RESPIRATORY THERAPY STUDENT PER DIEM

About the Role

This position serves as a foundational role within the Pulmonary Services department, providing clinical respiratory care under the supervision of Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT). The role is designed to support the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease, disability, impairment, or illness across a diverse patient population, including neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.

As a PRN (as-needed) team member, you will play a vital part in the daily operations of the hospital's respiratory care unit. Your day-to-day activities involve assembling and operating various diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, assisting senior staff with routine treatment therapies, and managing non-invasive aspects of respiratory care. You will be responsible for initiating or adjusting oxygen delivery devices, administering chest physiotherapy, and delivering aerosol and positive breathing therapies with ordered medications.

Beyond clinical duties, this role emphasizes communication and patient safety. You will ensure patients and their representatives understand clinical procedures in compliance with HIPAA guidelines while actively participating in a culture of safety. This includes identifying environmental risks, reporting potential errors or near misses, and encouraging patients to engage in their own care by asking questions about treatments that do not seem right.

Hiring Process & Application

Candidates must possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent and have completed the first year of a Respiratory Therapy program at VCC. Essential credentials include CPR for Healthcare Providers (or Professional Rescuers) within 30 days, Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification within one year, and a New Mexico Respiratory Care Permit within 120 days. Bilingual proficiency in languages such as Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo is considered nonessential but valuable.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all patients and staff. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.