Respiratory Practitioner - Internship

Launch Your Respiratory Therapy Career

Are you a recent graduate or soon-to-be graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program looking to build your clinical skills in a supportive healthcare environment? Join our Respiratory Care team as a Respiratory Practitioner Intern and gain valuable hands-on experience while completing a comprehensive department orientation and competency program.

This internship is designed to help you transition from the classroom to clinical practice by providing mentorship, structured training, and opportunities to work alongside experienced respiratory care professionals.

What You'll Do

As a Respiratory Practitioner Intern, you'll support the daily operations of the Respiratory Care Department while developing the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career. Responsibilities include:

• Maintain department supply and medication inventory to ensure uninterrupted patient care

• Stock respiratory care supply stations throughout the hospital

• Clean, assemble, test, and prepare respiratory equipment, including mechanical ventilators

• Identify malfunctioning equipment and coordinate repairs as needed

• Perform respiratory procedures and diagnostic testing after completing required training and competency validation, including:

  • Nebulizer treatments

  • Incentive spirometry education and rounding

  • Oxygen equipment checks

  • Tracheostomy care

  • Electrocardiograms (EKGs)

  • Pulmonary function testing

  • Other respiratory diagnostic procedures

• Successfully complete departmental orientation and competency requirements

• Work collaboratively with respiratory therapists and interdisciplinary healthcare teams while delivering exceptional patient care

Qualifications

Required

• 1 year completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Current CPR certification

Preferred

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program approved by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

• Certificate from an AMA-approved Respiratory Therapy program

• Six months to one year of didactic and clinical respiratory care experience

Knowledge & Skills

Successful candidates should possess:

• Basic knowledge of respiratory anatomy and physiology

• Understanding of biology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology

• Familiarity with respiratory care equipment and oxygen delivery devices

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment

• Commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care

• Eagerness to learn and grow professionally

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods

• Lift and move equipment and supplies

• Perform repetitive movements and fine motor tasks

• Work in a clinical environment with exposure to patients, bodily fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards while following established safety protocols

Caring for Our Team
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.