Covenant Health·Oak Ridge, Tennessee
The intern supports respiratory department operations by cleaning, assembling, and distributing equipment and managing oxygen tank stocks. They also assist therapists with the transport of mechanically ventilated patients and perform chart reviews.
Overview Respiratory Therapy Intern PRN/OCC, Variable Hours and Shifts Methodist Overview: Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, part of Covenant Health, is a trusted regional hospital serving East Tennessee with advanced care and a personal touch. With more than 30 specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and vascular care, the facility offers innovative treatments for complex conditions like aneurysms, joint damage, heart failure, and chronic wounds. Backed by a team of over 1,000 healthcare professionals and 250 physicians, Methodist Medical Center combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, earning national recognition for patient safety and excellence in stroke and heart care. Our facilities offer patients all the benefits of medical expertise and innovation while still embodying the convenience of a hometown medical center that is close to the support of family and friends.
The Respiratory Therapy Intern is responsible for supporting the overall operations of the Respiratory Department, which consists of equipment cleaning, assembling and distribution, transporting, oxygen tank replacement, stocking of all disposables, items and equipment to designated areas. The intern will have no direct patient care until licensed through the State of Tennessee.
Maintains respiratory equipment. This includes cleaning and disinfecting equipment in accordance with procedures, assembly and testing of equipment if appropriate, notifying and communicating with biomedical engineering regarding broken or malfunctioning equipment. Responsible for oxygen tank stocking and replacement where needed. Maintains equipment set up and delivery. Maintains direct communication with respiratory practitioners regarding equipment and other departmental needs. Assists therapists with transport of mechanically ventilator patients and responds to equipment requests to ensure an efficient and orderly process. Performs chart review for RT to evaluate and treat assessments to be overseen by a therapist on that shift. Demonstrates and maintains current/active BLS. Maintains clean work area. Attends meetings as required and participates on committees as directed. Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
Minimum Education: None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED. Current and active enrollment in a CoArc approved Respiratory Therapy Program. Must be a second year student. Minimum Experience: One (1) year of both Clinical and Didactical completion of Respiratory Therapy Academic completion of an accredited CoArc Respiratory Care Program evident by submission of college/university program director or appointee on college/university letterhead. Licensure Requirements: None at the time of hire. Current BLS.
Candidates must be second-year students currently enrolled in a CoArc approved Respiratory Therapy Program with one year of clinical and didactical completion. A current BLS certification is required.
Market context
In Tennessee, respiratory therapy intern roles are typically tied to clinical training pipelines and can be competitive because employers look for candidates already enrolled in a CoARC-approved program and able to maintain active BLS certification. These postings are often attractive to students seeking hands-on experience without prior work history, and requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description to save research time. Before applying, confirm your program status and BLS credentials are current.