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.
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