## CCM Student Respiratory Therapist at WVU Medicine - Camden Clark Medical Center ### Role Overview As a CCM Student Respiratory Therapist at WVU Medicine's Camden Clark Medical Center (CCMC), you will play a vital role in providing respiratory care to patients under the direct supervision of licensed Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) or Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs). This position offers an excellent opportunity for students enrolled in accredited Respiratory Therapy programs to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills in a supportive clinical environment. Your primary responsibilities will include administering oxygen therapy, delivering medications via nebulizers and inhalers, performing airway clearance techniques, and monitoring patient respiratory status. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. ### A Day in the Life Your day as a CCM Student Respiratory Therapist might include: * **Patient Assessment:** Assisting with the assessment of patients' respiratory status, including monitoring vital signs and observing breathing patterns. * **Oxygen Therapy:** Setting up and maintaining low-flow oxygen devices, such as nasal cannulas and simple masks, for patients requiring supplemental oxygen. * **Medication Delivery:** Administering medications via nebulizers and Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) to help patients manage respiratory conditions. * **Airway Clearance:** Performing airway clearance techniques, such as chest physiotherapy and suctioning, to help patients remove secretions from their airways. * **Pulmonary Function Testing:** Assisting with pulmonary function tests, such as peak flow measurements and simple spirometry, to assess patients' lung function. * **Patient Education:** Providing education to patients and their families on respiratory care techniques and disease management. * **Documentation:** Accurately documenting patient care activities and observations in electronic medical records. * **Collaboration:** Communicating and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and therapists, to ensure coordinated patient care. * **Equipment Maintenance:** Ensuring that respiratory equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, and stored. * **Emergency Response:** Assisting with emergency respiratory care, such as providing bag-valve-mask ventilation during respiratory distress. ### Why Parkersburg, West Virginia? Parkersburg, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to larger city amenities. Located in the Mid-Ohio Valley, Parkersburg boasts beautiful natural scenery, including the Ohio River and nearby state parks. The cost of living in Parkersburg is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live and work. The city has a rich history and culture, with several museums, theaters, and art galleries. WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center is a major employer in the area, providing numerous job opportunities and a stable economic base. The community is friendly and welcoming, making it easy to feel at home. Additionally, Parkersburg is within driving distance of larger cities such as Charleston, WV, and Columbus, OH, offering access to a wider range of entertainment, dining, and shopping options. ### Career Path This Student Respiratory Therapist position serves as an entry point into a fulfilling career in respiratory care at WVU Medicine. Upon graduation from your Respiratory Therapy program and successful completion of the RRT or CRT credentialing exams, you may be eligible to advance to a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) position. With experience and further education, you can pursue specialized roles such as: * **Critical Care Respiratory Therapist:** Providing advanced respiratory support to patients in intensive care units. * **Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist:** Specializing in the respiratory care of infants and children. * **Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapist:** Helping patients with chronic lung diseases improve their quality of life through exercise and education. * **Respiratory Therapy Supervisor/Manager:** Overseeing the operations and staff of a respiratory therapy department. * **Clinical Educator:** Training and mentoring new respiratory therapists and students. WVU Medicine offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, including continuing education programs, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement. ### Salary and Benefits The estimated annual salary range for a CCM Student Respiratory Therapist in Parkersburg, West Virginia, is $30,000 to $45,000. This range is based on market data and may vary depending on experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage. * **Prescription Drug Coverage:** Coverage for prescription medications. * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):** Pre-tax accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. * **Health Savings Accounts (HSAs):** Tax-advantaged savings accounts for healthcare expenses. * **Life Insurance:** Basic and supplemental life insurance options. * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term disability coverage. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services. * **Retirement Savings Plan:** 401(k) or 403(b) plan with employer matching contributions. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Financial assistance for continuing education. * **Employee Wellness Programs:** Programs to promote health and well-being. ### WVU Medicine Culture WVU Medicine is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our core values include: * **Patient-Centeredness:** Putting patients first in all that we do. * **Excellence:** Striving for the highest standards of quality and safety. * **Teamwork:** Working together to achieve common goals. * **Integrity:** Conducting ourselves with honesty and ethical behavior. * **Respect:** Treating everyone with dignity and respect. * **Innovation:** Embracing new ideas and technologies to improve patient care. We foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development, providing opportunities for employees to grow and advance in their careers. WVU Medicine is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. ### How to Apply To apply for the CCM Student Respiratory Therapist position at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. Complete the online application form and attach your resume and cover letter. Be sure to highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department. ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. **What are the minimum qualifications for this position?** * You must possess a current Student Respiratory Care Permit through the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care and obtain certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire. 2. **What are the core duties and responsibilities of a CCM Student Respiratory Therapist?** * Your responsibilities include setting up and maintaining oxygen and aerosol devices, administering medications, performing airway clearance techniques, and assisting with patient education, all under the direct supervision of a licensed therapist. 3. **What physical requirements are associated with this job?** * The job requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods and the ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 40 pounds. 4. **What is the work environment like?** * You will be working in a hospital environment, which requires awareness of environmental factors and infection control issues to maintain a safe environment for patient care. 5. **What skills and abilities are required for this position?** * You need good interpersonal communication skills, multi-tasking abilities, and problem-solving and decision-making skills. 6. **What is the shift for this position?** * The job posting does not specify the shift. Please clarify this during the interview process. 7. **How many hours per week will I be scheduled to work?** * The scheduled weekly hours are 8 hours. 8. **Is this an exempt or non-exempt position?** * This is a non-exempt position, meaning you are eligible for overtime pay. 9. **What opportunities are there for career advancement within WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, including advanced roles in critical care, neonatal/pediatric care, and pulmonary rehabilitation, as well as leadership and education positions. 10. **What is the culture like at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine fosters a culture of patient-centeredness, excellence, teamwork, integrity, respect, and innovation. We are committed to providing exceptional patient care and supporting the professional growth of our employees.