certified respiratory therapist

Certified Respiratory Practitioner

The Certified Respiratory Practitioner (CRP) provides specialized respiratory care services to residents within a skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting. The CRP is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating all aspects of respiratory therapy to promote optimal pulmonary function and overall resident well-being. This role collaborates with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure high-quality, person-centered respiratory services that align with physician orders, facility standards, and state and federal regulatory requirements.

Resident Care & Clinical Practice

• Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments, including evaluation of lung sounds, oxygen saturation, respiratory effort, and response to interventions.
• Administer prescribed treatments such as oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, chest physiotherapy, and airway clearance techniques.
• Set up, operate, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment including AVAPs, CPAP/BiPAP devices, nebulizers, and oxygen delivery systems.
• Monitor, evaluate, and document resident responses to therapy; provide recommendations to the clinical team for adjustments to the treatment plan.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning, case reviews, and rounds to support positive clinical outcomes.
• Educate residents, families, and staff regarding respiratory conditions, treatment expectations, and proper equipment use.

Equipment Management & Safety

• Maintain, clean, and calibrate respiratory therapy equipment per manufacturer guidelines and facility policy.
• Track equipment usage, preventive maintenance, and supply inventory to ensure availability and regulatory readiness.
• Follow all infection control protocols, safety procedures, and state/federal guidelines at all times.

Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate care closely with physicians, nursing staff, rehabilitation therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Communicate promptly regarding changes in resident condition, therapy outcomes, or equipment needs.
• Support staff training and competency validation for oxygen administration, respiratory treatments, and respiratory-related equipment (e.g., AVAP systems).

Compliance, Documentation & Regulatory Requirements

• Document assessments, treatments, resident responses, and care plan updates accurately and timely within the electronic medical record.
• Ensure all respiratory therapy practices follow facility policies, NBRC standards, and state/federal regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and internal audits related to respiratory services.
• Comply fully with all documentation, infection control, and safety standards required by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM).

AVAP Program Responsibilities

• At the close of each quarter (March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31), calculate required data for each AVAP resident, including:
  • Days on AVAP during the quarter
  • Number of AVAP episodes
  • Discharge from the AVAP program (if applicable)
• Prepare the ODM 10228 form using collected data; complete required resident fields and verify totals.
• Review the form for accuracy by cross-checking internal records, ensuring completeness, and validating AVAP episodes against infection control logs.
• Submit the completed form via secure email to View email address on click.appcast.io by the 25th of the month following the quarter's end.
• Archive all submitted forms and supporting documentation for audit readiness.
• Monitor outcomes and clinical progress for all residents receiving AVAP therapy.

Position Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Accountability- Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written-Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Customer Oriented-Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.
• Honesty / Integrity-Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Interpersonal- Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.
• Organized- Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Patience- Ability to act calmly under stress and strain, and of not being hasty or impetuous.

Education

• Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy program.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) to five (5) years of respiratory therapy experience preferred.
• Previous experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, or post-acute rehabilitation strongly preferred.
• Experience with AVAP, CPAP/BiPAP, oxygen therapy, and chronic pulmonary management highly desirable.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Ability to accurately document clinical assessments, interventions, and regulatory data.
• Basic to intermediate competency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Certification & Licenses

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Active and unrestricted state respiratory care license, as required by state regulations.
• Current CPR certification (facility can require BLS through the American Heart Association).

Other Requirements

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and resident-education abilities.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and position equipment and supplies related to respiratory care.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Must adhere to all terms and conditions set forth in the United Church Homes Employee Handbook.
• Demonstrated alignment with UCH's mission and values of Compassion, Hospitality, Respect, Integrity, Stewardship, and Transparency.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.