Respiratory Care Practitioner, Nights

About the Role

The Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) at Houston Methodist West Hospital performs routine respiratory care procedures of varying complexity, including preparation, administration, and monitoring of medication and treatment modalities, gas therapy, ventilator support, spirometry, and assistance with bronchoscopy. The RCP may also conduct diagnostic testing of the cardiac‑respiratory system, provide direct assistance to physicians and other health professionals, and deliver exceptional patient care while adhering to standards set by respiratory and regulatory agencies and Houston Methodist.

Responsibilities

• Perform respiratory care procedures such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, spirometry, lung volume determination, airway resistance measurement, breath diffusion capacity, bronchoprovocation testing, maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures, bronchodilator administration, and related diagnostic radiology procedures.
• Prepare, administer, and monitor treatment modalities and medication delivery.
• Implement, monitor, and evaluate ventilator support.
• Conduct additional procedures and tests as needed, including electrocardiograms, Holter monitoring, and arterial blood gas sampling.
• Provide patient positioning, physiology education, procedure preparation, and technical adjustments to optimize respiratory care outcomes.
• Troubleshoot, calibrate, and perform preventive maintenance and quality control on equipment and analyzers; document activities per department guidelines.
• Assemble, prepare, clean, and operate bronchoscopy equipment and related accessories; report malfunctions.
• Assist physicians directly, ensuring quality, acceptability, and reliability of test results; take corrective action and involve appropriate personnel when necessary.
• Document all patient care and respiratory‑related activities accurately in the designated documentation system and enter charges at the time service is delivered.
• Use resources efficiently, minimizing waste of supplies and incidental overtime.
• Participate in practice projects focused on innovation, efficiency, or improvement in patient care; adopt new care pathways or service lines.
• Identify personal learning needs, seek continuing education, and maintain an up‑to‑date individual development plan (IDP).
• Promote a positive, team‑focused work environment; communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and co‑workers; serve as a patient advocate and contribute to department performance metrics.

Requirements

• Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s).
• One year experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner preferred.
• FLSA status: Non‑exempt.

Licenses and Certifications

• RRT – Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC).
• RCP – Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (American Heart Association).
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Instructor (American Heart Association).
• Preferred: PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life Support or Instructor (American Heart Association), depending on area assigned.
• Preferred: NRP – Neonatal Resuscitation or Instructor (American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics), depending on area assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated competence to safely perform assigned duties, validated through ongoing assessments.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English, especially for safety‑critical communication.
• Effective communication with patients, physicians, families, and co‑workers, emphasizing customer service and positive language.
• Basic computer knowledge; ability to operate multiple systems for patient and exam documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and team‑player skills across all levels of the healthcare team.
• Time‑management skills; ability to prioritize multiple ongoing tasks with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities, organized workflow, and active problem‑solving.

Supplemental Requirements

• Uniform: No scrubs required; business professional attire not required; other department‑approved attire permitted.
• On‑call: May be required during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events).
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area; travel outside the metropolitan area not required.