Respiratory Therapist - Per Diem Nights

Working per diem night shifts in Kansas City offers flexibility for respiratory therapists seeking to balance personal commitments. Night hours often come with shift differentials, boosting hourly pay, but may require adapting to altered sleep patterns and social schedules common in the local healthcare environment.

In Kansas City, active CRT or RRT credentials recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care are essential. Additionally, state licensure and ACLS certification are standard requirements, reflecting regional compliance and patient care standards in respiratory therapy roles.

Night shift respiratory therapists focus on managing critical respiratory care, including evaluating patients’ breathing, managing endotracheal tubes, and educating families. Overnight hours often mean handling acute cases with limited immediate supervision, requiring strong clinical judgment and autonomy.

Select Medical encourages per diem respiratory therapists to demonstrate skill and dedication, opening pathways to full-time positions. The environment supports professional growth through extensive orientation and potential advancement, making it a strategic choice for career development in respiratory therapy.

Kansas City shows steady demand for respiratory therapists, especially in specialized post-ICU care facilities. Per diem roles attract professionals seeking flexible schedules, and competition can be moderate given the region’s growing healthcare sector and emphasis on critical illness recovery.

Select Medical provides per diem staff with access to 401(k) plans after reaching 1,000 hours, plus employee assistance programs supporting emotional and financial well-being. These benefits are notably supportive for part-time respiratory therapists balancing work with other life priorities.

Select Medical specializes in critical illness recovery, focusing on post-ICU patient care, which requires respiratory therapists to manage complex cases involving extended healing. This setting fosters a collaborative environment with extensive orientation, highlighting compassionate care and professional support.

At $36 hourly plus night shift differentials, this pay aligns well with Kansas City's market for per diem respiratory therapists, reflecting the specialized skills needed for critical illness recovery and overnight care. It positions Select Medical competitively to attract skilled professionals locally.

While one year of related experience is preferred, Select Medical’s extensive orientation program supports new respiratory therapists transitioning into per diem night roles. Candidates holding active CRT or RRT credentials and required certifications may find opportunities to build expertise on the job.

Respiratory therapists working nights at Select Medical balance acute care with family counseling, ensuring patients and caregivers understand treatment plans despite overnight hours. Effective communication during these shifts is vital to support continuous quality improvement and patient recovery.