Respiratory Therapist 

Join our team at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, and experience world-class healthcare at its best. Indian River Hospital is in sunny Florida’s Treasure Coast where it is committed to providing optimal family-centric and community-focused care. At Indian River Hospital, you will be part of a collaborative, compassionate, and innovative team of caregivers. You will work with state-of-the-art technology and will build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.   

As a Respiratory Therapist, you will demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the treatment of respiratory disorders for inpatients and outpatients with various types of media (i.e., oxygen, other therapeutic gases and mist inhalation equipment). Respiratory Therapists are responsible for critical care ventilators, assessing and managing pulmonary conditions of patients, responding to Code Blue, drawing and analyzing arterial blood gases, and assisting with bronchoscopy duties. Patient populations served may include neonates, infants, pediatrics, teens, adults and geriatrics with the potential for neonate and/or pediatric patient only through the Emergency Room (until they are transferred hospital RT staff only).  

A caregiver in this position works a variable PRN schedule, which will primarily be night shifts from 7pm-7:30am.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:  

• Provide care to all patient populations taking into account assessment and interview techniques identifying psychosocial, physical and education needs common to appropriate to the population. 

• Provide for patient's privacy and provide recurrence and support when there is anxiety. 

• Modify therapy to reflect response unique to all patient populations. 

• Maintain continuous ventilation of patients on mechanical ventilators (invasive and noninvasive). 

• Monitor patient's ventilatory status through use of spirometers, pressure gauges and chest auscultation. 

• Draw and analyze arterial blood gases and measure respiratory exchange. 

• Recommend therapy changes based on analysis of various data. 

• Wean patients from continuous ventilation utilizing established procedures. 

• Perform cardiopulmonary assessment to evaluate patient's respiratory status. 

• Analyze, record and report results such as arterial blood gases, oxygenation studies, pulmonary function tests, hemodynamic monitoring parameters, etc. 

• Recommend modification to therapy or implementation of treatments. 

• Maintain airway care by performing and instructing proper tracheal instillations, tracheal aspiration, and nasotracheal aspiration. 

• Perform invasive procedures such as arterial puncture, tracheostomy tube changes as ordered by the physician. 

• Assist the physician in bedside and/or scheduled bronchoscopy procedures. 

• Perform bedside spirometry procedures and/or more complete Pulmonary Function studies with appropriate training (clinic staff). 

• Perform basic respiratory therapies such as medicated aerosols, oxygen therapy, nitric oxide administration, humidity/aerosol, bronchopulmonary hygiene, hyperinflation techniques, pulse oximetry while verifying physician order and utilizing appropriate treatment guidelines. 

• Observe and respond to adverse patient reactions to therapy or otherwise and initiate/assist in Rapid Response and Code Blue (CPR) situations. 

• Select, assemble, test, modify, and maintain respiratory equipment. 

• Utilize/troubleshoot CPAP units (hospital/clinic). 

• Act as a resource for pulmonologists, training residents and new caregivers.   

• Assist in providing departmental training and classes (RRT credentialed therapists unless approved by the Departmental Director). 

• Maintain complete and up-to-date documentation and files at all times. 

• Keep abreast of changes in the field and meet continuing education requirements for licensure by attending in-service programs, seminars, etc. 

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Graduate from an AMA approved Respiratory Care program. 

• State of Florida Department of Health Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). 

• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification.  

• One year of clinical experience. Will considered newly licensed personnel for an entry level position.  

• Hospital RT: BLS, ACLS and PALS certification required, NPS certification preferred and NRP completion within six months of hire.   

• Clinic RT: BLS and ACLS certification required 

• Up-to-date CEU requirements.  

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Membership to the Florida Society of Respiratory Care.  

• Membership to the American Association for Respiratory Care.  

Our caregivers continue to create the best outcomes for our patients across each of our facilities. Click the link and see how we’re dedicated to providing what matters most to you: https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-2/