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Great River Health

Regional health system operating hospitals, clinics

Registered Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Therapy

Part-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$32.53/hr+ $10,000 sign-on bonus
Mid
Associate's
West Burlington, IA, USA
In PersonScheduled 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; every other weekend and two holidays per year; on-call requirements.
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.
  • A current Iowa license 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.
  • One to two years of prior acute care experience is preferred.
  • Knowledge of customer and personal service principles and processes, including assessing customer needs, meeting service quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
  • Knowledge of diagnostic and treatment methods for human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive healthcare measures.
  • Knowledge of curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and measuring training effects.
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including word meanings and spelling, composition, and grammar.
  • Use written and verbal communication effectively with healthcare personnel, relay information clearly, act within ethical guidelines, and communicate delays or wait times to patients or their significant others.
  • Administer ordered treatments and medications promptly according to hospital policies and procedures, and respond promptly to clinical procedures and emergencies.
  • Perform respiratory assessments, distinguish normal from abnormal findings, analyze abnormal findings, initiate appropriate responses, and anticipate actual or potential problems in hospital settings.
  • Evaluate patients’ responses to care and comprehension of education, evaluate response to therapy, and recommend required changes to physicians.
  • Document all aspects of respiratory care clearly, concisely, legibly, and promptly in the electronic medical record or appropriate hospital forms, using correct medical terminology and accepted abbreviations.
  • Use sound judgment and critical thinking in the respiratory care process, apply a problem-solving approach, and use evidence-based practices when applicable.
  • Use and troubleshoot appropriate respiratory care equipment in accordance with department and hospital policies.
  • Follow the hospital dress code, treat others respectfully, maintain current respiratory care knowledge, expand the knowledge base, and work as a team member with hospital care personnel.
  • Arrange items or actions in an order or pattern according to specified rules.
  • Hold Registered Respiratory Therapist credentialing upon hire and a driver’s license upon hire.
  • Obtain American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support, American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support within 90 days.
  • Complete Iowa child abuse and dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter requirements within 90 days.
  • Pass the Registered Respiratory Therapist registry exam within one year or move to the Certified Respiratory Therapist wage scale.
  • For respiratory therapy duties, perform respiratory procedures for all patient populations, including chest percussion therapy, nebulizer treatments, oxygen titration and qualification, inhaler treatments, incentive spirometry, Negative Inspiratory Force and Positive Expiratory Force measurements, peak flow testing, tracheostomy care, electrocardiograms, arterial blood gas collection and analysis, and suctioning.
  • For respiratory therapy duties, initiate, manage, and discontinue non-invasive and invasive ventilation at physician request or according to procedure; document in the electronic medical record; transport patients using respiratory machines; manage and troubleshoot equipment; perform pulmonary function testing; respond to medical alerts; notify physicians of critical results; precept respiratory care and emergency medical services students; and complete quality assurance measures.
  • For pulmonary rehabilitation duties, understand pulmonary rehabilitation philosophy and goals, program administration, marketing, patient education, exercise training, and reimbursement; maintain competencies including Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Basic Life Support.
  • For respiratory therapy duties at the FM location, hold current Iowa licensure and certification or registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care; obtain Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and child and adult mandatory reporter qualifications within one year of hire.
  • For cardiac rehabilitation duties, hold a current Iowa-accepted Registered Nurse license or registration if performing the nursing responsibilities described; two or more years of critical care or cardiac care experience is preferred; demonstrate competency in cardiac monitoring and arrhythmia detection and treatment following Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocol as directed.
  • For polysomnography duties, hold Registered Polysomnographic Technologist certification through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists at hire or within 12 months if currently a Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist; alternatively, if currently certified as an electroencephalography technician with ABRET, obtain the certification within 12 months. Be currently boarded as a polysomnography technologist in Iowa.
  • For polysomnography duties, Basic Life Support is preferred at hire and required within three months of hire.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct tests that support the evaluation of cardiopulmonary function.
  • Educate patients and families about conditions and teach disease-management techniques, including breathing exercises and use of medications and respiratory equipment.
  • Determine treatment requirements, including therapy type, method, duration, precautions, medication, and dosage, consistent with physician orders; enforce safety rules and adherence to physician orders.
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
  • Maintain charts containing patients’ identification 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 when adverse reactions occur.
  • Work with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to manage patient care, assist with medical procedures, and perform related duties.
  • Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other healthcare personnel.
  • Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment; arrange 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 to providers about mechanical ventilators, non-invasive ventilation apparatus, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified treatment parameters.
  • Teach, train, supervise, and use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, and electrocardiogram technicians.
  • For respiratory therapy duties, give and receive adequate reports; perform ordered respiratory therapy across patient populations; transport patients on respiratory machines; manage and troubleshoot respiratory equipment; perform pulmonary function tests; respond to medical alerts; notify physicians about 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, and communicate and make referrals to providers.
  • For respiratory therapy duties at the FM location, perform diagnostic and outpatient services including electroencephalography, electrocardiography, 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 other therapeutic procedures for patients with respiratory or cardiac insufficiency.
  • For cardiac rehabilitation duties, provide direct patient care in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation; monitor patients during exercise sessions; provide education on disease conditions, cardiac and pulmonary risk factors, and behavior modifications; communicate changes in patients’ clinical conditions, laboratory tests, and symptoms to physicians; respond to changes in patient condition and treatment response; participate in performance improvement; and assist with patient hookup, vital monitoring, equipment setup, education, and patient needs within licensure and scope of practice.
  • For polysomnography duties, perform and score physician-ordered polysomnography tests; provide services through polysomnograms, assessments, treatment, documentation, and related actions; and measure brain-wave electrical activity and other physiological variables to aid physician diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
  • Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Desired Qualifications
  • One to two years of prior acute care experience.
  • Basic Life Support is preferred at hire for polysomnography duties.

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.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

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.