Respiratory Care Practitioner II (RCP II) PRN - Anderson Hospital

Mercy Health is a faith-based, patient-focused organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals through exceptional patient care. We foster a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence, and respect, seeking team members who share our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service, and stewardship.

About the role

The Respiratory Care Practitioner II provides respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. This role performs a wide range of respiratory care procedures, including oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services, and patient and staff education. The practitioner monitors patient responses to therapies and recommends adjustments based on assessments.

Responsibilities

• May serve as the shift “Charge Therapist,” ensuring adequate staffing levels, assigning work areas, modifying assignments, and assisting with meal coverage.
• Assists physicians with procedures such as bronchoscopy, transtracheal catheter insertion, tracheotomy intubation, tracheostomy tube changes, and invasive monitoring.
• Performs CPR, including closed chest compressions and airway management, in accordance with AHA ACLS protocols.
• Conducts therapeutic procedures to maintain patient airways, including airway management, aspiration of secretions, extubation, and maintenance of correct ETT cuff pressures.
• Selects, assembles, monitors, and evaluates mechanical ventilators, ensuring proper function and appropriateness for patient conditions.
• May perform pulmonary function tests (PFT).
• Serves as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
• Assesses patient physical status through inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and review of patient records.
• Performs treatments according to physician orders, explains therapy goals to patients, and modifies procedures based on patient response.
• Recommends therapeutic methods to physicians, such as IPPB, aerosol therapy, postural drainage, incentive spirometry, and metered dose inhalers.
• Sets up and maintains oxygen therapy to achieve adequate PaO2 levels with accurate inspired oxygen levels.
• Administers intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or aerosol therapy, adjusting devices to meet individual patient needs and documenting responses.
• Performs postural drainage, vibration, and percussion to ensure proper bronchial secretion drainage.
• Instructs patients and families on incentive spirometry, metered dose inhaler administration, oxygen therapy, ventilator care, and home aerosol therapy.
• Procures sputum samples for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance through patient coaching, mucolytics, or suctioning.
• Evaluates and interprets normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory values.
• Performs arterial punctures and analysis, including arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation and arterial line procedures.
• May perform EKGs and understands electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintains respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.
• Responds to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as required by clinical circumstances.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration (preferred).
• Current Respiratory Care License in the state of employment (required).
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credential (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 (required).
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – American Heart Association (required).
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) – AAP/AWHONN (preferred).
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) (preferred).
• Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) (preferred).
• ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist) – NBRC (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license (required for Home Care/DME).
• Two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional (required).

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with patients, families, physicians, and staff.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Good organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and receive feedback.
• Proficiency in gathering and interpreting data.
• Knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment (e.g., oximeters, end-tidal CO2 analyzers).
• Experience with therapeutic procedures, including CPAP/BiPap, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, ventilator management, and diagnostic testing.
• Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Proficiency in arterial blood gas punctures, testing, and airway maneuvers.
• Knowledge of bedside pulmonary function, patient assessment, and patient education.
• Familiarity with chest suction equipment and chest X-ray interpretation.

Training

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

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, including HSA/FSA options.
• Life insurance, mental health resources, and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental leave, FMLA leave, and 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.