Outpatient Clinical Educator - Respiratory

Clinical Respiratory Educator

Empower patients through education and help improve respiratory health outcomes across the continuum of care.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Clinical Respiratory Educator to join our multidisciplinary healthcare team. In this role, you will serve as a respiratory disease expert and patient educator, providing individualized instruction and support to patients with pulmonary conditions. Through evidence-based education, coaching, and advocacy, you will help patients better understand their disease, improve medication adherence, manage symptoms, and enhance their overall quality of life.

This position offers the opportunity to work directly with patients in a variety of settings, including primary care practices, nursing homes, and community locations, while collaborating with providers and care teams to promote optimal respiratory health.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive education to patients with pulmonary conditions, including COPD, asthma, and other chronic respiratory diseases.
• Teach patients proper inhaler, nebulizer, and respiratory equipment techniques.
• Educate patients on medication adherence, symptom recognition, disease self-management, and lifestyle modifications.
• Develop individualized educational plans that support improved health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.
• Serve as a clinical resource and respiratory subject matter expert for patients, caregivers, and healthcare team members.
• Promote smoking cessation and tobacco treatment interventions.
• Maintain accurate documentation and patient records utilizing electronic systems.
• Travel locally, as needed, to provide education and support in physician offices, nursing homes, and other community-based settings.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of Respiratory Therapy or equivalent.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in an acute care, home care, pulmonary rehabilitation, or patient education setting.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.
• Experience providing patient and caregiver education strongly preferred.

Licensure & Certifications

• Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the Maryland Board of Physicians (or obtain licensure within 90 days of employment).
• Current BLS/CPR Certification required.
• Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) certification required within one year of hire.
• Valid driver's license and reliable access to a personal vehicle.
• Ability to meet requirements outlined in the Meritus Vehicle Management Use and Control Policy, including applicable insurance coverage requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong passion for patient education and health promotion.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to translate complex clinical information into easy-to-understand patient education.
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with computers and electronic health record systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Why This Role Matters

As a Clinical Respiratory Educator, you will play a vital role in helping patients gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to successfully manage their respiratory conditions. Your expertise and guidance will empower patients to take an active role in their health and achieve better long-term outcomes.

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.