The Respiratory Therapist assesses patient conditions, provides respiratory therapy, and maintains ventilator support in critical and non-critical areas. They also perform diagnostic studies, assist with bedside procedures, and participate in emergency response teams.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a current Respiratory Therapist license and NBRC credentials, with at least 6 months of clinical experience. Basic Life Support certification is required, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support must be obtained within one year of hire.
associate degreebachelor degreeprofessional certificateBasic Life SupportAdvanced Cardiovascular Life SupportOximetryPatient assessmentCritical careDiagnostic testingAirway managementRespiratory therapyVentilator supportArterial blood gas analysisBronchoscopy assistanceCO2 monitoringMetabolic studiesBedside PFT testingArtificial ventilation
Job description
St.
Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees.
The employees of St.
Luke's are our most valuable asset!
Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.
The Registered Respiratory Therapist assesses patient’s condition and need for respiratory care; provides appropriate therapy in designated critical and all non-critical areas according to the physician order.
Sets up and maintains appropriate ventilator support.
Performs diagnostic studies and evaluates results as they relate to the patient.
Perform shift charge for department as needed or assigned.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Sets up and maintains ventilatory support of both adult and children in all critical care areas.
Makes changes and weans patient in concert with physician`s approval or protocol.
Evaluates patient, documents patient assessment and findings on medical record and consult with physicians regarding appropriate therapy.
Administers respiratory care and O2 therapy modalities to patient following physician order or protocol.
Evaluates results of therapy.
Serves as a member of the “Code Blue” and “Rapid Response” team.
Draws arterial blood gases, maintains patient airways, and provides artificial ventilation.
Performs arterial puncture on adult, children.
Analyzes specimens for blood gas values.
Performs A-line insertion after appropriate training on adult patients.
Performs diagnostic studies such as oximetry, CO2 monitoring, O2 consumption, metabolic studies, bedside PFT testing.
Evaluates patients and consults with physician regarding appropriate therapy.
Participates in in-service education.
Assists physician with bronchoscopy at bedside, fluoroscopy and GI Lab.
Appropriately labels and handles specimens.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Sitting up to two hours per day – 1 hour increments.
Standing up to 3 hours per day – 1 hour increments.
Walking up to 12 hours per day – 15 minute increments.
Frequently uses fingers to manipulate small vials, equipment, etc.
Continuous use of hands for writing and operating respiratory equipment.
Continuous twisting/turning of hands and body to provide patient care.
Occasional lifting of boxes and equipment up to 25 pounds.
Frequently carrying of objects/equipment up to 25 pounds.
Frequent pushing/pulling of equipment or patients up to 300 pounds.
Frequent stooping/bending.
Occasional crouching.
Occasional reaching above shoulder level.
Ability to palpate arteries, feel skin temperature, etc.
Hearing as it relates to normal, high and low frequencies.
Seeing as it relates to general, far, near, color, and peripheral vision.
Depth perception.
EDUCATION: Current License as a Respiratory Therapist.
Received credentials through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Associate or Bachelor degree preferred TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 6 months clinical experience, either concurrent with training program or post-graduation.
Departmental orientation appropriate for knowledge and expertise.
Certified in Basic Life Support by the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support required within one (1) year of hire.
PALS is recommended.
Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address.
Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.
Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable.
It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application.
Thank you for your interest in St.
Luke's!!
St.
Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Founded in 1872, St.
Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network of more than 23,000 employees providing services at 16 campuses and 350+ outpatient sites.
With annual net revenue in excess of $4 billion, the Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey.
St.
Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St.
Luke’s Children’s Hospital.
SLUHN is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction.
It is both a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital.
The Network’s flagship University Hospital has earned the 100 Top Major Teaching Hospital designation from Premier 13 times total and eleven years in a row, including in 2023 when it was identified as THE #4 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY.
In 2021, St.
Luke’s was identified as one of the 15 Top Health Systems nationally.
St.
Luke’s is the ONLY health care institution in the Lehigh Valley to be named a Top Workplace regionally repeating the exclusive honor for the third year in a row.
Also, for the third straight year, St.
Luke’s has been a Top Workplaces in the Philadelphia Region by the Philadelphia Inquirer, ranking 9th in the large employer category for 2025 and the only health care system in PA to receive this award.
In 2025, St.
Luke’s was recognized as a national Top Workplaces by USA Today, three years in a row, including the 3rd best health care system in the nation in 2023 and 2024.
Lastly, in 2025, St.
Luke’s was named a Top Workplace in New Jersey for the third year in a row.
Learn More Here.
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