Respiratory Care Practitioner III - Respiratory Therapy - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital - PRN

About the role

Mercy Health is a faith-based and patient-focused organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of all people through exceptional patient care. The Respiratory Care Practitioner III provides respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation, performing all respiratory care procedures within the scope of their license. This role includes clinical leadership, mentorship, and participation in quality improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provides clinical leadership, mentorship, and support for staff in intensive care, general care, and outpatient services.
• Assists with identifying and designing quality improvement initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Leads clinical research initiatives, including education, training, and implementation of study designs.
• Actively participates in facility councils and committees.
• May serve as the shift "Charge Therapist," ensuring adequate staffing and coverage for patient care areas.
• Serves as a preceptor to new team members and students.
• Conducts initial and ongoing patient assessments, creates care plans, implements treatment, and evaluates effectiveness in collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team.
• Performs treatments and therapies according to physician orders, explaining goals and modifying procedures based on patient response.
• Maintains proper documentation, patient medical charting, and recordkeeping in compliance with policies and standards.
• Provides patient education on cardiopulmonary diseases, treatment options, and home care procedures (e.g., incentive spirometer, MDI administration, oxygen therapy).
• Sets up and maintains respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.
• Responds to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and participates as clinically indicated.

Requirements

• 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) or ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) (preferred at hire, must obtain prior to direct patient care).
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - AAP/AWHONN (preferred).
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or 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).
• Competency in at least two of the following environments: Nursery/NICU, PICU, ICU/CCU, ED, and general care areas (required).
• EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (preferred).
• Master's Degree in a related field (preferred).
• Demonstrates knowledge of growth and development principles across the lifespan (neonates, infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, geriatrics).

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Good organizational, time management, and customer service skills.
• Ability to gather and interpret data, receive feedback, and demonstrate accountability.
• Knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment (e.g., oximeters, end-tidal CO2 analyzers).
• Proficiency in therapeutic procedures (e.g., CPAP/BiPap, oxygen therapy, ventilator management, diagnostic testing).
• Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Experience with arterial blood gas punctures and testing, airway maneuvers, bedside pulmonary function, and chest X-ray interpretation.
• Ability to educate patients and caregivers on cardiopulmonary diseases and treatment options.

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads.
• Exposure to physical altercations, verbal abuse, high noise levels, and bright lights.
• Exposure to hazardous substances, body fluids, human blood, and other potentially infectious materials.
• Periods of constant interruptions.
• Required to exercise universal precautions and use personal protective equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, with 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.