Respiratory Therapist IV

Job Description

Job Summary:

• We are seeking an experienced Respiratory Therapist IV to join a leading acute care facility in Bakersfield, California.
• This is the highest level within the Respiratory Therapist classification series, requiring advanced clinical expertise, independent judgment, and the ability to serve as a lead practitioner while providing comprehensive respiratory care services across diverse patient populations.
• The ideal candidate will have strong acute care experience, advanced ventilator management skills, and expertise in cardiopulmonary diagnostics and respiratory therapy procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administer respiratory treatments including IPPB therapy, aerosol therapy, humidity therapy, and pulmonary drainage procedures.
• Manage patients requiring mechanical ventilation and maintain artificial airways.
• Administer aerosolized medications and medical gases.
• Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and interpretation.
• Conduct pulmonary function testing and other cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures.
• Perform electrocardiography (EKG) testing and related procedures.
• Respond to emergency situations and participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment.
• Operate oxygen analyzers and assess blood oxygen saturation levels.
• Assist physicians with bronchoscopies and specialized respiratory procedures.
• Provide respiratory rehabilitation support and patient education.
• Develop individualized treatment plans, exercise routines, and bronchial hygiene programs.
• Educate patients and families regarding respiratory conditions, therapies, and home care techniques.
• Implement infection control protocols and aseptic techniques.
• Maintain accurate documentation, treatment records, and quality assurance data.
• Assist with training, mentoring, and supervision of new staff members.
• Collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• BLS
• ACLS (Advance Cardiovascular Lift Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
• Employee must maintain RQI Provider certification and competency.
• Possession of a valid, current license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, issued by the State of California.
• Eligible for registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Certification must have the RRT Number Verification on it Certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT).
• Certification must have the RRT Number Verification on it Possession of a Class C California Driver’s License may be required by assignment to off-site locations.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of Acute Care Respiratory Therapy experience.

Strong knowledge of:

• Ventilator management
• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) interpretation
• Respiratory care equipment operation and troubleshooting
• Cardiopulmonary physiology
• Electrocardiography testing
• Pulmonary diagnostics
• Ability to perform and learn diagnostic procedures including:
• EEG
• EKG
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Echocardiograms
• Experience educating patients, families, and healthcare staff.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.