We are seeking a Student Respiratory Therapist, sometimes referred to as our Respiratory Therapy Clinical Student. The Student Respiratory Therapist (Student RT) 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. This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed.

Shift’s Available:  Days

Employment Type: Per Diem (PD / PRN)

Hours: 8hr shifts

Location: Harlingen Medical Center - Harlingen, Texas

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

• Competitive compensation
• Medical insurance benefit plan
• 401K
• Sick leave accrual

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

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

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

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
 
1. Current BCLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current.
2. Student in good standing enrolled in an accredited respiratory program and completed the Certified Respiratory Therapist semesters and clinical rotations and presently attending the Registered Respiratory Therapist semesters and clinical rotations.
3. A student who has completed more than one semester and/or other medical experience preferred.
4. A high school diploma or equivalent is required
5. 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.