Respiratory Therapist Apprentice

Overview

Position:
Respiratory Therapist Apprentice (Per Diem - Non Benefited, Professionals)

Location:

Reno, NV

Shift: Day

Posted: 09/26/2025

Req #: 185151
• Biweekly

Hours:

Varies

A Respiratory Therapist Apprentice is a student currently enrolled in a Respiratory Care program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The position allows a student to practice respiratory care and productively gain experience with non-emergent and non-critical care tasks related to direct patient care, while under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist. The practice of respiratory care by a student as part of a program of study in respiratory care that is approved by the Board, or is recognized by a national organization which is approved by the Board to review such programs, if the student is enrolled in the program and provides respiratory care only under the supervision of a practitioner of respiratory care (NRS 630.047).

The incumbent is in frequent contact with Respiratory Care staff, patients, and nursing personnel. The incumbent must be knowledgeable of the uses of respiratory equipment specific to the area of specialty. This position is responsible for demonstrating proficiency in body mechanics, fire safety, infection control, patient safety, CPR, and safe handling of hazardous materials. The incumbent is responsible for the maintenance of unit supplies and interdepartmental communication.

The incumbent is responsible for making decisions regarding stock levels of disposable or non-disposable items to be maintained. Major challenges include meeting demands across multiple areas while maintaining normal operations.

Under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist, the incumbent performs non-emergent and non-critical care respiratory therapy procedures. Apprentices primarily collaborate with patients in adult general care, pediatric general care, and may provide respiratory care at secondary care sites. The scope of practice includes non-emergent and non-critical care respiratory therapy procedures with documented/verified skills by the Respiratory Care Educator. Evidence-based respiratory practice and beginning critical thinking are required to provide safe patient care when interacting with internal and external contacts and exercising judgment.

The apprentice has the authority to initiate BLS, contact other Respiratory Therapists as ordered, and perform activities assigned under supervision. The incumbent is responsible for proper documentation of all patient records (cosigned by a licensed Respiratory Therapist) and department logs, staying current with changes in the field, and completing care tasks for Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric patients. They must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with patients and address age-specific competencies and quality standards.

The apprentice is responsible for ensuring a positive patient experience by communicating clearly, explaining procedures, and thanking the patient upon completion. Service recovery is expected when the patient experience is not satisfactory. Continuous mental effort is required to provide safe patient care and effective collaboration.

Sixty (60) days prior to completion of the Respiratory Care Program, the apprentice must begin the Nevada Respiratory Intern licensing process and apply for a Respiratory Therapy Intern position. Upon program completion, the apprentice will no longer be able to practice Respiratory Care on patients. Direct patient care is provided under supervision.

• Collaborate with Respiratory Care staff and nursing personnel to deliver non-emergent, non-critical respiratory care.
• Assist with maintaining unit supplies and interdepartmental communication; manage stock levels.
• Perform non-emergent respiratory therapy procedures under supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
• Document patient records and department logs; ensure cosignature by a licensed Therapist.
• Contribute to a positive patient experience and provide service recovery as needed.

• Education:
  
  Must be enrolled in an accredited…