Respiratory Therapist Extern

As a respiratory therapist extern, your daily responsibilities are a blend of clinical precision and compassionate care, where you'll be actively involved in assessing patients' respiratory status, learning to interpret diagnostic tests like arterial blood gases and pulse oximetry, and observing how subtle changes in breathing patterns can signal deeper issues. You'll assist in administering oxygen therapy using various delivery systems such as nasal cannulas, face masks, and non-rebreathers, adjusting flow rates to maintain optimal oxygen saturation while ensuring patient comfort and safety. Monitoring patients closely, you'll track vital signs, document responses to therapy, and communicate any concerns to the healthcare team, all while gaining hands-on experience with respiratory equipment, learning how to set up, calibrate, and maintain devices like BiPAP machines and ventilators. You'll also play a key role in educating patients and families on oxygen safety and proper inhaler techniques, helping them feel more confident in managing their conditions. In emergency situations, you'll observe and support airway management, suctioning, and rapid response interventions, developing the calm and clarity needed when seconds count. Throughout your externship, you'll collaborate with nurses, physicians, and other therapists, absorbing knowledge, asking questions, and building the clinical instincts that will shape your future practice. Every breath a patient takes under your care is a chance to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Type of Opportunity: Per Diem FTE: .001
Work Schedule: 12hr Days

How you grow, learn and thrive matters here.

Educational and career development options, including tuition and certification reimbursement, scholarship opportunities
• Staff Safety (a wearable badge that allows nurses to quickly and discreetly call for help when safety is a concern)
• Shift differentials for nights and weekends
• Differentials for higher education, certifications and various lead roles
• Malpractice liability insurance
• Loan forgiveness through the New Mexico Higher Education Department
• EPIC electronic charting system

This position is eligible for the Northern New Mexico differential of $4.00 per hour. (This differential may be adjusted or discontinued based on business requirements.)

• High school diploma
• Requires New Mexico Respiratory Care training permit and BLS certification.
• Must be CRTT eligible or currently enrolled in an accredited respiratory program

• Perform all duties assigned to Pulmonary Technician I

• Maintain and ensure proper oxygen administration to patients

• Implement oxygen therapy protocols based on patient needs and clinical guidelines

• Administer routine respiratory care including nebulization, chest physiotherapy, and IPPB

• Conduct diagnostic procedures such as EKG, bedside spirometry, nocturnal oximetry, and arterial blood gas sampling

• Assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation during emergency situations

• Monitor patient response to therapy and adjust treatment plans accordingly

• Document all procedures, patient interactions, and therapy outcomes accurately

• Collaborate with healthcare team to optimize respiratory care strategies

• Educate patients and families on respiratory treatments and equipment use

We're all about well-being, starting with yours.
Presbyterian employees have access to a fun, engaging and unique wellness program, including free on-site and community-based gyms, nutrition coaching and classes, mindfulness and meditation resources, wellness challenges and more.

Learn more about our employee benefits.

About Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Presbyterian exists to improve the health of patients, members and the communities we serve. We are a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system comprised of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, we are the state's largest private employer with nearly 13,000 employees - including more than 1,200 providers and nearly 3,500 nurses.

Our health plan serves more than 640,000 members statewide and offers Medicare Advantage, Medicaid (Centennial Care) and Commercial health plans.

AA/EOE/VET/DISABLED. PHS is a drug-free and tobacco-free employer with smoke free campuses.