Respiratory Therapist – Acute Care Hospital
Vail, Colorado
Vail Valley Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Respiratory Therapist (Nights)

Location: Vail, Colorado
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights (11pm - 7:30am)
Schedule: 3 shifts of 12 hours each (3x12)
Guaranteed Hours: 32 hours/week
Start Date: ASAP

Job Description

• Provide direct patient care on patient care floors and participate in daily operational activities.
• Demonstrate competency and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Train and educate current and new staff in the Respiratory Service Area.
• Maintain collaborative communication with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and healthcare team members to ensure continuity of care.
• Perform diagnostic cardiology procedures after competency validation, including EKG, cardiac event recorder, Holter monitor, EEG, pulmonary function testing, peak flows, pulse oximetry titration walks, and stress tests.
• Draw arterial blood gases, run samples, maintain and troubleshoot analyzers, and interpret results according to Joint Commission/CAP/CLIA regulations.
• Respond to Trauma, Code Blue, and Rapid Response Team emergencies; assist with airway establishment and maintenance.
• Provide and receive feedback for performance improvement and participate in employee performance reviews.
• Identify and resolve clinical and interdepartmental problems appropriately.
• Model Just Culture principles and organizational values.
• Perform other duties as assigned, maintaining HIPAA compliance.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in an acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission.
• Experience in neonatal and pediatric critical patient care.

Licenses & Certifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Colorado Respiratory Therapist license.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by the American Heart Association.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

Skills

• Computer skills necessary to complete online learning, access forms and policies, and complete benefits enrollment (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Exposure to potential healthcare hazards such as radiation, toxic chemicals, biological hazards, heat, noise, dust, and stress.
• Physical activity during workday:

  • Sitting: 20%
  • Standing: 30%
  • Walking: 20%
  • Squatting, bending, twisting, reaching above shoulder: 5% each
  • Lifting up to 20 lbs frequently, up to 35 lbs occasionally
• No requirement to lift over 35 lbs.

Patient Populations Served

• Neonatal/Infant (0-11 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Young Adults/Adults (18-64 years)
• Middle-aged Adults (65-79 years)
• Geriatric (80+ years)

Additional Notes

• Must be able to work under stress and meet deadlines, independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to perform manual tasks, communicate effectively, and maintain punctuality is essential.
• This position involves direct patient care.

Prior travel experience: Not specified / not required.