Respiratory Therapist

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Position Specifics

• Title: Respiratory Therapist
• FTE: Per diem
• Schedule: Variable
• Holiday Rotation: Yes
• Weekend Rotation: As needed
• On Call Requirements: N/A

Per Diem

Per diem roles work as needed to cover scheduling needs and are expected to be available for a minimum of 3 shifts per month (leader may require greater availability). Based on department need, must be available to work holidays, weekends and off-shifts.

Position Summary

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for delivering high‑quality, patient‑centered respiratory care across the lifespan.

This role performs comprehensive assessments, develops, and implements individualized care plans, and provides therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory services in accordance with clinical guidelines and organizational standards.

The Respiratory Therapist collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Key responsibilities include administering respiratory therapies, managing airways during emergent situations, educating patients and families, and maintaining accurate clinical documentation.

This position plays a vital role in promoting respiratory health, supporting safe and effective care delivery, and contributing to the overall mission of Sauk Prairie Healthcare.

Position Technical Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive, age-appropriate respiratory assessments to determine patient care needs.

Interpret clinical findings—including physical assessment, diagnostic results, and patient history—to develop individualized respiratory care plans.

Collaborate with physicians, nursing, and interdisciplinary team members to adjust care plans based on patient response and clinical status.

Administer respiratory treatments and therapies including aerosol medication delivery, bronchial hygiene therapies, lung expansion therapies, and airway clearance techniques.

Manage oxygen delivery systems and ensure proper titration based on patient condition and established protocols.

Assist with airway management, including setup and support for intubation, extubation, and emergency airway procedures.

Provide respiratory support during Code Blue and other emergent situations, including manual ventilation and airway stabilization.

Initiate, monitor, and adjust invasive and non‑invasive mechanical ventilation in accordance with provider orders and established protocols

• Monitor ventilator parameters, troubleshoot system issues, and document patient response.
• Perform weaning assessments and implement weaning protocols when appropriate.
• Perform arterial punctures and obtain arterial blood gases (ABG) from arterial lines in accordance with quality and safety standards.
• Recommend or initiate appropriate interventions based on ABG interpretation and patient condition.
• Conduct pulmonary function testing (PFT) and other diagnostic respiratory evaluations.

Assist in neonatal resuscitation and stabilization in collaboration with obstetric and neonatal care teams when needed.

Educate patients and families on respiratory diseases, equipment use, smoking cessation, inhaler techniques, and self‑management strategies.

• Support patients in understanding treatment plans and expected therapeutic outcomes.
• Ensure all respiratory care equipment—including ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and monitoring devices—is clean, functional, and properly maintained.
• Perform troubleshooting and routine checks on equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Adhere to infection control practices, safety standards, and organizational policies.
• Document assessments, interventions, outcomes, and charges in the electronic health record accurately and in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Participate in patient care rounds and provide expert recommendations on respiratory management.
• Participate in continuing education, skills competency evaluations, and departmental in‑services.
• Support departmental initiatives, quality improvement activities, and evidence‑based practice implementation.

Position Requirements

Education

• Required: Associate degree in respiratory therapy.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or related Health Science

Experience

• Required: None
• Preferred: 1-3 years of respiratory therapy experience

Licenses and Registrations

• Required: State of Wisconsin license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner
• Preferred: None

Certification(s)

Required: Basic Life Support (BLS) within 3 months of hire, Advanced Cardiac Life Support within 6 months of hire, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within 1 year of hire, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – Within 1 year of hire.

Preferred: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Benefit Summary

• Competitive health and dental insurance options
• Flexible paid time off to balance work and life
• Retirement plan with immediate vesting and employer match
• Discounted membership to our state-of-the-art fitness facility
• Generous tuition reimbursement
• Employer provided life and disability insurance
• Free parking at facility