Respiratory Therapist

LionStone Healthcare•Akron, OH

11d•Onsite

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 therapist works with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to create individualized treatment plans and provide care for patients with respiratory conditions. The position is full-time at Merriman Care Community in Akron, Ohio, and is listed as a first-shift role with negligible travel. New graduates are welcome to apply; previous experience in a healthcare or acute care setting is preferred.

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 respiratory care and ventilation equipment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with healthcare teams.
Ability to assess patient conditions and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.
Proficiency with electronic health record 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; new graduates are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ respiratory conditions using medical histories, physical exams, and diagnostic results, including arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests, and chest X-rays.
Collaborate with physicians and the healthcare team to develop treatment plans for chronic respiratory diseases, acute conditions, and post-operative recovery.
Administer oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, bronchodilators, and chest physiotherapy.
Manage ventilators and non-invasive ventilation devices, ensuring settings meet patient needs.
Provide airway management, including suctioning, intubation assistance, and tracheostomy care when necessary.
Monitor patient responses to respiratory treatments and adjust therapy based on clinical findings and 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 at home and using inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen therapy equipment, as well as deep-breathing techniques and other strategies.
Respond to respiratory emergencies, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway obstruction, and acute respiratory failure, coordinating rapid intervention with the medical team.
Assist with 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 diagnostic test 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.