Are you a respiratory therapy student looking for meaningful clinical experience, schedule flexibility, and the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives? Join Mercy and gain hands-on experience alongside experienced healthcare professionals in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
At Mercy, our mission is simple: bringing to life a healing ministry through compassionate care and exceptional service. We believe great careers are built around the unique talents, skills, and passion of each individual. That's why Mercy has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the nation's Top 100 Places to Work.
Why This Opportunity Stands OutFlexible part-time schedule designed to work around your classes
Direct patient care experience in a hospital setting
Mentorship from licensed respiratory care professionals
Exposure to a wide variety of respiratory therapies and procedures
Opportunity to build clinical skills while making an impact on patient outcomes
Work for an organization known for excellence, compassion, and professional growth
As a Respiratory Intern, you will provide direct patient care under the direction of physicians and the supervision of licensed respiratory care practitioners. This role offers valuable real-world experience while helping patients receive high-quality respiratory care.
You will perform duties in alignment with Mercy's Mission, Values, and Service Standards while developing the skills needed for a successful respiratory therapy career.
What You'll DoDeliver Exceptional Patient CareAssist with respiratory therapy treatments and procedures
Assess patient needs and help implement appropriate respiratory care interventions
Monitor and document patient responses to therapy
Support patient and family education efforts
Maintain accurate and timely electronic health record documentation
Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary care teams
Follow medication administration and safety protocols
Comply with infection prevention and personal protective equipment guidelines
Support patient identification, fall prevention, and restraint management processes
Perform equipment safety checks and maintain a safe care environment
Protect patient confidentiality and uphold patient rights
Communicate patient status changes and care needs effectively
Participate in shift reports, team huddles, and department meetings
Assist in problem-solving related to patient care, equipment, and workflow
Foster professional and respectful interactions with patients, families, and colleagues
Stock supplies and manage respiratory equipment
Clean and process respiratory therapy equipment
Maintain organized and professional work areas
Stay informed through department communications and training
Assist with additional respiratory care responsibilities as assigned
Active enrollment in an accredited Respiratory Care program
Current Temporary Educational Permit (Respiratory Student License) from the state board where employed
Required licensure must be obtained within 90 days of hire
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Passion for patient-centered care
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced clinical environment
Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
Commitment to safety, professionalism, and compassionate service
This is more than a student job—it's an opportunity to gain invaluable clinical experience, strengthen your respiratory therapy skills, and begin your healthcare career with a team dedicated to exceptional patient care.
Apply today and take the next step toward becoming a respiratory therapy professional with Mercy Clinic Springfield.
Why Mercy?From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.
Skills Required
- Active enrollment in an accredited Respiratory Care program
- Current Temporary Educational Permit or Respiratory Student License from the state board where employed
- Obtain required respiratory student licensure within 90 days of hire
- Current Basic Life Support certification
Mercy Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Mercy and has not been reviewed or approved by Mercy.
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Healthcare Strength — Day‑one medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage is available for many benefit‑eligible roles, alongside options like disability, FSAs, EAP, wellness, and other add‑ons. Coverage breadth and immediate eligibility are highlighted across role postings and benefits guides.
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Retirement Support — Automatic enrollment in the MyRetirement 401(k) includes a per‑paycheck employer match and an additional annual service contribution for eligible co‑workers. This layered design provides ongoing support for long‑term savings.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — A combined PTO bank (holidays, vacation, short‑term illness) plus an Extended Sick Bank and Paid Parental Leave are standard components. Accruals start quickly and can increase with tenure, with some locations also offering Volunteer Time Off.
Mercy Insights
What We Do
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems for four consecutive years by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy is one of the nation’s most highly integrated, multi-state health care systems, including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 2,400 Mercy Clinic physicians and more than 40,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Mercy’s Virtual Care Center is the world’s first such facility dedicated to care outside its own walls, monitoring patients 24/7/365 across the country, using high-speed data and video connections and medically intervening when and where patients need it with a comprehensive team approach. Mercy was among the first health care organizations in the U.S. to have an integrated electronic health record (EHR) connecting all points of care. Mercy Technology Services’ broad use of its EHR has been recognized at one of the highest possible levels by Epic.
