Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

A Respiratory Therapist in a long-term care facility is responsible for assessing, treating, and monitoring residents with cardiopulmonary disorders. The therapist collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide respiratory therapies, manage respiratory equipment, and ensure optimal breathing function for residents with chronic respiratory illnesses.

Robust benefits package including:

Comprehensive Medical

• Health insurance at low cost with open network - choose any doctor!

• Dental

• Vision

• PHMP wellness plan w/ Free unlimited telemedicine that also increases take home pay!

• Huge offering of voluntary benefits (AFLAC) including life, disability, indemnity, etc

• All-inclusive (PTO) package – take time off when YOU want

• DAILY PAY

• 401k

• Many more employee perks and discounts!

• Weekly and monthly employee appreciation events. We love to celebrate our team!

• FUN and Friendly Work Environment - GREAT leadership team!

• Supportive Staffing Ratios

Key Responsibilities

Patient Assessment and Monitoring

• Assess residents’ respiratory status through physical examinations, monitoring vital signs, and reviewing medical histories.

• Evaluate breathing patterns, lung sounds, oxygen saturation levels, and arterial blood gases when applicable.

• Monitor residents receiving oxygen therapy, ventilator support, or other respiratory treatments.

• Document patient progress and report significant changes to physicians and nursing staff.

Respiratory Treatments

• Administer aerosol treatments, nebulizer therapy, inhaled medications, and chest physiotherapy.

• Manage oxygen therapy including nasal cannulas, masks, and high-flow systems.

• Perform suctioning procedures to maintain clear airways.

• Assist with tracheostomy care and airway management.

Ventilator and Equipment Management

• Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators and other respiratory support equipment.

• Troubleshoot ventilator alarms and equipment issues.

• Maintain and clean respiratory therapy equipment according to infection-control protocols.

• Ensure proper functioning and safety of oxygen delivery systems.

Resident Care and Education

• Educate residents and family members on respiratory conditions, breathing techniques, and equipment use.

• Assist residents in improving breathing efficiency through therapeutic exercises.

• Provide support to residents with chronic respiratory diseases such as:

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

  • Asthma

  • Pneumonia

  • Sleep Apnea

Collaboration and Care Planning

• Work closely with physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation teams to develop respiratory care plans.

• Participate in interdisciplinary care meetings for long-term residents.

• Ensure treatments align with physician orders and facility protocols.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of treatments and patient responses.

• Follow facility policies, safety guidelines, and infection control standards.

• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy.

• Active Respiratory Therapist license (state-specific).

• Certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), such as:

  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

• Current BLS/CPR certification (often required).

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of long-term ventilator management.

• Strong patient assessment and critical-thinking skills.

• Familiarity with respiratory therapy equipment and monitoring devices.

• Good communication and teamwork abilities.

• Compassionate care for elderly or chronically ill residents.