Knoxville Hospital and Clinics strive to be your healthcare destination, building on compassion and innovation. We are committed to faithfully providing exceptional healthcare. The values we hold true are Teamwork, Innovation, Compassion, Integrity, Service, and People-Centered.
The Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides comprehensive respiratory care services to patients across the lifespan in accordance with provider orders, evidence-based practice, state licensure requirements, CMS Conditions of Participation, and hospital policies. In the Critical Access Hospital setting, the RT functions as a versatile clinical team member, delivering respiratory treatments, emergency airway management, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, pulmonary function testing (PFT), home sleep study services, patient education, and support for quality improvement initiatives. The RT collaborates with providers, nursing staff, emergency personnel, rehabilitation staff, and ancillary departments to promote safe, high-quality patient care while supporting the mission of the hospital.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Patient Care
- Assess, treat, and monitor patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.
- Administer respiratory medications and aerosolized therapies.
- Perform oxygen therapy initiation and management.
- Manage non-invasive ventilation (CPAP/BiPAP/Airvo) as ordered.
- Assist providers with airway management, intubation, and emergency procedures.
- Obtain arterial blood gases (ABGs) and interpret results within scope of practice.
- Evaluate patient response to therapy and modify treatment plans according to provider orders and clinical protocols.
- Provide respiratory assessments for emergency department, inpatient, outpatient, and swing bed patients.
- Participate in Rapid Response and Cardiac Arrest events.
Pulmonary Diagnostics
Perform complete Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), including:
- Spirometry
- Lung volumes (if available)
- Diffusion capacity (DLCO), when applicable
- Bronchodilator responsiveness testing
- Ensure proper calibration, quality control, and maintenance of pulmonary testing equipment.
- Educate patients regarding testing procedures.
- Prepare accurate reports for physician interpretation.
Home Sleep Study Program
- Coordinate outpatient home sleep study services.
- Educate patients on proper application and use of home sleep testing equipment.
- Dispense and receive sleep study devices.
- Download, verify, and transmit study data according to vendor and physician requirements.
- Troubleshoot equipment and patient questions.
- Maintain documentation and ensure appropriate follow-up with ordering providers.
Respiratory Equipment Management
- Maintain respiratory therapy equipment according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Perform quality assurance checks and documentation.
- Monitor oxygen, medical air, nitrous supply systems.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance with Biomedical Services.
Patient Education
Educate patients and families regarding:
- Respiratory disease management
- Inhaler and nebulizer techniques
- Oxygen safety
- CPAP/BiPAP use
- Smoking cessation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation concepts
- Home respiratory equipment
Documentation
- Document assessments, treatments, patient response, and education in the electronic medical record.
- Ensure documentation meets CMS, and regulatory standards.
- Maintain accurate records for diagnostic testing and outpatient services.
Quality and Regulatory Responsibilities
- Participate in hospital Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
- Assist with respiratory quality indicators and performance improvement projects.
Maintain compliance with:
- CMS Conditions of Participation
- State respiratory therapy regulations
- Infection prevention standards
- HIPAA Privacy Rule
- Hospital policies and procedures
Infection Prevention
- Follow standard and transmission-based precautions.
- Ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of respiratory and diagnostic equipment.
- Participate in infection surveillance and prevention efforts related to respiratory care.
Emergency Response
- Respond to all respiratory emergencies.
- Assist during trauma activations.
- Participate in disaster preparedness and emergency management activities.
- Maintain current competency in BLS and ACLS.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with outpatient cardiopulmonary services.
- Participate in competency assessments and continuing education.
- Cross-train to meet departmental and hospital needs.
- Serve as a clinical resource for nursing and medical staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education
- Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
Licensure
- Current Iowa Respiratory Care Practitioner License (or eligible upon hire)
- Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred; Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) considered if actively pursuing RRT.
Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 3 months of hire
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred
- Mandatory Reporter for Adult and Child Abuse
Experience
- Minimum one year of respiratory therapy experience preferred.
- Experience in a rural hospital or Critical Access Hospital preferred.
- Experience performing Pulmonary Function Testing preferred.
- Experience with home sleep testing or sleep medicine preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong clinical assessment skills.
- Knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology and respiratory disease management.
- Ability to perform pulmonary diagnostic testing accurately.
- Proficiency with respiratory equipment and electronic medical records.
- Excellent communication and patient education skills.
- Ability to prioritize and function independently in a rural healthcare environment.
- Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies.
- Commitment to patient-centered care and teamwork.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to move respiratory equipment throughout the facility.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to operate medical equipment.
- Visual and auditory acuity necessary for patient assessment and monitoring.
Working Conditions
- Exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids.
- Exposure to oxygen and compressed medical gases.
- Rotating call, weekends, holidays, and evening coverage as required.
- Fast-paced environment requiring rapid clinical decision-making.
Performance Expectations
The Respiratory Therapist will consistently:
- Deliver safe, evidence-based respiratory care.
- Demonstrate professionalism and compassion.
- Maintain regulatory compliance.
- Support interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Promote patient satisfaction and positive clinical outcomes.
- Contribute to the hospital’s mission of providing high-quality rural healthcare
Cardiac Diagnostic Services
- Perform cardiac stress testing according to physician orders and established protocols.
- Prepare patients for exercise and pharmacologic stress testing.
- Obtain baseline assessments, including vital signs and 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs).
- Monitor patients continuously throughout testing for cardiac rhythm changes, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms, and exercise tolerance.
- Recognize abnormal findings and respond appropriately to patient emergencies.
- Prepare testing documentation for physician interpretation.
- Maintain stress testing equipment and ensure quality control measures are completed.
- Collaborate with cardiologists and primary care providers to coordinate follow-up care.
This is a PRN (as needed) position and is eligible for retirement benefits through a 403b plan.
