Respiratory Therapist -RT

Maintain respiratory equipment and supplies in a clean, safe, functional, and readily available condition.

Follow infection prevention and control procedures when providing respiratory treatments and handling respiratory equipment.

Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and communicate respiratory-related findings and recommendations to nursing, medical, rehabilitation, and other appropriate team members.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, treatments, resident responses, and changes in condition.

Participate in quality improvement activities, competency programs, and staff education related to respiratory care as assigned.

Maintain compliance with HIPAA, resident rights, facility policies, and applicable California respiratory care requirements.

Snf function / Scope distinction

In an SNF, the Respiratory Therapist provides specialized care for residents with respiratory and cardiopulmonary needs. The role focuses on respiratory assessment, treatment, oxygen therapy, airway management, pulmonary hygiene, respiratory equipment, and other services within the California Respiratory Care Practice Act.The Respiratory Therapist works collaboratively with RNs, LVNs/LPNs, CNAs, physicians, rehabilitation professionals, and other members of the interdisciplinary team. The RT does not replace the responsibilities of nursing staff or medical providers and operates within the scope of respiratory care practice and facility-authorized competencies.Respiratory Therapists may care for residents with more complex respiratory needs, including oxygen dependence, tracheostomies, chronic pulmonary conditions, and ventilator dependence when those services are provided by the facility.California regulations distinguish basic respiratory tasks from respiratory care services requiring respiratory assessment, clinical judgment, or specialized respiratory training. Services requiring this level of respiratory expertise must be performed by an appropriately authorized practitioner, including a licensed California Respiratory Care Practitioner.

Work environment

The Respiratory Therapist works primarily within the Skilled Nursing Facility and provides respiratory care in resident rooms, treatment areas, and other designated clinical areas.The position may involve frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, moving respiratory equipment, and responding promptly to resident needs or respiratory emergencies.

Professional standards

The Respiratory Therapist is expected to maintain an active California RCP license and all required certifications, follow applicable California respiratory care requirements, maintain professional competency, and provide safe, resident-centered respiratory care in accordance with physician orders, facility policies, and established clinical standards.