Bethesda Health Group logo
Bethesda Health Group
Belleville, Illinois

Respiratory Therapist | As Needed

Respiratory TherapistPer Diem

Listed compensation

$24.74-$40.07/hr

Listing transparency2 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Per Diem
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 29m ago · Verified live

Job Description

Bethesda Brings out the Best in Talented, Caring People!

At Bethesda, more than 1,200 employees dedicate their careers to improving the lives of others.

As a team member at Bethesda, you'll enjoy great benefits such as: 403b, daily pay, bonuses, career advancement opportunities, and holiday pay.

Medical, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance available for regular status full and part time employees.

Summary

Set up and operate devices such as non-invasive mechanical ventilators, CPAP, BiPAP, oxygen tanks, concentrators, and compressors, following specified parameters of treatment per physicians order. Provide emergency care and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, mode, and duration of therapy, compatible with physicians' orders. Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, breath sounds, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur. Read prescription, physicians order, and review patient information to assess patient condition. Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care. Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary. Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, home safety, travel, and processes to facilitate independence. Instruct on the use of medications and proper care of respiratory equipment. Perform trach care, medication administration, chest physiotherapy, and instruct patients in pulmonary hygiene, essentials of humidity and hydration. Perform lung capacity and oximetry measurement and adjust therapy to obtain optimum results. Conduct thorough evaluation of patients to assess cardiopulmonary functions. Communicate results in a timely manner to physicians and staff. Maintain productivity guidelines and adjust schedule as necessary to achieve goals. Precise documentation is required at all times. May be assigned other duties as appropriate.

Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy required
  • Must have knowledge of and expertise for geriatric population and/or rehabilitation
  • Current and valid RRT or CRT license
  • Graduate of an AMA approved respiratory therapy program
  • Active Respiratory Care license in the state you will be working
  • CPR certification required, or willing to obtain within six months of employment
  • Geriatric and rehabilitation experience preferred

Experience working as a Respiratory Therapist in a long-term care facility, pulmonary rehabilitation department, LTAC, or hospital setting

  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively and with minimal supervision
  • Compassionate and caring attitude
  • Ability to perform necessary documentation and maintain productivity guidelines

Ability to lift and or move items with weights of 10-35lbs using proper lifting techniques and asking for assistance when necessary

Manual dexterity and skillful use of hands when working with residents and equipment

May be climbing, grasping, pushing, pulling, reaching, sitting, squatting, bending, kneeling, standing, walking or lifting

  • Pay range: $24.74 - $40.07 per hour
  • Category: Respiratory Therapy

Key Responsibilities

The Respiratory Therapist will operate and maintain respiratory equipment while monitoring patient physiological responses to therapy. They will also collaborate with healthcare teams to manage patient care and provide emergency assistance including CPR.

Qualifications

Education
Associate degree
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Mechanical ventilationPatient assessmentVital signs monitoringEquipment maintenancePatient education

Respiratory Therapy Career Context

Of the 40 active Respiratory Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 3% are remote, 75% have no call, 65% require no weekends.

Respiratory Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 3.4% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$67k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $67k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Respiratory Therapist Jobs

27 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution21 jobs

7
<$95k
6
$95k-105k
3
$105k-115k
3
$115k-125k
2
$125k+

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks20 jobs

401k / retirement match
65% this job
CME allowance
20%
Relocation assistance
20%
Sign-on bonus
15%
Loan repayment
5%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Respiratory Therapist - per diem, day shiftPer Diem

Beth Israel Lahey Health · Danvers, Minnesota

$39.59-$58.83/hr
#2

Respiratory Therapist II PRNPer Diem

Sentara Health · South Boston, Virginia

$37.61-$55.27/hr
#3

Respiratory Therapist - 24 to 36 hours a week

$36.11-$46.39/hr
#4

Respiratory Therapist

$38-$44/hr
+ 25 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

3.0/ 10
Listing-based score

Living in Belleville

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$184k
Typical market rent
$1,077/mo
Residents’ average commute
25 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
95.1
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · St. Louis, MO-IL metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Bethesda Health Group logo

About Bethesda Health Group

Hospitals and Health Care
St Louis, Missouri
201-500 employees

Benefits & Perks

403b
Daily Pay
Bonuses
Career Advancement Opportunities
Holiday Pay
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance