Durham, North Carolina
Posted: 21-Oct-25
Location: Denver, Colorado
Internal Number: R13112
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Department
Respiratory TherapyThe 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.
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
- RCP-Respiratory Care Practitioner License - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies required
- ACLS-Advanced Cardiac Life Support - AHA - American Heart Association
- BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - 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
Varies (United States of America)Work Type
PRN/IntermittentSalary
$30.68 - $47.55 / hrBenefits
Social security replacement retirement plan with employer contribution of 3%
On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes
Community resource navigation support
Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
Education & development opportunities including career pathways and coaching
Our Values
Respect
Belonging
Accountability
Transparency
All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.
Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care 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, a Public Health Institute, an HMO and The Denver Health Foundation.
As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net institution, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided billions in uncompensated care for the uninsured. Denver Health is viewed as an Anchor Institution for the community, focusing on hiring and purchasing locally as applicable, serving as a pillar for community needs, and caring for more than 185,000 individuals and 67,000 children a 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.
Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.