Student Respiratory Therapist

Location: Riverview Regional Medical Center – Gadsden, AL | Employment Type: Per Diem (PD / PRN) | Shifts: Variable (flexible for student schedule)

About the role

We are seeking a Student Respiratory Therapist (Student RT) who will work under the direct supervision of a Respiratory Therapist. This role focuses on learning and assisting with a range of respiratory care procedures and treatments, providing hands-on experience while maintaining patient safety. The Student RT is typically enrolled in a respiratory therapy program and participates in clinical rotations within the hospital as part of their education.

Responsibilities

• Administer respiratory treatments such as oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, chest physiotherapy, or other related respiratory tasks.
• Oxygen Therapy: Administer oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or low oxygen levels.
• Aerosol Medications: Deliver medications via nebulizers or inhalers to help treat conditions like asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
• Chest Physiotherapy: Assist in techniques to help patients clear mucus from their lungs.
• Monitor patients' respiratory rates, oxygen levels (using pulse oximeters), and breathing patterns.
• Assist in the drawing and analyzing of blood samples to assess levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood (Arterial Blood Gases - ABG).
• Observe and adjust mechanical ventilators for patients who are unable to breathe independently, ensuring settings are appropriate based on the patient's condition.
• Enhance skills on initial assessments of patients with breathing problems, including listening to lung sounds and assessing symptoms; report findings to supervising RTs or doctors to adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Assist with respiratory procedures such as:
  • Intubation and Extubation: Assist in the placement or removal of endotracheal tubes, which help patients breathe in critical situations.
  • Suctioning: Help remove secretions from a patient's airway to maintain a clear passage for breathing.

Requirements

• Must be approved with State Respiratory Therapy board to work as a Student Respiratory Therapist.
• Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current certification.
• At minimum, must be enrolled in an accredited respiratory therapy program and have completed the first semester of clinical rotations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must not be ineligible for an accredited respiratory therapy program for any reason.

Preferred Qualifications

• Student who has completed more than one semester of a respiratory therapy program.
• Other medical experience.

Benefits

Full benefits available. For more details, visit Prime Healthcare Benefits.