Respiratory Therapist

Where You’ll Work

Mercy Hospital is an 82 bed, acute care hospital located in the scenic southwestern Colorado town of Durango. It is the only hospital in Colorado to be rated by Medicare with five stars for overall hospital quality. It is recognized for excellence in orthopedic and spine surgery and for outstanding patient experience and patient safety. Mercy has also received ten consecutive 'A' grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. Our providers use state-of-the-art technology in an environment designed to promote wellbeing and healing of body, mind, and spirit. Among the many specialty services available at Mercy are emergency care (Level III trauma designation), surgical care, cardiac care (including interventional), Orthopedic and Spine Centers of Excellence, a Family Birthing Center, home care, hospice care and more. Durango offers an exceptional quality of life with small town charm, excellent schools, and year-round, world-class outdoor recreation opportunities including snow sports, river sports, hiking, biking, camping and more.

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a Respiratory Therapist, you will act as a control operator of mono-place chambers, operating under the general direction of leadership and within federal/state laws, DNV, and UHMS guidelines. Every day you will assist physicians with implementing hyperbaric treatment plans, ensure the safe and efficient daily operation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment and associated equipment, and provide necessary supervision. You will also conduct safety-specific education/drills, treat emergency hyperbaric complications under physician supervision, and manage daily activities, adjusting manpower based on volumes. To be successful in this role, you will possess expertise in hyperbaric oxygen therapy and chamber operation, strong understanding of relevant regulations (federal, state, DNV, UHMS), and the ability to work independently to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant hyperbaric treatment delivery and departmental operations.

• Delivers respiratory care procedures to patients in general, acute, critical care, and emergency areas according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs therapeutic modalities including patient monitoring, medication delivery, ventilation management, expansion therapy, and bronchial hygiene.
• Assists in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency care by providing airway maintenance and management, cardiac support, and other assistance as needed to expedite patient and physician needs.
• Performs diagnostic testing including ABGs, PFTs, EKGs, cardiac, bronchoscopy, and pulse oximetry.
• Develops care plan from thorough assessment via protocol criteria or directed physician order.
• Provides patient and family education and teaching.

We are offering up to $8,000 relocation assistance to new hires who meet the eligibility requirements

Job Requirements

Required

• High School Diploma/ G.E.D.
• Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Education Program, i.e. CoARC, JRCRTE, or CAAHEP
• CRT by NBRC
• Basic Life Support- American Heart Association
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support- American Heart Association- Current ACLS certification from upon hire or obtain within 6 months of hire (for locations in Kansas,ACLS is required within 1 year of hire/transfer date).
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support- Current PALS certification upon hire or obtain within 6 months of hire 
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program- Current NRP certification upon hire or obtain within 6 months of hire 

Preferred

• Associate's Degree
• One (1) year of respiratory therapy experience