Respiratory Therapist -RT

Are you a passionate Respiratory Therapist who is passionate about improving patient outcomes and providing high-quality cardiopulmonary care. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity where your expertise is valued and your growth is supported, we would love to hear from you.

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Perform respiratory assessments and monitor residents for changes in respiratory status, including respiratory rate, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and signs of respiratory distress.
• Administer prescribed respiratory treatments, including nebulizer and aerosol therapies.
• Provide and monitor oxygen therapy in accordance with physician orders and resident care plans.
• Provide airway clearance and pulmonary hygiene interventions within the scope of respiratory care practice.
• Provide tracheostomy care and related respiratory support when indicated and within the practitioner's scope of practice.
• Monitor and support ventilator-dependent residents when applicable and when the therapist has the required training and competency.
• Evaluate and document residents' responses to respiratory treatments and interventions.
• Recognize changes in respiratory condition and promptly communicate significant findings to nursing staff and the appropriate physician or provider.
• Respond appropriately to respiratory emergencies and follow facility emergency procedures.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers regarding respiratory treatments, oxygen safety, airway management, and appropriate use of respiratory equipment.
• Maintain respiratory equipment and supplies in a clean, safe, functional, and readily available condition.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures when providing respiratory treatments and handling respiratory equipment.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and communicate respiratory-related findings and recommendations to nursing, medical, rehabilitation, and other appropriate team members.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, treatments, resident responses, and changes in condition.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, competency programs, and staff education related to respiratory care as assigned.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, resident rights, facility policies, and applicable California respiratory care requirements.

SNF Function / Scope Distinction

Usual Qualifications

• Current and valid California Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license required.
• Graduate of a respiratory care education program meeting California licensing requirements.
• Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred.
• Current Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential may be applicable depending on the individual's California licensure pathway and employer requirements.
• Current CPR/BLS certification required.
• ACLS certification preferred or required based on facility and resident acuity.
• Previous respiratory therapy experience preferred.
• SNF, post-acute, long-term care, hospital, pulmonary care, or home health experience preferred.
• Experience with oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, airway clearance, tracheostomy care, or ventilator support preferred.
• Strong respiratory assessment, clinical judgment, documentation, and communication skills required.
• Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to changes in respiratory status and respiratory emergencies required.
• Ability to work effectively with nursing, physicians, rehabilitation, and other interdisciplinary team members required.

Work Environment

Professional Standards