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/  

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