Respiratory Therapist (RT)

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides skilled respiratory care to facility residents with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. The RT performs comprehensive respiratory assessments, implements treatment plans, manages respiratory equipment, and works collaboratively with facility clinicians to optimize resident respiratory function, safety, and comfort.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Treatment

• Assess residents’ cardiopulmonary status, perform respiratory examinations and monitor clinical responses.

• Administer therapeutic respiratory modalities, including oxygen therapy, inhalation treatments, aerosolized medications, and chest physiotherapy/airway clearance techniques.

• Manage and monitor ventilators, noninvasive ventilation (BiPAP/CPAP), and other life support systems per physician orders (if applicable). .

• Provide tracheostomy care and routine suctioning as appropriate.

• Collect and interpret data from diagnostic tests (e.g., pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases, spirometry) to inform treatment planning.

Resident / Family Education

• Educate residents and families on respiratory disease management, proper use of medications and devices (e.g., home oxygen, inhalers), and breathing techniques.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document assessments, treatments, progress, and resident responses accurately in the medical record.

• Follow SNF policy, state regulations, and professional standards of practice for respiratory care.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work with physicians, nursing staff, rehabilitation therapists, and other disciplines to develop and revise individualized care plans.

Equipment / Safety

• Set up, adjust, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure safe operation of respiratory equipment and supplies.

• Monitor safety parameters for respiratory therapy delivery and infection control practices.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program (Associate’s degree or higher)

• Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred; Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) accepted where appropriate.

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) required; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred

Experience

• Previous experience in respiratory care, preferably in long-term care or SNF settings, is preferred but not always required.

• Strong clinical assessment skills and ability to implement respiratory therapy protocols.

Skill

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with residents, families, and staff.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.