Role Overview

The Respiratory Therapist at WVU Medicine's Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) plays a vital role in providing respiratory care to patients of all ages. This position is primarily for the night shift and is eligible for a sign-on bonus, offering a fantastic opportunity to join a dedicated team and make a significant impact on patient outcomes. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for evaluating patients' respiratory status, administering prescribed therapies, and monitoring their response to treatment. They work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of high-quality care.

A Day in the Life

As a Respiratory Therapist on the night shift at PCH, your day might look like this: * **7:00 PM:** Receive handoff from the day shift therapists, reviewing patient charts and treatment plans. * **7:30 PM:** Round on critical care patients, assessing their respiratory status and adjusting ventilator settings as needed. * **8:00 PM:** Administer aerosolized medications and chest physiotherapy to patients with respiratory illnesses. * **9:00 PM:** Respond to STAT calls for patients experiencing respiratory distress, providing immediate intervention and support. * **10:00 PM:** Perform arterial blood gas sampling and analysis to assess patient oxygenation and ventilation. * **11:00 PM:** Set up and maintain non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for patients with respiratory failure. * **12:00 AM:** Monitor patients on mechanical ventilation, troubleshooting alarms and making adjustments to optimize respiratory support. * **1:00 AM:** Provide respiratory support during emergency situations, such as intubations and codes. * **2:00 AM:** Document all respiratory therapy interventions and patient responses in the electronic health record. * **3:00 AM:** Participate in multidisciplinary rounds, providing input on patient care plans. * **4:00 AM:** Provide patient and family education on respiratory medications and devices. * **5:00 AM:** Prepare respiratory equipment for morning procedures and treatments. * **6:00 AM:** Complete end-of-shift documentation and handoff to the day shift team. * **7:00 AM:** End of shift.

Why Princeton, West Virginia?

Princeton, West Virginia, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to outdoor recreation. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Princeton provides stunning natural beauty and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The city also boasts a low cost of living and a friendly community atmosphere. Living in Princeton allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life while still having access to essential amenities and services. With its family-friendly environment and proximity to larger cities like Charleston and Roanoke, Princeton offers a desirable quality of life for those seeking a balance between work and personal pursuits.

Career Path

WVU Medicine provides ample opportunities for career advancement for Respiratory Therapists. Potential career paths include: * **Senior Respiratory Therapist:** Lead and mentor other therapists, providing advanced clinical expertise. * **Respiratory Therapy Supervisor:** Oversee the daily operations of the respiratory therapy department, ensuring efficient and effective patient care. * **Clinical Specialist:** Specialize in a particular area of respiratory care, such as critical care or neonatal respiratory therapy. * **Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist:** Develop and implement pulmonary rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic respiratory conditions. * **Management Positions:** Progress into leadership roles within the respiratory therapy department or hospital administration.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Respiratory Therapist at WVU Medicine's Princeton Community Hospital is $55,000 to $85,000 per year. The actual salary will depend on experience, qualifications, and certifications. In addition to competitive pay, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * Health, dental, and vision insurance * Paid time off (PTO) * Retirement savings plan with employer match * Life and disability insurance * Tuition reimbursement * Employee assistance program

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of teamwork, respect, and excellence. Employees are valued for their contributions and are encouraged to grow and develop professionally. WVU Medicine fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment where healthcare professionals can thrive and make a difference in the lives of patients. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality care and is constantly striving to improve patient outcomes.

How to Apply

To apply for the Respiratory Therapist position at WVU Medicine's Princeton Community Hospital, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. Complete the online application, including your resume and cover letter. Be sure to highlight your qualifications, experience, and certifications. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q1: What are the required qualifications for this position?** A1: The required qualifications include a valid Respiratory Therapist license in West Virginia (LRTC or LRTR) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire. **Q2: Is prior experience required for this position?** A2: While not required, two years of respiratory therapist experience is preferred. **Q3: What are the typical working hours for the night shift?** A3: The typical night shift hours are 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. **Q4: Is there a sign-on bonus for this position?** A4: Yes, this position is eligible for a sign-on bonus. **Q5: What is the dress code for Respiratory Therapists at WVU Medicine?** A5: Respiratory Therapists are required to wear scrubs and closed-toe shoes. **Q6: What opportunities are there for professional development?** A6: WVU Medicine offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including continuing education courses, conferences, and certifications. **Q7: What is the patient population served by Respiratory Therapists at PCH?** A7: Respiratory Therapists at PCH care for patients of all ages, including neonates, pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics. **Q8: What is the role of a Respiratory Therapist in emergency situations?** A8: Respiratory Therapists play a critical role in emergency situations, providing respiratory support and airway management. **Q9: How does WVU Medicine support employee well-being?** A9: WVU Medicine offers a variety of programs to support employee well-being, including an employee assistance program (EAP) and wellness initiatives. **Q10: What is the culture like at WVU Medicine?** A10: WVU Medicine fosters a culture of teamwork, respect, and excellence, where employees are valued for their contributions and are encouraged to grow and develop professionally. **Q11: Are there opportunities to work in other locations within the WVU Medicine system?** A11: Yes, WVU Medicine is a large healthcare system with multiple hospitals and clinics, offering opportunities for internal transfers and promotions. **Q12: What types of respiratory equipment will I be working with?** A12: You will be working with a variety of respiratory equipment, including ventilators, oxygen delivery devices, nebulizers, and airway clearance devices. **Q13: How is patient safety prioritized at WVU Medicine?** A13: Patient safety is a top priority at WVU Medicine. The organization has implemented numerous safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of patients. **Q14: Does WVU Medicine offer relocation assistance?** A14: Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. **Q15: What type of training is provided to new Respiratory Therapists?** A15: New Respiratory Therapists receive comprehensive orientation and training, including hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced therapists. **Q16: How are staffing levels determined on the night shift?** A16: Staffing levels are determined based on patient census and acuity levels to ensure adequate respiratory care coverage. **Q17: What is the process for requesting time off?** A17: Time off requests are submitted through the hospital's scheduling system and are subject to approval by the department supervisor. **Q18: Are there opportunities to participate in research or quality improvement projects?** A18: Yes, WVU Medicine encourages Respiratory Therapists to participate in research and quality improvement projects to advance the field of respiratory care. **Q19: How does WVU Medicine ensure compliance with regulatory requirements?** A19: WVU Medicine has a dedicated compliance department that ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. **Q20: What are the expectations for professional conduct and ethics?** A20: WVU Medicine expects all employees to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics, maintaining patient confidentiality and treating all individuals with respect.