UnityPoint Health·Des Moines, Iowa
Provide expert respiratory care and diagnostic testing for a diverse patient population ranging from neonates to adults. Collaborate with healthcare teams to administer therapies, manage artificial airways, and document patient responses in the EMR.
Assess respiratory status through exams and medicalrecord review, providing appropriate care across neonatal to adult populations. Administer respiratory therapies including medical gas delivery, nebulization, chest physiotherapy, airway management, and invasive/noninvasive ventilation. Perform diagnostic procedures such as ABG collection/analysis, pulmonary function testing, and pulse oximetry. Monitor patient responses to therapy, adjust treatments as needed, and escalate concerns to the care team. Manage artificial airways, troubleshoot respiratory equipment, and maintain safe, effective operation of all devices. Participate in medical emergency response teams and assist with internal patient transport. Document all assessments, treatments, and patient responses accurately in the EMR and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Set up, clean, and maintain respiratory equipment; mentor students and new staff; and contribute to qualityimprovement and safety initiatives.
Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program is required Graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory Care program is required Experience: None License(s)/Certification(s): Must have CRT credential and be actively pursuing a RRT credential. All employees will have 6 months from date of hire to obtain RRT credential. If testing attempted but not passed by the 6-month deadline, therapist may remain employed provided they provide proof of re-attempt of test every 3 months. Employees who fail to pass necessary testing within a 2-year time frame will fail to meet this requirement. Must have current licensure in good standing to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in Iowa Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within three (3) months from date of hire. If main specialization is to cover a critical care unit, must have ACLS, PALS or NRP Certification (within 1 years of hire). Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons. If specializing in one of the critical care units, prefer Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) and/or Neonatal-Pediatric Specialty (NPS) credentials.
Requires an associate or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from a CoARC approved program and a current Iowa license. Must hold a CRT credential and obtain an RRT credential within six months of hire, along with BLS certification.
Market context
Respiratory Therapist roles in Iowa are typically in steady demand across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings, especially for candidates who can cover variable schedules. Contract openings can be competitive because employers often look for licensed clinicians who can work 20 to 40 hours per week and adapt quickly to different patient needs. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your availability and credential details before applying.
