Respiratory Therapist, Reg IV – Dayshift | FSED Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital-Lakeland, FL

Maintains the following credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC): Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (NPS) for RRTs working in Neonatal or Pediatric Critical Care units, or Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) for RRTs working in Adult Critical Care units. The Respiratory Therapist provides high-quality respiratory care to patients across the lifespan, performing assessments, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and emergency respiratory interventions.

Position Summary:

New Lakeland Freestanding Emergency Department

Opening Summer 2026 | 4000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL

Join Orlando Health as we expand access to high-quality emergency care in Lakeland. We are seeking an experienced and patient-focused Respiratory Therapist to join our team at our new freestanding emergency department opening Summer 2026.

The Respiratory Therapist provides high-quality respiratory care to patients across the lifespan, performing assessments, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and emergency respiratory interventions. This role collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, and other clinical team members to support timely diagnosis and treatment while ensuring patient safety and exceptional care in a fast-paced emergency environment.

Available Shift Schedule

Dayshift – 3×12s

• Friday through Sunday; 7:00am to 7:30pm

Position Summary

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive respiratory care to patients presenting with a variety of medical and respiratory conditions. The therapist performs respiratory assessments, administers prescribed treatments and therapies, assists with emergency airway management, and operates respiratory care equipment in accordance with established standards and protocols.

The Respiratory Therapist works collaboratively with the emergency department team to recognize changes in patient condition, respond to respiratory emergencies, and provide timely interventions that support positive patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Administer respiratory treatments, oxygen therapy, and aerosolized medications as ordered.
• Assist with airway management and emergency respiratory interventions.
• Provide support during respiratory emergencies and other critical patient situations.
• Perform and assist with diagnostic respiratory procedures as appropriate.
• Monitor patients' respiratory status and communicate changes to physicians and nursing staff.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain respiratory care equipment.
• Educate patients and families regarding respiratory treatments and care plans.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Follow infection prevention, patient safety, and respiratory care standards.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary care team to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Why Join Orlando Health?

Orlando Health offers a comprehensive Day One benefits package designed to support you and your family:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Prescription Drug Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Preferred Education Program – 100% Paid Tuition
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Family Care Benefits
• And much more

About the Facility

Located at 4000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL, this new Orlando Health freestanding emergency department will provide 24/7 emergency care to the growing Lakeland community. The facility will feature:

• Up to 24 patient exam rooms
• A state-of-the-art imaging suite
• On-site laboratory services
• Ambulance bay access
• Approximately 20,800 square feet of clinical space

As Lakeland continues to experience significant population growth, Orlando Health remains committed to delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare close to home.

Be Part of Something New

This is a unique opportunity to help launch a brand-new emergency care facility and make a meaningful impact from day one. Join Orlando Health and be part of a team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and compassionate patient care.

If you are a dedicated Respiratory Therapist who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about providing exceptional emergency respiratory care, we invite you to be part of this exciting new team.

Apply today and grow your career with Orlando Health.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions
• Demonstrates competency in respiratory therapeutics and in the use of non-invasive ventilators, pulmonary diagnostics, and other equipment required for the provision of respiratory care.
• Maintains accurate and precise documentation.
• Demonstrates a strong power of analyticalreasoning and effectively blends patient care management skills with technical expertise.
• Communicates openly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrates proficiency in quality control and maintenance of arterial blood gas analyzers, specimen collection, and analysis of blood for gas transport and acid/base determination.
• Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Orlando Health policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Maintains compliance with all Orlando Health policies and procedures.

Other Related Functions
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient’s age and medical condition.
• Demonstrates expertise in medical gas administration, environmental controlsystems, humidification, medication delivery, invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Provides care for patients in non-critical care, intermediate care, and intensive care units.
• Has advanced clinicalskills and job responsibilities as described in the RRT Clinical Ladder program, including but not limited to preceptor, mentor, educator, and clinicalspecialist. Performs all other duties as assigned.
• Instructs clinical practicum students.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate for the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possessesthe ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status. Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and providesthe care needed as described in the unit’s/area’s/department’s policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Education/Training
• Associate of Science in Respiratory Care or Cardiopulmonary Sciences. (If licensed prior to December 31, 1987, a certificate of
completion from an approved Respiratory Care program will be accepted).
• Intermediate floor training as defined on Orlando Health’s Respiratory Clinical Ladder.
• Basic computer/mechanical training required.

Licensure/Certification
• Maintains license as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the State of Florida Department of Health.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). RRTs registered on or after July 1,
2002, must maintain an active status with the (NBRC) and be updated every five years. RRTs credentialed prior to July 1, 2002, are not required to renew every five years in accordance with the NBRC.
• Maintains current BLS/HealthCare Provider certification.
• Advanced Life Support as appropriate per unit and site.
• Preferred: Maintains active membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and Florida Association for Respiratory Care (FSRC)

• Maintains the following credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC): Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (NPS) for RRTs working in Neonatal or Pediatric Critical Care units, or Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) for RRTs working in Adult Critical Care units.

 

Experience
None.