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Denver Health
Denver, Colorado

Sr Respiratory Therapist (Nights)

Respiratory TherapistIncludes callFull-Time

Listed compensation

$33.18–$49.77 /hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Sr Respiratory Therapist (Nights) to join our team! We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey.

Our Values Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency Department Respiratory Therapy The Respiratory Therapy department provides protocolized therapist driven care in our Level I Trauma Center, Severe Acuity Medical Cardiac ICU, Level 3B Neonatal ICU, Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, Emergency Rooms and tertiary centers of Denver Health.

Patients come from throughout the region to be cared for in our hospital. The RT department is equipped with all the necessities, technology, and emergency equipment for providing the full spectrum of care to the most critically ill and injured patients.

Our patient population consists of the critically ill of all ages. The ECLS/ECMO program is staffed only by trained RTs.

Our RT to patient ratios consistently allow for comprehensive are averaging 1:6 RT to ventilator. *Respiratory Therapists are eligible for highly competitive shift differentials, and advancement ability through a career ladder with additional compensation. * Full Time and PRN/ Intermittent Opportunities Available.

Job Summary Under general supervision, administers safe and competent respiratory care as ordered by a physician, with emphasis in critical care areas. Monitors mechanical ventilation, administers medications and performs patient assessment.

Understands ramifications of hemodynamic monitoring, arterial blood gas analysis, and other complex physiologic data. Essential Functions: Initiates, maintains, monitors and document mechanical ventilator support. Performs effective airway management to include bag/mask ventilation.

Assist physician with endotracheal intubation. Demonstrates safe and appropriate suction techniques and use of artificial airways. Initiates and performs CPR. Primarily responsible for airway management during emergent situations. Performs arterial blood gas analysis in accordance with CLIA and CAP regulations.

Evaluates chest x-ray for endotracheal tube placement and other conditions for optimizing delivery of Respiratory Care. Administers oxygen through a variety of oxygen delivery devices. Delivers aerosol therapy including small volume nebulizers and large volume nebulizers. Performs pulmonary hygiene therapy.

Provides noninvasive ventilator support to intubated and non-intubated patients. Assists with in-house transport of patients. Effectively discusses advanced respiratory pathophysiology with physicians, able to implement changes based on patient condition.

(35%) Maintains accurate and complete documentation of all Respiratory Care procedures per department and hospital standards. Verifies and completes Respiratory Care physician’s orders. Receives and gives accurate and complete handoff report.

Updates and completes patient information for handoff report to reflect patient’s current clinical status. Be prepared to receive/give report at specified times. Provides timely and accurate update information to the providers and other hospital personnel.

Make recommendations for changes or modification of patient therapy by contacting provider. Assists with delivery of supplies, and assures adequate supply of respiratory therapy equipment in work area. Assists with the cleaning, setup, and testing of respiratory equipment.

Assists in the delivery of compressed gas cylinders. Provides assistance in arranging for discharges as requested. (35%) Maintains and follows all infection control practices per department and hospital standards. Complies with all departmental and hospital guidelines, policies, and written expectations.

Reports observed adverse changes in a patient’s condition and/or treatment plan to a member of the medical or nursing staff. Maintains competencies, credentials, certifications, certified education credits and education as directed by the department.

(30%) Education: Associate's Degree Graduation from an AMA approved School for Registration in Respiratory Care, passing score on the NBRC examination for Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at the time of application required Work Experience: 1-3 years experience as a Respiratory Therapist.

Licenses: Registered Respiratory Therapist - RRT - NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care required RTL-Respiratory Therapy License - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies required BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association or American Red Cross required ACLS-Advanced Cardiac Life Support - AHA - American Heart Association PALS-Pediatric Advanced Life Support - AHA - American Heart Association NRP-Neonatal Resuscitation Program - AHA - American Heart Association Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Respiratory Care standards and guidelines used to perform essential functions of the job.

Excellent working knowledge of Respiratory Care instruments and equipment Understand and institute advanced invasive or non-invasive modes of ventilation as ordered by physician or per protocol Excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, hospital staff and coworkers.

Has the skill to properly use ventilators, monitoring equipment, oxygen-respiratory equipment and other clinic tools. Ability to deliver medical gases, set up and maintain the device and ensure appropriate humidification levels. Proficient in MS Office.

Shift Nights (United States of America) Work Type Regular Salary $33.18 - $49.77 / hr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community.

Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs.

We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions.

When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

Here is a small list of our benefit programs: Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5% Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.

Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation) Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more Tuition reimbursement & assistance Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer About Denver Health Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer. Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community.

All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.

We Love Our Purpose Our purpose shapes our culture and guides how we show up—for our patients, our communities, and one another. Every role at Denver Health contributes to improving lives, advancing health equity, and strengthening the communities we serve.

Together, we strive to transform the health of our patients and to be the most trusted healthcare provider in Colorado. Our values—respect, belonging, transparency, and accountability—are the foundation of our culture and are reflected across every position, clinical and nonclinical alike.

No matter where you work at Denver Health, your role has a meaningful impact on patient health—often in ways you may not even realize. We invest in our people through resources designed to support both immediate success and long-term growth.

Mentorship programs, tuition assistance, and our Workforce Development Center help employees transition seamlessly into their roles while preparing for future advancement. We also lead the market with a competitive benefits package, including retirement contributions with a match of up to 9.5%.

Recognizing the emotional and physical demands of many jobs in healthcare, we created the RESTORE Center—a leading-edge space that provides intentional peer-support, and an innovative environment designed to reduce burnout and support employee well-being.

At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Lear

Key Responsibilities

Administers safe and competent respiratory care with a focus on critical care areas, including monitoring mechanical ventilation and performing patient assessments. Responsible for airway management during emergent situations and coordinating care with physicians and nursing staff.

Requirements

Requires an Associate's degree from an AMA approved school and RRT certification from the NBRC. Candidates must possess 1-3 years of experience and hold active licenses/certifications including BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP.

Qualifications

Education
Associate degree
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Clinical Documentation

Respiratory Therapy Career Context

Of the 40 active Respiratory Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 3% are remote, 53% have no call, 63% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Colorado is 103.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$86k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $84k in an average-cost state. 60.9% of Colorado clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Respiratory Therapist Jobs

25 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution25 jobs · 22 employers

8
<$95k
10
$95k-110k
4
$110k-125k
3
$125k-140k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks18 jobs

401k / retirement match
89% this job
Sign-on bonus
33%
Loan repayment
11% this job
Relocation assistance
11%
PSLF eligible
11% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Respiratory Therapist

Sutter Health · Sacramento, California

$47.68-$66.75/hr
#2

Respiratory Therapist – CRT/RRT

Garnet Health · Middletown, New York

$45.05 - $63.70/hr
#3

Respiratory Therapist II

$41.41-$62.92/hr
#4

Respiratory Therapist (RT), Cardiopulmonary Rehab - Full Time (36hrs/week), Egg Harbor Township

$36.14-$56.23/hr
+ 23 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 3.0
Better work-life than 50% of Respiratory Therapy listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 3,889 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes call

Living in Denver

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$560k
Typical market rent
$1,881/mo
Residents’ average commute
25 min
State income tax
Up to 4.4%
Sources & methodology

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

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

Denver Health logo

About Denver Health

Hospitals and Health Care
Denver, CO
5,001-10,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

28 days PTO
100% paid parental leave
Retirement with up to 9.5% employer contribution
Medical, dental, vision
Free RTD EcoPass
Tuition reimbursement
PSLF eligible
Shift differentials