We are seeking a Student Respiratory Therapist, internally referred to as our Student RT or our Respiratory Therapy Student Intern. A Student Respiratory Therapist for St. Joseph Medical Center Therapy Department works under the direct supervision of a Respiratory Therapist. This role focuses on learning and assisting with a range of respiratory care procedures and treatments, providing hands-on experience while maintaining patient safety. Typically, the Student RT is enrolled in a respiratory therapy program and participates in clinical rotations within the hospital as part of their education.    

Shift’s Available:  Days or Nights (Flexible for student schedule)

Employment Type: Per Diem (PRN)

Hours: 8-hour or 12-hour (Flexible for student schedule)

Location: St. Joseph Medical Center (SJMC), Kansas City, MO

Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare: 

• competitive compensation
• medical insurance benefit plan
• 401K
• sick leave accrual

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to): 

• Administer respiratory treatments such as oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, chest physiotherapy or other related respiratory tasks
• Oxygen Therapy: administer oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or low oxygen levels
• Aerosol Medications: deliver medications via nebulizers or inhalers to help treat conditions like asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Chest Physiotherapy: assist in techniques to help patients clear mucus from their lungs
• Monitor patients' respiratory rates, oxygen levels (using pulse oximeters), and breathing patterns
• Assist in the drawing and analyzing of blood samples to assess levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood - Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)
• Observe and adjust mechanical ventilators for patients who are unable to breathe independently, ensuring settings are appropriate based on the patient's condition
• Enhance your skills on initial assessments of patients with breathing problems, which includes listening to lung sounds and assessing symptoms; report findings to supervising RTs or doctors to adjust treatment plans as needed
• Assist with some respiratory procedures, for example:
• Intubation and Extubation: assist in the placement or removal of endotracheal tubes, which help patients breathe in critical situations
• Suctioning: Help to remove secretions from a patient's airway to maintain a clear passage for breathing
• Rapid Response and Code Blue

Education and Work Experience

Before we go any further, we do have some deal-breakers. You must have:  

• Must be approved with State Respiratory Therapy board to work as a Student Respiratory Therapist
• Current BCLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current
• At the minimum, the student must be enrolled in an accredited respiratory program and completed first semester of clinical rotations
• a high school diploma or equivalent
• will not be able to work as a Student Respiratory Therapist if for any reason may become not eligible for an accredited respiratory therapy program

Additional Qualifications That Are a Plus: 

• student who has completed more than one semester and/or other medical experience

Full benefits at Prime Healthcare: https://www.primehealthcare.com/careers/benefits/  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to veteran status, disability, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.  If you need special accommodation for the application process, please contact Human Resources.  Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf  

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