Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist

Join Ochsner Health and be part of our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate in the healthcare field. Since 1942, we have focused on making a positive impact on the lives of our patients thanks to the dedicated employees who make up our team.

At Ochsner, whether you're directly interacting with patients or supporting those who do, your role is vital and makes a difference. Start your career with us and explore your future opportunities today!

As an Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist, you will provide essential respiratory care, oxygen services, diagnostic testing, and ventilation support to patients of all ages-from neonates to seniors. Your responsibilities will include monitoring oxygen therapy, drawing and analyzing arterial blood gases, as well as delivering treatment under physician orders and established guidelines.

To succeed in this role, you should be able to fulfill each essential duty effectively. Listed below are the necessary qualifications for this position. We encourage qualified individuals with disabilities to apply, as reasonable accommodations can be made.

Education

Required: Associate's Degree

Work Experience

Required: None

Certifications

Required:

• Current License as a Respiratory Therapist in the state of practice
• Credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapist
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification (if working in the NICU)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification to be obtained within 90 days of hire
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification to be obtained within 90 days of hire

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Proficient in computer skills, data entry, and retrieval of patient information; experience with Windows applications is preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to present information clearly to various audiences.
• Strong analytical capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients and team members.

Main Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex therapeutic procedures in accordance with established policies.
• Document all clinical information for patient care.
• Educate patients and team members about procedures and treatment plans.
• Conduct diagnostic procedures as required.
• Provide care tailored to the physical, psycho/social, educational, and safety needs of patients appropriate to their age.
• Keep up with professional certifications and current knowledge of technical procedures.
• Participate in staff meetings and continue learning about advancements in care.
• Complete any other related duties as assigned.

The responsibilities listed above provide a general overview of the role. They are not exhaustive and may change as necessary.

In supporting our mission, Ochsner Health adheres to compliance and privacy standards, ensuring ethical behavior and timely reporting of any concerns.

This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described are essential functions of this position. For employees with disabilities, reasonable accommodations may be available.

This role requires intense physical effort; lifting over 100 pounds occasionally, over 50 pounds frequently, and over 20 pounds constantly.

Employees will encounter exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissues.

Those working directly with patients may face occupational risks, including exposure to communicable diseases.

As part of the healthcare environment, there may be additional risks related to hazardous medications and materials.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today!

Please note, Ochsner Health will only consider applicants who formally apply through our career website.