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Great River Health

Regional health system operating hospitals, clinics

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Part-Time
No salary listed
Mid
Associate's
West Burlington, IA, USA
In PersonScheduled 6:00 p.m.–6:30 a.m.; weekend and holiday rotations.
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryNursing & Frontline Patient Care

About the job

Requirements
  • An Associate’s degree and graduation from a CoARC-approved Respiratory Therapist program are required.
  • Iowa licensure as a Respiratory Care and Polysomnography Respiratory Care Practitioner is required.
  • Credentialing by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist is required.
  • A valid driver’s license is required upon hire.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification from the American Heart Association is required within 90 days.
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification from the American Academy of Pediatrics is required within 90 days.
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification from the American Heart Association is required within 90 days.
  • Iowa mandatory reporter training for child abuse and dependent adult abuse is required within 90 days.
  • The RRT registry exam must be passed within one year, or the employee will move to the CRT wage scale.
  • Knowledge of customer and personal service principles and processes, including assessing customer needs, meeting service quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
  • Knowledge of information and techniques used to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities, including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
  • Knowledge of curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and measuring training effects.
  • Knowledge of English language structure and content, including word meaning and spelling, composition, and grammar.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with healthcare personnel, relay information clearly, address ethical concerns within established guidelines, and communicate delays or wait times to patients or their significant others.
  • Ability to administer ordered treatments and medications promptly according to hospital policies and procedures and respond promptly to clinical procedures and emergencies.
  • Ability to perform respiratory assessments, distinguish normal and abnormal findings, analyze abnormal findings, initiate appropriate responses, and anticipate potential problems in hospital settings.
  • Ability to evaluate patient responses to care and education, evaluate responses to therapy, and recommend necessary changes to physicians.
  • Ability to document the respiratory care process clearly, concisely, legibly, and promptly in an electronic medical record or appropriate hospital forms using accepted medical terminology and abbreviations.
  • Ability to apply sound judgment and critical thinking to the respiratory care process and use evidence-based practices when applicable.
  • Ability to use and troubleshoot appropriate respiratory care equipment in accordance with department and hospital policies.
  • Ability to follow the hospital dress code, treat others respectfully, stay current in respiratory care, expand professional knowledge, and work as a member of the hospital care team.
  • Ability to arrange items or actions in a specified order or pattern according to a rule or set of rules.
  • One to two years of prior acute-care experience is preferred.
  • For pulmonary rehabilitation duties, knowledge of the philosophy and goals of pulmonary rehabilitation, program administration, marketing, patient education, exercise training, and reimbursement is required.
  • For respiratory therapy duties at the FM location, graduation from a CoARC-approved Respiratory Therapy program, current Iowa licensure, and National Board of Respiratory Care certification or registration are required; ACLS, PALS, NRP, and child and adult mandatory reporter requirements must be completed within one year of hire.
  • For cardiac rehabilitation nursing duties, graduation from an accredited School of Nursing, College, or University and current Iowa-accepted Registered Nurse licensure or registration are required.
Responsibilities
  • Assess patients with respiratory disorders, conduct diagnostic testing, develop treatment plans, administer respiratory therapy, operate medical devices, monitor patient responses, and provide emergency care.
  • Conduct tests that support the evaluation of cardiopulmonary functions.
  • Educate patients and their families about conditions and teach disease-management techniques, including breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
  • Determine treatment requirements, including therapy type, method and duration, precautions, medication, and dosage, in accordance with physician orders; enforce safety rules and adherence to physician orders.
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and reduce fear.
  • Maintain charts containing patients’ identifying and therapy information.
  • Perform oxygen requirement testing with patients.
  • Instruct and perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in breathing exercises.
  • Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Monitor patients’ physiological responses to therapy, including vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult physicians about adverse reactions.
  • Work with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to manage patient care and assist with medical procedures and related duties.
  • Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other healthcare personnel.
  • Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment, and order repairs when necessary.
  • Perform pulmonary function procedures and adjust equipment to optimize therapy results.
  • Relay blood analysis results to physicians.
  • Set up, operate, evaluate, and communicate with providers about mechanical ventilators, non-invasive ventilation apparatus, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following treatment parameters.
  • Teach, train, supervise, and utilize the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, and EKG technicians.
  • Perform respiratory therapy as ordered for all patient populations, including chest percussion therapy, nebulizer treatment, oxygen titration and qualification, inhaler treatment, incentive spirometry, negative inspiratory force and positive expiratory force measurement, peak flow measurement, tracheostomy care, electrocardiograms, arterial blood gas collection and analysis, and suctioning.
  • Initiate, manage, and discontinue non-invasive and invasive ventilation at physician request or according to procedure.
  • Document accurately in an electronic medical record.
  • Transport patients using respiratory machines.
  • Manage and troubleshoot respiratory equipment.
  • Perform pulmonary function testing with patients.
  • Respond to medical alerts according to hospital procedure and notify physicians of critical results.
  • Precept respiratory care and emergency medical services students and complete quality assurance measures.
  • For pulmonary rehabilitation duties, perform multidisciplinary assessments, develop treatment plans, provide exercise training and patient education, communicate with providers, and make referrals.
  • For respiratory therapy duties at the FM location, provide diagnostic and outpatient services including EEG, EKG, cardiac stress testing, Holter monitoring, pulmonary function testing, pulse oximetry, fit testing, six-minute walks, and assistance with pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation; coordinate and assist with ventilator care, positive airway pressure therapy, and oxygen therapy; collect arterial blood gas specimens; and administer treatments and therapeutic procedures for patients with respiratory or cardiac insufficiency.
  • For cardiac rehabilitation duties, provide direct patient care, monitor patients during exercise sessions, educate patients about diseases, cardiac and pulmonary risk factors, and behavior modification, communicate clinical changes and laboratory results to physicians, respond to changes in patient condition and treatment response, and participate in performance improvement. Respiratory therapists and other healthcare staff assist with patient hookup, vital-sign monitoring, equipment setup, education, and patient needs within their licensure and scope of practice.
  • For respiratory services and sleep testing duties, perform and score physician-ordered polysomnography tests, administer polysomnograms, conduct assessments and treatment, document services, and measure brain-wave electrical activity and other physiological variables to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.
Desired Qualifications
  • One to two years of prior acute-care experience.
  • For cardiac rehabilitation nursing duties, two or more years of critical-care or cardiac-care experience is preferred, along with competency in cardiac monitoring and arrhythmia detection and treatment following ACLS protocol as directed.
  • For respiratory services duties, BLS certification is preferred upon hire and required within three months of hire.

About the company

Great River Health operates a regional health care system serving southeast Iowa, parts of Illinois and Missouri, with hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, medical equipment, and rehabilitation services. It delivers coordinated care through hospitals and clinics, offering primary, specialty, urgent, and convenient care, plus therapy and home health within the same system. It combines hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and supplies across a large geographic area to enable smooth patient transitions and a consistent care experience under one umbrella. Its goal is to provide high-quality, accessible health care close to home.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

West Burlington, Iowa

Founded

1895

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Alexander’s permanent CEO appointment on September 14, 2026, reduces interim leadership uncertainty.
  • The new West Burlington mental health therapy clinic opened June 8, 2026, expanding access and referrals.
  • The October 8, 2026 career-exploration event supports recruiting for nursing, radiology, and respiratory therapy.

What critics are saying

  • Great River Health ends Fort Madison inpatient labor and delivery by December 31, 2026, shrinking community trust.
  • McCoy resigned July 23, 2026, and leadership continuity now depends on Alexander’s dual CEO-CFO load.
  • Epic’s $35 million rollout temporarily pressures cash, execution, and charge-capture timelines through 2027.

What makes Great River Health unique

  • Great River Health runs southeast Iowa’s integrated hospital-clinic network across Burlington, Fort Madison, and Mount Pleasant.
  • Jeremy Alexander led Epic transition planning, signaling operational discipline and tighter revenue-cycle control.
  • The June 2026 MyChart launch improves patient retention, scheduling, and cross-system record access.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Time Off
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Discounted cafeteria meals
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

10%

1 year growth

10%

2 year growth

10%
KILJ
Sep 14th, 2026
Jeremy Alexander named permanent President and CEO Great River Health.

Jeremy Alexander named permanent President and CEO Great River Health. By Allison Jacobs · Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 1:27 pm CDT Great River Health has named Jeremy Alexander as its new permanent President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Alexander has served as interim CEO since July 23, when Dr. Michael McCoy resigned from the position for personal reasons. Alexander has also continued serving as the health system's Chief Financial Officer during that time. Alexander has been a member of the Great River Health executive team since 2018 and has played a role in several major changes across the health system. Those include the merger with Fort Madison Community Hospital, the unification of the hospitals under Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, and the long-term lease agreement that brought Henry County Health Center into the Great River Health system. Alexander has also served as executive sponsor of the health system's Epic implementation project. Great River Health Board Chairperson John McKillip said the board conducted a comprehensive review of internal candidates before selecting Alexander. McKillip said the board is looking to Alexander to build on the health system's past successes while identifying opportunities for growth and long-term financial stability. Alexander was born and raised in southeast Iowa and said being selected as CEO is a privilege that comes with a responsibility to protect not only the health of area residents, but the communities Great River Health serves. Alexander takes over the President and CEO position effective immediately.

Great River Health
Aug 31st, 2026
Great River Health holds Career Exploration Event.

Great River Health holds Career Exploration Event. Monday, August 31, 2026 Great River Health will host its 3rd Annual Career Exploration Event on Thursday, October 8, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event held in the Mercy Plaza Lobby at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington. The event is designed to introduce students and community members to the wide variety of career opportunities available in healthcare. "The Career Exploration Event is a unique opportunity for students, job seekers, and community members to explore the many rewarding career paths available in healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with professionals from a variety of departments, including Radiology, Nursing, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, and many others. Participants can also learn about educational pathways through our event partner, Southeastern Community College, and gain firsthand insight into what it's like to work in a healthcare environment," explained Nicole Panther-Rump, Great River Health Manager - Talent Management. "Whether someone is interested in direct patient care or non-clinical career opportunities, this event provides valuable exposure to the diverse roles that contribute to the health and well-being of our communities. We are excited to inspire future healthcare professionals, showcase the scope of opportunities within healthcare, and connect individuals with meaningful and fulfilling career possibilities." Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Great River Health departments, ask questions, explore career paths, and connect with educational resources. Representatives from Southeastern Community College and IowaWORKS will also be present with information tables located near the Human Resources booth.

Great River Health
Aug 31st, 2026
Great River Health offers new four-week nutrition education series.

Great River Health offers new four-week nutrition education series. Monday, August 31, 2026 Great River Health is launching Nutrition 101: A Dietitian's 4-Week Essentials Course, a new program designed to help participants build healthy eating habits, better understand nutrition, and gain confidence in making everyday food choices. The four-week series will be held Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. September 29 through October 20 in the Falcon Room at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, West Burlington. Classes will be led by a registered dietitian and combine practical nutrition education with real-world strategies for healthy living. A registered dietitian will teach participants how to create balanced meals, understand calories and protein needs, read nutrition labels, navigate dining out, manage common nutrition challenges, and develop sustainable habits that support long-term wellness. The course concludes with a hands-on cooking experience featuring meal preparation techniques and healthy recipe ideas. This course provides realistic, evidence-based guidance that participants can apply immediately, regardless of where they are in their health journey. Topics include: * Nutrition foundations and simple meal planning. * Understanding your nutrition needs. * Real-life nutrition challenges. * Practical cooking and meal assembly. The program is open to community members. Cost is $150 for non-members and $100 for Fitness Center members. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.

KILJ
Jun 9th, 2026
New Mental Health Therapy Clinic opens in West Burlington.

New Mental Health Therapy Clinic opens in West Burlington. By Allison Jacobs · Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 9:11 am CDT Residents seeking mental health services in southeast Iowa now have a new dedicated location for therapy and counseling care. Great River Health has announced the opening of the Great River Mental Health Therapy Clinic at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. The clinic officially opened Monday, June 8, and serves as the new home for mental health therapists who previously saw patients through the Mental Health Clinic at the West Burlington campus. The clinic is staffed by a team of licensed mental health professionals. Providers offer a variety of services aimed at helping patients better understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors, while also assisting with the assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions. Hospital representatives say the creation of the new clinic provides a dedicated space specifically designed for therapy services and patient care. The clinic is located in Suite 309 of Eastman Plaza on the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center campus in West Burlington. Great River Health noted that the new facility is not considered a hospital-based outpatient clinic. Patients can schedule appointments or obtain additional information by calling 319-768-1370.

KILJ
Jun 8th, 2026
Great River Health launches new MyChart patient portal.

Great River Health launches new MyChart patient portal. By Allison Jacobs · Monday, June 8th, 2026 at 6:21 am CDT Great River Health has launched a new online patient portal designed to give patients easier access to their healthcare information and services. The health system announced Saturday that patients can now enroll in MyChart, a secure online platform that provides 24-hour access to medical records, test results, appointment scheduling, prescription refill requests, and direct communication with healthcare providers. Dr. Michael McCoy, President and CEO of Great River Health, says the portal is an important step in helping patients become more informed and engaged in their care. He says greater access to health information supports the organization's goal of delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. MyChart also allows patients to pay bills online, review account statements, manage care for family members through proxy access, and connect records from other healthcare systems in one centralized location. According to Great River Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Ryon, improved communication between patients and providers can lead to better understanding, stronger relationships, and improved health outcomes. The MyChart platform is available through both a website and mobile app, allowing patients to access their healthcare information from virtually anywhere. Patients can sign up online or receive assistance enrolling during their next visit. Additional information, tutorials, and enrollment resources are available through Great River Health's MyChart webpage. Great River Health serves communities throughout southeast Iowa and emphasizes a patient-centered approach to healthcare through its network of providers and services.