of clinical practice experience under medical direction. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certificate and current State Licensure for a Respiratory Care Practitioner.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with professional manners.
• High degree of accuracy in the performance of duties.
• Ability to positively interact with others, including personnel.

Compliance

• Complies with applicable legal requirements, standards, policies, and procedures, including but not limited to those within the Compliance and Ethics Program, Standard/Code of Conduct, Federal False Claims Act, and HIPAA.
• Participates in required orientation and training programs.
• Promptly reports concerns and suspected incidences of non‑compliance to the supervisor, Compliance Liaison, or to the Compliance Officer via the Integrity Hotline.
• Cooperates with monitoring and audit functions and investigations.
• Participates, as requested, in quality assurance and process improvement activities.

About TalentBurst, Inc

TalentBurst Health & Life Sciences is an established provider of healthcare workforce solutions, servicing healthcare facilities across the United States for over 15 years. As a Joint Commission Certified Agency, our commitment to quality, integrity, and exceptional service has made us a trusted name in the healthcare staffing landscape. Our mission is to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals seeking fulfilling opportunities and healthcare organizations striving to maintain their high standards of care. We are committed to providing top‑notch healthcare professionals with access to facilities where they can focus on delivering exceptional patient care and thrive. Whether you're a nurse, allied health professional, or administrative personnel, we have the expertise to match your skills and aspirations with the perfect placement.