If you are interested in becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist, UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s can provide assistance to cover the cost of tuition and time away from work. Upon completion of the Respiratory Therapy program, participants will transition into a RRT position and pay scale.

The Respiratory Trainee utilizes skills learned through an accredited respiratory therapy program.  Program will combine, work-based, on-the-job learning with relevant didactic education to start on a career path that continues after graduation.

Under the supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist, the team member provides the assessment, planning, implementation and limited treatment/therapy evaluation of respiratory patient care (Exclusion treatment/therapy includes Ventilator and Non-Invasive Ventilation therapy). Trainee will only be expected to perform treatments/therapies for which they have received training and instruction.  Responsible for the delivery of respiratory patient care in cooperation with other health care team members, according to the patient delivery model of each unit. The patient population to be served includes infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Clinical Excellence/Patient Care

• After the trainee has been proven competent in both school and clinical setting, they will perform a variety of treatments/therapies, under the indirect supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
• Conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the hospital’s commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.
• Utilizes assessment skills to provide respiratory care treatments/therapies to achieve optimal benefit to the patient. Included treatments/therapies are: medical gas administration, medication delivery, aerosol/humidification therapy including high flow devices, and airway clearance techniques.
• Implements respiratory care procedures, within scope of practice, according to department standard operating procedures, hospital standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Continually evaluates outcomes of respiratory care by assessing patient/family responses and updating patient care to reflect changes in needs.

Effective Communication and Professional Development

• Demonstrates clear, precise, and timely verbal and written communication skills with other health care team members.
• Computer documentation is done in real-time and in accordance with hospital policies and procedures
• Obtains instruction and supervision, as necessary, when implementing new or unfamiliar tasks or duties.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development.
• Continually maintains and strives to enhance personal technical and clinical competence in all job- related duties.
• Participates in appropriate professional organizations
• Participates in mandatory education and department staff meetings

Patient Education

• Provides therapeutic equipment teaching
• Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately
• As directed by departmental supervisor or charge therapist, provides educational opportunities to patients, families and other health care associates based on adult teaching-learning concepts.

Basic UPH Performance Criteria        

• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.  Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.  Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must obtain Registered Respiratory Therapist from the NBRC and State of Iowa Respiratory Care License upon completion of the program.
• Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English
• Multicultural sensitivity
• Demonstrates proficiency in the skills and techniques required to perform respiratory treatments/therapies that the trainee is proven competent in.
• Ability to complete a basic computer course of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) through in-hospital training.
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.
• Prefer previous hospital type clinical experience such as CNA