RT Respiratory Therapist Temporary 12 Weeks 48/hr

About the role

Vibra Permanent Staffing is seeking an experienced and dedicated Respiratory Therapist for a direct‑hire, full‑time opportunity with a trusted Long‑Term Acute Care (LTAC) partner in Pineville, NC. This is a specialty LTAC setting providing life‑changing care to high‑acuity patients recovering from complex medical conditions. The position is full‑time, days or nights.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to critically ill or medically complex patients.
• Collaborate with physicians and an interdisciplinary team to coordinate individualized care plans.
• Monitor patient progress, administer medications and treatments, and document clinical findings.
• Educate patients and families, and serve as an advocate for long‑term health and recovery.
• Maintain compliance with all policies, standards, and regulatory guidelines.
• Under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Manager and/or Lead Respiratory Therapist and upon physician request, set up and operate various types of respiratory care equipment for diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease/illness.
• Provide care for adult and geriatric patients (ages 18+).
• Demonstrate respect for the rights, dignity, and individuality of each patient in all interactions.
• Explain purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to patients; document all education on the patient education form in the chart.
• Conduct physician‑prescribed treatments including hand‑held nebulizer therapy, various nasal oxygen devices, chest physical therapy, and administration of medicinal vapors, gases, humidity, and oxygen concentrations.
• Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators when spontaneous ventilation is inadequate; participate in ventilator weaning using protocols and physician direction; adjust ventilator graphics for patient comfort and adequate flow.
• Maintain adequate ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; intubate as necessary.
• Record all pertinent treatment information and patient responses on respiratory care records and patient chart; place MARs on chart in proper order.
• Perform tracheostomy care per hospital policy; change trach tubes as needed and document changes on respiratory progress notes.
• Change tubing, inline suction devices, and suction canisters per policy.
• Report treatments and patient condition to relief personnel; give complete report of changes and new orders; keep primary care nurse informed.
• Process respiratory therapy equipment (ENT/bronchoscopes) including cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and proper transport using clean/dirty scope boxes; ensure Cidex OPA is functional with test strip within 24 hours.
• Perform preventative maintenance and repair of equipment; conduct EST and SST pre‑use checks on ventilators before each use or as needed; document in cleaning log.
• Make regular rounds: check ventilators at least every 4 hours, oxygen equipment at least once per shift, fill room humidifiers, change suction canisters daily, spot‑check other respiratory equipment per policy.
• Utilize specialized knowledge to perform diagnostic studies; perform and evaluate blood gas analysis (arterial and venous); demonstrate competency with blood gas devices; maintain annual continuing education related to laboratory practices.
• Assist in preparing respiratory/ventilator patients for physical therapy, ambulation, transport; properly store oxygen tanks per OSHA and hospital guidelines.
• Attend monthly Respiratory Care departmental meetings, general staff meetings, and in‑services.
• Adhere to all components of the Hospital Compliance Plan; report violations or suspected violations to the Compliance Officer.
• Demonstrate professional conduct; comply with hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
• Adhere to hospital attendance policy as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Comply with measures for preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Participate in the Hazardous Material Program (exposure to blood/body fluids, communicable diseases, sharps, chemicals, gases).
• Comply with established Safety and Patient Safety Program practices.
• Perform other incidental and related duties as required/assigned.
• Develop understanding of responsibilities for recognizing patient abuse; follow policy for referrals/interventions.
• Participate in Performance Improvement activities.
• Limit access to protected health information (PHI) to what is reasonably necessary; share only on a need‑to‑know basis for work purposes.

Requirements

• Active Respiratory Therapist license in North Carolina or a compact state.
• 1+ year of acute care, ICU, or LTAC experience strongly preferred.
• BLS required upon hire.
• ACLS required (must obtain within 90 days of employment if not already held).
• Maintain all licenses and certifications for the duration of employment.
• Strong clinical judgment and commitment to excellence in patient care.
• Compassionate, team‑oriented mindset.

Benefits

• Full‑time position – no contract or travel commitment.
• Work in a specialty LTAC setting with medically complex patients.
• Competitive salary plus shift differentials.
• Comprehensive benefits and PTO package.
• Supportive, mission‑driven work culture focused on quality outcomes.