Job Description
Avera Health is seeking a dedicated Respiratory Therapist to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will assess, plan, and deliver respiratory care treatments, manage ventilators, perform diagnostic testing, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary care team to optimize patient outcomes. You'll educate patients and families on respiratory health and therapies while documenting care accurately. At Avera Health, you'll work in a compassionate, collaborative environment that values hospitality, stewardship, and professional growth within a leading regional health system.
Responsibilities
- Provide safe, evidence based respiratory care to patients across acute, sub acute, and outpatient settings as ordered by providers
- Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments and adjust therapy plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team
- Administer aerosol therapies, bronchodilators, and manage oxygen and humidity therapy
- Manage non invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, monitoring patient response and making appropriate adjustments within protocol
- Obtain and analyze arterial blood gases and other bedside diagnostics, reporting critical values and changes promptly
- Respond to rapid response and code blue events, assisting with airway management, manual ventilation, and resuscitation equipment
- Educate patients and families on respiratory medications, inhaler and nebulizer use, oxygen safety, and chronic disease self management
- Document all assessments, treatments, patient responses, and education accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record
- Participate in equipment checks, basic maintenance, and ensure proper cleaning, storage, and safe use of respiratory devices and supplies
- Support and participate in quality improvement, patient safety initiatives, and ongoing clinical education within the department
- Demonstrate Avera Health's values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship in all interactions with patients, families, and colleagues
Required Skills
- Respiratory assessment and care planning
- Administration of aerosol and bronchodilator therapy
- Oxygen and humidity therapy management
- Non invasive and invasive ventilator management
- Arterial blood gas sampling and interpretation
- Pulse oximetry and basic spirometry
- Airway management in emergency situations
- Knowledge of cardiopulmonary pathophysiology (COPD, asthma, pneumonia, etc.)
- Infection prevention and control practices
- Electronic medical record documentation
- Patient and family education on respiratory care and equipment
- Interdisciplinary communication and teamwork
- Equipment troubleshooting and basic maintenance
- Time management and prioritization in acute care settings
