Respiratory Care Practitioner - NICU (Full-time, Night Shift)

About the Location

Nestled on the Central California Coast, Adventist Health Sierra Vista is a 162-bed acute care facility that has served the community since 1959. The hospital includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and is a county-designated trauma center. San Luis Obispo offers a lively community with coastal charm, including nearby Avila Beach (known for natural hot springs) and Pismo Beach (known for sand dunes and eucalyptus trees). The area features a charming downtown, comfortable coastal weather, idyllic views, and an active lifestyle.

About the Role

Performs basic and critical respiratory care services, working both independently and supervising others as delegated. Provides respiratory care for adult and geriatric patients with respiratory disease, as ordered by the physician and in accordance with department policies. This position is represented by SEIU.

Responsibilities

• Assesses and documents the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory therapy, including recommendations for patients receiving care.
• Administers aerosol and oxygen therapy while maintaining patient charts.
• Draws arterial blood gases per policy and physician order.
• Provides care to ventilator patients, including ensuring completion of the initial ventilator bundle orders and compliance with VAP bundle protocols.
• Assists in department record keeping, training, and supervision of new employees.
• Documents care given, maintains treatment records, and generates necessary documents for charges or record keeping.
• Instructs nursing personnel in patient and equipment surveillance after initial installation.
• Performs pulmonary function tests, drainage procedures, and additional patient care related to cardio-respiratory disease.
• Provides suggestions regarding patient treatment and pulmonary progress.
• Assists in cardio-respiratory rehabilitation and instructs patients and families on the nature of cardio-respiratory disease.
• Conducts rounds to check all respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas.
• Identifies measurable outcomes and uses appropriate therapy interventions to resolve patient needs.
• Updates and communicates the diagnosis throughout the patient’s stay based on changing conditions.
• Assists with maintenance, processing, and stocking of equipment and products used in respiratory therapy.
• Serves as a knowledge resource to physicians and hospital staff on respiratory care technical aspects and therapy effectiveness.
• Assists in setting up specialty equipment, keeping it clean and ready for use.
• Assists physicians with bronchoscopies and special procedures.
• Supports quality control, staff schedules, and competencies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-RRT) credential or Certified Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-CRT) credential (preferred).
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license (required).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from an approved vendor (required).
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification from an approved vendor (required).
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from an approved vendor (required).
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from an approved vendor (required).

Adventist Health requires all associates to receive required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.