Respiratory Care Practitioner I Intern - St. Mary's Hospital

About the role

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 but not limited to 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.

Bon Secours is a faith‑based, patient‑focused organization that exists to enhance the health and well‑being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care, guided by values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship.

Responsibilities

• 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, etc.
• Sets up and maintains different modes of oxygen therapy to maintain adequate PaO2’s with accurate inspired levels of oxygen.
• Administers intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or aerosol therapy: prepares prescribed medication, adjusts equipment to patient’s clinical needs, documents and observes vital signs, cough productivity, dyspnea relief, breath sounds, and adverse reactions; uses judgement to determine possible adverse reactions and suggest therapy appropriateness.
• Gives postural drainage, vibration, percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions using manual or mechanical percussion; checks orders and X‑rays for segments to be treated; auscultates before and after to note clearance and response.
• Instructs patients and families in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler (MDI) administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care and home aerosol therapy.
• May assist doctor with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy; assists with tracheostomy/endotracheal tube changes; ensures proper humidification.
• Procures sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance via patient coaching, mucolytics, aerosol therapy, or endotracheal/nasopharyngeal suctioning.
• Evaluates normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory value ranges.
• Performs arterial punctures and analysis; has in‑depth knowledge of arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation. Performs arterial line procedures with safety precautions, sterile technique, flushing, and ABG aspirations.
• May perform EKGs; understands electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintains all Respiratory Therapy equipment and supplies.
• Responds to cardio‑pulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Health Care, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration (preferred).
• Licensing & Certifications:
  • Current Respiratory Care License in the state of practice (required)
  • National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed (required)
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred)
  • BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association (required)
  • 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)
• Experience:
  • Previous working experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting (preferred)
  • 6 months Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area (preferred)

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills; effectively interacts with patients, families, physicians, and staff
• Good communication skills (oral and written)
• Able to work effectively with diverse populations
• Good customer service skills
• Good organizational and time‑management skills
• Able to receive feedback
• Able to gather and interpret data
• Accountability
• Knowledge of non‑invasive respiratory therapy equipment (oximeters, end‑tidal CO2 analyzers)
• Therapeutic procedures: CPAP/BiPAP, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high‑flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, diagnostic testing
• Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, basic arrhythmias
• Arterial blood gas punctures and testing
• Airway maneuvers
• Bedside pulmonary function
• Patient assessment and education
• Knowledge of chest suction equipment
• Knowledge of chest X‑ray interpretation

Pay

Hourly range: Minimum $28.83 – Maximum $44.69.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources, and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short‑ and long‑term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on market and employment status.

Training

EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred).