Respiratory Therapist

LionStone Healthcare•Ripley, OH

11d

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist assesses, treats, and cares for patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders in a healthcare, long-term care, or acute care setting. The role provides therapeutic respiratory care, administers oxygen therapy, manages ventilators, and performs diagnostic tests to evaluate lung function. The Respiratory Therapist works with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans and support patients with respiratory conditions. The position includes assessing respiratory conditions and diagnostic results; administering respiratory treatments; managing ventilation and airway care; monitoring patient responses and documenting care in the electronic health record; checking respiratory equipment; educating patients and families; responding to emergencies; performing pulmonary function and arterial blood gas testing; and communicating with the interdisciplinary care team. The role is full-time, located at Ohio Valley Manor Care Community in Ripley, Ohio, with a first-shift schedule and negligible travel.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
Current and active Respiratory Therapist license.
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification.
Strong clinical and technical skills in managing respiratory care and ventilation equipment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with healthcare teams.
Ability to assess patient conditions and respond to emergency situations quickly and effectively.
Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems for documentation.
Knowledge of respiratory therapy best practices, treatments, and diagnostic procedures.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a healthcare or acute care setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess patients' respiratory conditions by reviewing medical histories, conducting physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests, and chest X-rays.
Collaborate with physicians and the healthcare team to develop treatment plans for patients with chronic respiratory diseases, acute conditions, or post-operative recovery needs.
Administer oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, bronchodilators, and chest physiotherapy.
Manage ventilators and non-invasive ventilation devices, ensuring settings meet patients’ respiratory needs.
Provide airway management, including suctioning, intubation assistance, and tracheostomy care when necessary.
Monitor patients’ responses to respiratory treatments and adjust therapy based on clinical findings and patient progress.
Document patient assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in the electronic health record system.
Assess respiratory equipment function and ensure proper maintenance and calibration.
Educate patients and families about managing respiratory conditions and using inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen equipment, as well as deep-breathing techniques and other strategies.
Respond to respiratory emergencies, including CPR, airway obstruction, and acute respiratory failure, coordinating rapid intervention with the medical team.
Assist in stabilizing and managing patients during medical emergencies, including trauma or cardiac events, by providing respiratory support and ventilation.
Perform pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity, volume, and airflow.
Conduct arterial blood gas analysis and interpret results, reporting findings to physicians for treatment planning.
Communicate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals about patient care plans and respiratory treatments.
Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings and contribute to discussions about patient progress, treatment goals, and care coordination.