Respiratory Therapist

Avera Health, a regional health system based in Sioux Falls, SD, is seeking a dedicated Respiratory Therapist to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will provide high‑quality respiratory care to patients across a variety of age groups and clinical settings, including acute care units, emergency departments, intensive care units, and outpatient or diagnostic areas. Working collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team, you will assess, plan, and deliver evidence‑based respiratory therapies that support optimal patient outcomes. Key duties include performing comprehensive respiratory assessments, interpreting diagnostic data such as arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, and pulmonary function results, and implementing physician‑ordered treatment plans. You will administer medications via inhalation, manage oxygen and aerosol therapy, perform chest physiotherapy, and operate, monitor, and troubleshoot ventilators and other advanced respiratory support equipment. The Respiratory Therapist will respond to respiratory emergencies, assist with airway management and code situations, and participate in rapid response and transport as needed. Accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record is essential to ensure continuity and quality of care. Avera Health emphasizes compassion, hospitality, and stewardship, and the Respiratory Therapist plays a vital role in supporting these values through patient and family education, clear communication, and respectful, culturally sensitive care. You will explain procedures, equipment, and treatment goals, helping patients and families understand disease processes such as COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and other cardiopulmonary conditions. You will also promote best practices in infection prevention, safety, and patient comfort while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and professional standards. This position offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative environment dedicated to improving healthcare across the Upper Midwest. Respiratory Therapists at Avera Health are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and contribute to the refinement of respiratory care protocols and clinical pathways. You may precept students or new team members, share expertise with colleagues, and support departmental projects aimed at enhancing patient care, efficiency, and outcomes. The ideal candidate brings a solid foundation in cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, strong technical skills with respiratory equipment and electronic medical records, and the ability to prioritize and make sound clinical decisions in a fast‑paced environment. Avera Health provides a supportive network that values teamwork, continuous learning, and service to the community. As a Respiratory Therapist with Avera Health, you will have the chance to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families every day.