Respiratory Therapist

12-hour shifts available for both Day and Night shifts. New graduates are welcome to apply.

About the Role

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (CRT or RRT) will monitor patient progress and administer breathing treatments based on physician instructions or the Director of Respiratory Services. Responsibilities include assisting in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders, analyzing sputum, blood, and breath specimens, and performing non-invasive procedures such as CPAP and BIPAP therapies.

Responsibilities

• Check and verify physician orders for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform ventilator checks every 4 hours.
• Administer oxygen therapy using all modalities.
• Change equipment as scheduled.
• Perform suctioning and assist with trach care (BID).
• Administer breathing treatments (nebulizers, MDIs, DPIs) as ordered.
• Document patient care in a timely manner.
• Set up new respiratory modalities and conduct physical assessments.
• Report to the next shift and nursing staff for continuity of care.
• Communicate with nurses and team members to ensure optimal patient care.
• Participate in patient care conferences to suggest therapies and report progress.
• Communicate with physicians regarding patient needs and treatment plans.
• Retrieve and analyze specimens (e.g., ABGs, Allen’s testing).
• Clean, assemble, and store respiratory equipment properly.
• Adapt equipment to meet patient needs.
• Conduct on-site patient evaluations for potential admissions.
• Order and maintain respiratory supplies and equipment.
• Ensure proper operation of respiratory equipment per manufacturer standards.
• Stock and maintain emergency equipment in patient rooms.
• Apply and evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory equipment.
• Review transfer orders and prepare appropriate respiratory equipment.
• Maintain and clean ventilators per policy.
• Change ventilator tubing and disposable equipment per policy.
• Manage ventilators per physician orders.
• Provide respiratory therapy treatments and procedures.
• Educate residents, families, and staff on respiratory treatments and safety.
• Perform routine and emergency trach changes, including decannulation per physician order.
• Document care in the respiratory section of patient charts.
• Inflate/deflate trach cuffs using minimal occluding technique.
• Monitor ventilator/trach patients during meals, including swallowing and suctioning.
• Assist residents with speaking valves.
• Set up oxygen concentrators, E-tanks, and portable devices as ordered.
• Label and tag all equipment according to policy.
• Perform room air pulse oximetry and report findings.
• Maintain oxygen equipment and tubing per policy.
• Set up, deliver, and maintain nebulizer treatments.
• Set up, deliver, and maintain suction equipment.
• Perform suctioning for vent and non-vented residents (sterile techniques as required).
• Set up, deliver, and maintain BIPAP and CPAP equipment.
• Perform initial ventilator setup, admission evaluations, and ventilator checks every 4 hours.
• Perform tracheostomy care and disposable inner cannula changes.
• Assist with routine tracheostomy changes.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of practice.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) card.
• Two years of experience working with ventilator/respiratory care patients in acute or long-term care (preferred).

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of respiratory principles, procedures, and aging-related care.
• Ability to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and support staff.
• Professional demeanor and positive public relations skills.
• Manual dexterity for operating equipment.

Other Requirements

• Tolerate frequent exposure to blood, body fluids, hazardous materials, and infectious diseases.
• Frequent exposure to chemicals, latex, and plastic materials used in personal protective equipment.