Respiratory Therapist with a Heart for Patient Care

We are seeking a highly skilled Certified Respiratory Therapist to join our team at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake. As a member of our Respiratory Care Department, you will play a vital role in providing exceptional patient care and contributing to the growth and development of our colleagues.

As a Certified Respiratory Therapist, you will be responsible for initiating, assessing, and evaluating all forms of respiratory therapy, including bronchodilators, chest physical therapy, oxygen therapy, and non-invasive and invasive ventilator care. You will exercise technical knowledge in respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pathology, as well as the design and operations of all respiratory therapy equipment.

You will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care to neonates, infants, children, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, and will be responsible for recognizing, interpreting, and recording signs and symptoms of respiratory dysfunction and medication side effects.

You will also be responsible for the initiation and maintenance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-support procedures, ensuring adequate airway management and assisting with intubation. You will prevent contamination and the transfer of infection through appropriate aseptic techniques and will know the mechanics of ventilation and ventilator function.

In addition, you will know the principles of airway maintenance, including endotracheal and tracheotomy care, and will effectively and safely use equipment for administering oxygen and other therapeutic gases and for providing humidification, nebulization, and medication.

You will also be responsible for knowing and understanding the principles of arterial blood gas analysis, acid-base balance, and demonstrating competence in obtaining arterial blood gas samples. You will know the methods that assist in the removal of secretions from the bronchial tree, such as hydration, breathing, and coughing exercises, postural drainage, therapeutic percussion, and vibration, and mechanical clearing of the airway through proper suctioning technique.

1. To know and understand the objectives, policies, and procedures of the hospital and Respiratory Care Department.
2. Verifies and signs all new orders for respiratory care. Assures that all physician orders coincide with current departmental policy.
3. Responsible for the recognition, interpretation, and recording of signs and symptoms of respiratory dysfunction and medication side effects, particularly those that require notification of a physician.
4. Responsible for the initiation and maintenance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-support procedures. Ensures adequate airway management and assist with intubation
5. The prevention of contamination and of transfer of infection, through appropriate aseptic techniques.
6. Responsible for knowing the mechanics of ventilation and ventilator function.
7. Responsible for knowing the principles of airway maintenance, including endotracheal and tracheotomy care.
8. The effective and safe use of equipment for administering oxygen and other therapeutic gases and for providing humidification, nebulization, and medication.
9. To know and understand the principles of arterial blood gas analysis, acid-base balance and demonstrated competence in obtaining arterial blood gas samples.
10. To know and understand the methods that assist in the removal of secretions from the bronchial tree, such as hydration, breathing and coughing exercises, postural drainage, therapeutic percussion and vibration, and mechanical clearing of the airway through proper suctioning technique.
11. Responsible for procedures and observation to be followed during and after extubation.
12. Responsible for the recognition of and attention to the psychosocial needs of patients and their families.
13. To know the operating principles of the equipment and all safety aspects related to equipment and gases, including the control of electrical, flammable, explosive, and mechanical hazards.
14. To know the procedures for the proper cleaning and care of the departmental equipment.
15. Responsible for the accurate recording of therapy and the results of treatment in the patient medical record.
16. Demonstrates knowledge and performs annual clinical competencies in drawing arterial blood gases from radial, brachial, and femoral sites, which includes punctures and a-lines.
17. Demonstrates through initial and annual competencies the ability to competently use non-invasive and invasive ventilation in all modes of ventilation.
18. Demonstrates the ability to properly utilize good organizational and time management skills to maximize productivity.
19. Assist in the orientation of new personnel.
20. Assist in the orientation & education of respiratory care students
21. Perform EKGs.
22. Acts as a clinical resource to all hospital staff in respiratory care.
23. Reports all operational problems, patient complaints, and physician issues to the supervisor.

• Advanced Cardiac Life or must be obtained within 6 months of employment start date
• Basic Cardiac Life Support or must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
• CRT licensed through NBRC
• Current license with the Texas Medical Board
• 1 year experience required; new grads will be considered based on clinical rotation experience

HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive medical coverage with many common services at no cost or for a low copay
• Dental and vision benefits
• Life and disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity)
• Auto and home insurance
• Identity theft protection
• Legal counseling
• Long-term care coverage
• Moving assistance
• Pet insurance
• Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing
• 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock
• Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance
• Referral services for child, elder, and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning, and more
• Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts
• Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services, and preferred banking partnerships
• Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
• Colleague recognition program
• Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage, and leaves of absence)
• Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income

$64,000 - $90,000 per year, based on experience and location.

HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake is a 530+ bed hospital that provides sophisticated, world-class medicine with the comfort, care, and convenience of a community hospital. We have proudly been providing high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive healthcare to the Houston Bay Area for over 40 years.

We are a Level II Trauma Center and the only exclusive heart hospital south of Houston, and our accredited center provides nationally recognized care in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of cardiovascular diseases. We offer a variety of services, including Women Services, Pediatric Care, Breast Diagnostic Center, ACR-accredited Imaging Center, Wound Care Treatment Center featuring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and much more.

We are members of HCA Houston Healthcare, the most comprehensive family of hospitals in the region, and part of HCA Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare in the country. Together, we are stronger, smarter, and more accessible in providing patient-centered care close to home.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.