Job Title: Respiratory Therapist Reg
Location: RWJUH Somerset
Department Name: Respiratory Care
Req #: 0000269393
Status: Hourly
Shift: Night
Pay Range: $46.07 - $56.23 per hour
Pay Transparency:
The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.
The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.
Respiratory Therapist – RWJBarnabas Health
The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive respiratory care services to patients in accordance with physician orders, evidence-based practice guidelines, and departmental standards. The therapist assesses, treats, monitors, and educates patients with cardiopulmonary conditions while promoting optimal clinical outcomes and ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and quality care.
Working collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams, the Respiratory Therapist performs diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory procedures, manages advanced respiratory support devices, responds to emergency situations, and participates in patient care planning. The therapist is responsible for evaluating patient status, recommending appropriate interventions, and ensuring accurate documentation and continuity of care throughout the patient experience.
Responsibilities include:
- Administering respiratory therapy treatments and procedures as prescribed by physicians and documenting all care provided in the patient medical record.
- Performing arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results, including evaluation of acid-base balance and ventilatory status.
- Conducting daily preventive maintenance, calibration, and quality control testing for blood gas analyzers and co-oximeters.
- Setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting oxygen delivery systems, ventilators, pulse oximeters, end-tidal CO₂ monitors, and related respiratory care equipment.
- Performing bedside spirometry and weaning assessments as ordered and communicating findings to the healthcare team.
- Responding to emergency situations, including Code Blue and Rapid Response Team (RRT) activations, and performing CPR as required.
- Managing and maintaining patient airways, including suctioning and care of endotracheal tubes, tracheostomies, and oral pharyngeal airways.
- Performing extubation procedures in accordance with physician orders and departmental protocols.
- Assisting physicians during bronchoscopy procedures as assigned.
- Communicating pertinent patient information during shift handoff and interdisciplinary care discussions to ensure continuity of care.
- Providing education and in-service training to patients, families, physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff as appropriate.
- Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with departmental and infection prevention standards.
- Reviewing and verifying physician orders for completeness, appropriateness, and potential contraindications prior to initiating therapy.
- Administering medical gas therapies according to physician orders and approved protocols.
- Conducting patient rounds and performing ongoing assessments to ensure delivery of appropriate respiratory care.
- Assessing and interpreting patient status through clinical observation, vital signs, laboratory data, radiology findings, and other diagnostic information.
- Evaluating respiratory therapy plans of care using evidence-based practice guidelines and recommending modifications based on patient response and clinical assessment.
- Accurately documenting patient assessments, plans of care, medication administration, patient education, and performance improvement activities in accordance with departmental policies.
- Demonstrating advanced knowledge and competency in oxygen therapy, BiPAP, CPAP, and High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) therapy.
- Selecting, applying, and monitoring appropriate respiratory devices and interfaces while ensuring proper operation and therapeutic effectiveness.
- Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams to promote quality outcomes, patient safety, and exceptional patient care.
To be considered for this opportunity:
- Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care program required.
- Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential required, as applicable.
- Current New Jersey Respiratory Care License required.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred or required per departmental policy.
- Demonstrated knowledge of respiratory assessment, arterial blood gas interpretation, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, and airway management required.
- Experience with non-invasive ventilation, high-flow oxygen therapy, and emergency respiratory care preferred.
- Successful completion of department-specific orientation and competency requirements.
Why Join RWJBarnabas Health?
As a Respiratory Therapist, you will play a critical role in delivering advanced cardiopulmonary care to patients across a variety of clinical settings. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team dedicated to clinical excellence, patient safety, innovation, and exceptional outcomes.
