Mercy Health·Urbana, Ohio
The Respiratory Care Practitioner I provides comprehensive respiratory care including patient assessment, planning, and the administration of oxygen and aerosolized medications. They are responsible for ventilator care, diagnostic services, and educating patients and staff on respiratory therapies.
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Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36
Work Shift: Days (United States of America)
Mercy Health: Intro paragraph
As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.
The Respiratory Care Practitioner I is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs all respiratory care procedures including but not limited to oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services and patient and staff education. Monitors the patient's response to such therapies and makes recommendations to change or modify based on the assessment.
May serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
Assesses patient's physical status by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior and reviewing existing data in patient's record.
Performs treatments according to physician orders, explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response.
Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals including IPPB, Aerosol therapy, Postural drainage and percussion, ultrasonic nebulizer, incentive spirometry, metered dose inhalers and spacers, etc.
Sets up and maintains different modes of oxygen therapy, to maintain adequate PaO2’s with accurate inspired levels of oxygen.
Administers intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or Aerosol Therapy by first preparing the prescribed medication ordered by the physician and adjusting the machine or device to accomplish patient’s individual clinical needs; document and observe patient’s vital signs, productivity of cough, relief of Dyspnea, improved breath sounds and any adverse reactions to therapy; and use judgement and technical skill to determine possible adverse reactions and suggestions for appropriateness of therapy.
Gives postural drainage, vibration, percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions by use of manual or mechanical percussion; check orders and X-rays for segments to be treated prior to initiating treatment; auscultation prior to and after procedure to note presence of clearance of secretions and response to therapy.
Instructs patients and families in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler (MDI) administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care and home aerosol therapy.
May assist doctor with bronchoscopy and tracheostomy; assists with tracheostomy endotracheal tube changes; ensures proper humidification.
Procurement of sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance either by patient coaching, administration of mucolytics, aerosol therapy or endotracheal / nasopharyngeal suctioning.
Evaluates normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory value ranges.
Performs arterial punctures and analysis; has an in-depth knowledge of analysis and arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation. Performs arterial line procedures, takes safety precautions, sterile procedure, flushing, and ABG aspirations.
May perform EKG’s; understands electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
Maintains all Respiratory Therapy equipment and supplies.
Responds to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances.
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
• Bachelor's Degree, Related to Respiratory Therapy/Health care/Healthcare Admin/Business Admin (preferred)
• EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred)
Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.
As a Mercy Health [https://careers.mercy.com/us/en/lifeatmercy?utm_source=job_description] associate, you’re part of a Misson that matters. We support your well-being – personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
may vary based on the market and employment status.
Respiratory Therapy - Springfield
It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you’d like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health– Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com [recruitment@mercy.com]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com [recruitment@mercy.com].
Candidates must hold a current state Respiratory Care License, NBRC credentials, and BLS certification. A bachelor's degree and RRT, ACLS, or PALS certifications are preferred.
Market context
Respiratory care roles in Ohio hospitals are often in steady demand because they support emergency, inpatient, and critical care services. This position is competitive for candidates with a current Ohio Respiratory Care License, NBRC credentials, and BLS, while a bachelor’s degree plus RRT, ACLS, or PALS can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and highlight any acute-care experience before applying.