Respiratory Therapist Vascular Access Spec
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 37.4-55.63 HOUR
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
A Respiratory Therapist with Vascular Access Specialty experience in a hospital setting is responsible for providing high-quality respiratory care to patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions. In addition to administering oxygen therapy, managing ventilators, and performing diagnostic tests, this role requires expertise in vascular access procedures, including the placement and management of central venous catheters (CVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and other vascular access devices. The therapist works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective treatment plans, patient monitoring, and emergency interventions. This position demands a strong understanding of both respiratory and vascular access techniques to improve patient outcomes in critical care and specialized settings.
- Review Physician orders, patient’s history and labs to determine appropriate line placement to be utilized for the procedure, identifies potential issues or risk factors that may impede the patient being a viable candidate or may require alternative vascular access.
- Obtains consent to perform the procedure for the appropriate line. Provide patient teaching/education regarding the line insertion, care and maintenance,
- Inserts and maintains appropriate lines per Policy, to include dressing changes, line review, port access and de-clotting.
- Utilizes ultrasound technology to ensure accurate insertion. Maintains sterile field throughout the entire procedure. Determines accurate placement and receives or provides clearance of the line via appropriate method. Maintains accurate, timely and appropriate documentation in Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Review chest x –ray to ensure accurate placement of Central lines. Utilize Sherlock 3CG+TCS display or Chest X-ray to ensure accurate placement of PICC lines.
- Accesses and maintains infusion ports when needed
- Provides follow up care and maintenance of access sites.
- Participates in interdisciplinary collaboration to provide recommendations for long term access needs
- Acts as a resource to therapists and other healthcare professionals regarding patient status, equipment and operational issues.
- Participates in monitoring quality initiatives, department tracking documentation and complies with quality standards, goals and objectives
Dignity Health now offers an Education Benefit program for benefit-eligible employees after 180 days. This program provides debt relief and student loan assistance to help you achieve your goals. Full-time employees can receive up to $18,000 over five years, while part-time employees can receive up to $9,000.
Job Requirements
Minimum:
- (5) years of Respiratory experience.
- High School Diploma/GED
- Graduate of an AMA Respiratory Therapy Program required
- AZ Respiratory Therapist License
- National Registered Respiratory Therapist
- American Heart Association-issued BLS certificate
Preferred:
- Completion of a Central line training program.
- Completion of a PIC
Hello humankindness Located conveniently in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona,St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is a 571-bed, not-for-profit hospital that provides a wide range of health, social and support services. Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Mercy, St. Joseph's was the first hospital in the Phoenix area. More than 125 years later, St. Joseph's remains dedicated to its mission of caring for the poor and underserved. We are extremely proud to be a nationally recognized center for quality quaternary care, medical education and research. St. Joseph's includes the internationally renowned Barrow Neurological Institute, Norton Thoracic Institute, Cancer Center at St. Joseph's, Ivy Brain Tumor Center, and St. Joseph's Level I Trauma Center (which is verified by the American College of Surgeons). The hospital is also a respected center for high-risk obstetrics, neuro-rehabilitation, orthopedics, and other medical services. St. Joseph’s is considered a sought-after destination hospital for treating the most complex cases from throughout the world. Every day, approximately 20 percent of the hospital’s patients have traveled from outside of Arizona and the United States to seek treatment at St. Joseph’s. U.S News & World Report routinely ranks St. Joseph's among the top hospitals in the United States for neurology and neurosurgery. In addition, St. Joseph's boasts the Creighton University School of Medicine at St. Joseph's, and a strategic alliance with Phoenix Children's Hospital. St. Joseph's is consistently named an outstanding place to work and one of Arizona's healthiest employers. Come grow your career with one of Arizona's Most Admired Companies. Look for us on Facebookand follow us on Twitter. For the health of our community ... we are proud to be a tobacco-free campus.
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Frequently asked questions
A Respiratory Therapist Vascular Access Spec combines traditional respiratory care with specialized skills in vascular access procedures, such as placing central venous catheters and PICCs. This dual expertise supports critical care patients by managing respiratory function and ensuring safe vascular line placements, enhancing overall treatment outcomes.
Beyond standard respiratory therapy credentials, completing central line training and PICC certification boosts your qualifications. These certifications demonstrate proficiency in vascular access, a vital skill for managing complex cardiopulmonary patients, especially within hospital settings like those in Phoenix, AZ.
Daily tasks include patient assessment, ultrasound-guided vascular line insertions, ventilator management, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Mastery in sterile technique and accurate documentation in electronic medical records is crucial to maintain high-quality care and patient safety.
Phoenix's growing healthcare sector, especially at hospitals like St. Joseph's, increases demand for specialized respiratory therapists. However, competition remains moderate due to the niche skill set required, including vascular access expertise and Arizona state licensure, prompting candidates to highlight these credentials.
Respiratory Therapists with vascular access specialization in Phoenix typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually. Variations depend on experience, certifications, and facility type, with high-caliber employers like Catholic Health Initiatives offering competitive compensation packages.
Catholic Health Initiatives fosters professional development through education benefits, including up to $18,000 in student loan assistance for full-time employees. They encourage skill advancement in respiratory and vascular access domains, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and quality care initiatives.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, therapists engage in cutting-edge quaternary care, collaborating with renowned institutes like Barrow Neurological Institute. The role emphasizes both respiratory and vascular access expertise within a compassionate, community-focused environment, distinguishing it from more general respiratory roles.
Phoenix healthcare facilities prioritize teamwork and community service, reflecting a hospitable culture. Respiratory therapists often encounter diverse patient populations and advanced treatment centers, with an emphasis on ongoing education and tobacco-free campus policies enhancing workplace wellness.
Challenges include assessing patient-specific risk factors for line placement, maintaining sterile technique during insertion, and interpreting imaging like chest X-rays or Sherlock 3CG+TCS displays for accurate catheter positioning, all demanding high precision to prevent complications.
Specialized therapists improve outcomes by ensuring accurate line placements, optimizing oxygen therapy, and facilitating prompt emergency interventions. Their dual expertise reduces infection risks and supports complex cardiopulmonary care, pivotal in Phoenix's high-demand tertiary care centers.