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Respiratory Care Practioner III
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Bakersfield, CA, 93301
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 45.05-55.46 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Position Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Respiratory Coordinator and Director, the Respiratory Care Practitioner III must demonstrate in-depth knowledge in all modes of respiratory therapy, from perinatal/pediatrics to adult critical care, along with other acute care areas. Must have advance knowledge of the different modes of respiratory therapy and work independently in the intensive care setting. Must serve as a resource person in terms of clinical expertise for other staff therapists, nurses and physicians. The RCP III is fully competent in the use of the most complex treatment techniques and assists in training others. May be required to serve in a Coordinator role for specified hours or shifts.
Job Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- One year clinical experience in RCP II position or 5 years respiratory care experience including 3 in critical care
- Must possess a valid California RCP License issued by the California Respiratory Care Board
- Current BLS, ACLS, NRP, PALS CRT, RRT and RRT-NPS certifications. S.T.A.B.L.E. certification is required within one year of hire
- Employees currently in role as of 12/7/2020 without RRT-NPS will be grandfathered in as not requiring it.
- Employees currently in role as of 12/7/2020 that do have the RRT-NPS will be required to maintain the certification
- Experience in the use of computers
Education:
- Education level necessary to obtain required licensure and certifications
- Must have completed a Respiratory Therapy program
- A/S degree preferred
Special Skills:
- Must demonstrate good interpersonal and customer service skills
- Must be able to communicate effectively with physicians, support staff, patients and family members
- Ability to demonstrate good interpersonal and customer relations skills along with time management skills
- Must be able to workout supervision
- Ability to handle conflicts in a professional manner, seeking assistance when necessary, by using established conflict resolution skills
- Must have good mental skills and the ability to understand and perform required procedures
- Must have the ability to read, write and speak English
- Ability to process moderate math equations and formulas
- Could be required to act as shift coordinator for specific shifts or specific periods of time
- Must serve as a role model for staff in terms of clinical competence, technique and skill, and will counsel and coach staff verbally and by role modeling
Please be advised that this location requires quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) competency certification post-hire. This ongoing competency is required through resources internal to the facility; outside RQI competency resources are not acceptable for CommonSpirit Health compliance requirements.
Where You'll WorkBakersfield Memorial Hospital includes 385 general acute beds, 48 licensed critical care beds, 13 state-of-the-art surgical suites, and a full-service Emergency Department with an Accredited Chest Pain Center and Nationally Certified Stroke Center. In addition, we offer a beautiful Family Care and Birthing Center, the Lauren Small Children's Center including the area's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Family Care Center, a Level II NICU, the Sarvanand Heart, and Brain Center with Kern County's first Bi-Plane Interventional Suite, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbarics, and many more services. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. Memorial Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Click here to learn more about Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
In Bakersfield, Respiratory Care Practitioner III roles often demand advanced critical care expertise, especially in facilities like Catholic Health Initiatives. Compared to California's larger metro areas, Bakersfield offers a close-knit healthcare community with growing demand, but may have fewer specialized respiratory therapy resources locally.
Bakersfield's healthcare settings often require respiratory therapists to handle diverse acute care cases, from pediatrics to adult critical care. Environmental factors like regional health trends can impact patient respiratory needs, making adaptability and broad clinical knowledge essential for success.
Key certifications include a valid California RCP license, BLS, ACLS, NRP, PALS, CRT, RRT, and RRT-NPS. Additionally, maintaining S.T.A.B.L.E. certification within a year of hire is vital, reflecting the high standards expected for respiratory therapists in critical care settings.
The Respiratory Care Practitioner III is expected to exhibit mastery in complex treatment techniques and operate independently, often coordinating care in intensive units. This seniority involves mentoring others and serving as a clinical resource, unlike entry-level or intermediate respiratory roles.
Catholic Health Initiatives fosters development through opportunities to lead clinical training, assume coordinator duties, and maintain ongoing certifications like AHA’s Resuscitation Quality Improvement. The environment encourages advancing specialty skills while contributing to team expertise.
Yes, practitioners may be tasked with shift coordination and act as clinical role models. They also participate actively in quarterly competency certifications, ensuring compliance with facility standards unique to Catholic Health Initiatives’ commitment to quality respiratory care.
Salaries typically range from $75,000 to $95,000 annually, influenced by experience and certifications. Bakersfield’s cost of living and hospital demand align to offer competitive compensation for advanced respiratory therapists in critical care roles.
With Bakersfield’s growing population and healthcare expansion, demand for skilled respiratory practitioners, especially those qualified at level III, is increasing. The ongoing need for acute and pediatric respiratory care sustains strong job opportunities locally.
Expertise in various respiratory therapy modes, swift critical thinking, effective communication with multidisciplinary teams, and conflict resolution are key. Mastery in handling advanced equipment and patient monitoring ensures high-quality care delivery.
This advanced role demands comprehensive knowledge across all patient age groups, autonomy in complex treatments, and leadership in clinical settings. Unlike junior roles, it involves mentoring staff and potentially coordinating shifts, highlighting greater responsibility and skill.