Respiratory Therapist - CommonSpirit Health

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

Performs respiratory patient care to include Aerosol Therapy, ABGs, ETTs, Bronchus, ECGs, CPT, Vent Care, CPAP/BIPAP therapy and other Respiratory Care Procedures in accordance with all department safety, risk management and procedural standards.

• Monitors patients for adverse reaction, and takes corrective action.
• Attends high-risk deliveries and C/sections to provide patient care within scope of practice.
• Under direction of a Provider, performs activities relating to ventilator/CPAP/Airway management, surfactant replacement and all other modalities of respiratory care within scope of practice.
• May be required to perform EEG studies.

Continually evaluates and assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of patients using data acquired from physical examination, respiratory monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.

• Determine the effectiveness and/or need for change in the therapy being administered and make recommendations to the physicians and/or Manager regarding treatment.
• Communicates patient assessment to nursing and other staff, as appropriate.

Documents all work activity in applicable computer system to include billing charges in accordance with department specific processes.

Participates in the transfer of equipment and supplies to and from other Cardiopulmonary Departments as necessary; cleans, assembles and maintains CPS equipment and restocks supplies as needed.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Requires graduation from an approved school of Respiratory Therapy and one (1) year recent clinical experience in Respiratory Care that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities. Work experience in the specialty area is preferred. 

If required to perform EEGs: Two years of work experience in a medical field; graduation from an accredited neurophysiologic technology program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and/or Registry in an Electroneurodiagnostics (END) discipline (preferred) OR successful completion of an internal structured training program specific to the performance of EEG procedures.

Job Knowledge/Abilities

• Knowledge of the practices, standards, techniques and tools/equipment applicable to basic and advanced respiratory patient care, including critical care, oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, IS, CPR, aerosol therapy, ECG’s arterial blood gas analysis, patient assessment and airway management.

• Knowledge of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health patient care standards and practices, legal issues, and general regulatory requirements applicable to respiratory therapy as conducted within designated scope of authority.

• Knowledge of proper body mechanics, proper posture, repetitive relief measures and static posture relief measures.

• Ability to efficiently and effectively perform respiratory patient care therapies, protocols and other procedures.

• Ability to convey information effectively in verbal and written communications.

• Ability to perform visual inspection of equipment condition and operation, assemble small parts and read measuring devices.

• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position.

• Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position.

Licensure/Certification

License to practice as a respiratory care practitioner through the Washington State Department of Health required. 

Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board of Respiratory Care required (effective 10/1/19).

Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification within six (6) months of date of hire.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of date of hire. NOTE: Those hired before March 1, 2024 have 12 months to obtain the certification.

Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP) within 6 months of date of hire.

Respiratory Therapists currently working in Hyperabic Medicine will attend a Certified Hyperbaric Training course and will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) license within 120 days.

New hires in Hyperbaric Medicine: Upon completion of the 90-day introductory period, will attend the Certified Hyperbaric Training course. Upon completion of the course, an additional 480 hours of on-the-job training will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) license.