Registered Respiratory Therapist
Lafayette, Louisiana
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist

Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Employment Type: Long-Term Assignment (LTA)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Comfortable treating all patient populations.
• Administer oxygen therapy and assess patient response.
• Recognize signs of cardiopulmonary arrest and initiate resuscitation/life-support for adults, children, and infants.
• Assess patients in distress and manage emergent critical situations appropriately.
• Understand ventilator technical components, respiratory pathophysiology, and patient-ventilator interaction; perform complex ventilatory management.
• Analyze arterial blood samples, identify abnormalities, and recommend therapeutic interventions.
• Set goals and organize activities to provide efficient patient care.
• Observe, assess, and report patient status or needs accurately.
• Participate in staff development and educate patients and families about respiratory procedures and diseases.
• Maintain current NBRC credentials and Louisiana State License or permit.
• Hold current BLS and ACLS certifications.
• PALS certification preferred.

Required Credentials & Certifications

Licenses & Certifications

• State License: Active Louisiana license or permit (Primary Source Verification required within 30 days of start).
• NBRC Certification: CRT or RRT from NBRC required.
• BLS: American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) certification required.
• ACLS: AHA certification required.
• PALS: AHA certification preferred.

Health & Immunizations

• COVID-19 Vaccine: Proof or exemption accepted (optional).
• MMR: Proof of 2 immunizations, positive titer, or declination with signed statement.
• Hepatitis B: Proof of 3 immunizations, positive titer, or declination with required approvals.
• Influenza Vaccine: Required during flu season (medical/religious exemptions accepted with documentation).
• TB Test: Negative QuantiFERON blood test within 1 year or 2-step skin test; if positive, must provide clearance or treatment proof.
• Varicella: Proof of 2 immunizations, positive titer, or declination with signed statement.
• Tdap: Proof of vaccination within past 10 years or declination with approvals.
• Annual TB Questionnaire: Required within 6 months of start; follow-up documentation if positive.
• Fit Test: N95 mask fit test (3M 1860, 1860s, or 1870+) within 1 year, updated annually.
• Health Statement: Signed within 1 year confirming ability to work without restrictions.
• Eye Exam & Color Vision: Ishihara Color Test and Snellen Vision test within 1 year.

Background & Testing

• Criminal Background Check: Completed within 30 days prior to start, including SSN trace, county and national checks, education and employment verification, driving record.
• Drug Screen: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 30 days prior to start.
• Skills Checklist: Unit-specific skills checklist within 1 year prior to start, updated annually.
• Core Competencies: Must be current within 1 year with passing score of 80% or higher; includes HIPAA, safety, infection control, cultural diversity, and other topics.
• Competency Exam: Copies of exams within 1 year with passing score of 80% or higher.
• Badge Photo: Forward-facing, well-lit, neutral background photo in JPEG format.
• Annual Education Packet: Completion required as per facility guidelines.

Professional Documentation

• Resume/Profile: Required for submission.
• HRIS Form: Required for submission.

This position requires a highly skilled respiratory therapist with strong clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and patient care abilities, along with compliance with all licensure, certification, health, and background requirements.