Respiratory Therapy Respiratory Therapist Nursing Home

Job Description Respiratory Therapist (RRT / CRT)Salary Range: $47.00 to $52.00 hourly
Join Our Team as a Respiratory Therapist (RRT / CRT) - Direct Hire: New graduates are welcome to apply!

Santana Hills Healthcare Center is a 167-bed facility with 90 skilled nursing beds and 77 sub-acute beds, delivering compassionate, patient-centered care for rapid recovery in a central San Jose location.
Are you a passionate Respiratory Therapist who is passionate about improving patient outcomes and providing high-quality cardiopulmonary care. Position SummaryThe Respiratory Therapist provides specialized respiratory care to SNF residents with cardiopulmonary and respiratory conditions. This role assesses and monitors respiratory status, provides prescribed respiratory treatments, manages oxygen and airway-support needs, and communicates changes in resident condition to nursing staff, physicians, and the interdisciplinary team.Perform respiratory assessments and monitor residents for changes in respiratory status, including respiratory rate, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and signs of respiratory distress.
Administer prescribed respiratory treatments, including nebulizer and aerosol therapies.
Provide and monitor oxygen therapy in accordance with physician orders and resident care plans.
Provide airway clearance and pulmonary hygiene interventions within the scope of respiratory care practice.
Provide tracheostomy care and related respiratory support when indicated and within the practitioner's scope of practice.
Monitor and support ventilator-dependent residents when applicable and when the therapist has the required training and competency.
Evaluate and document residents' responses to respiratory treatments and interventions.
Recognize changes in respiratory condition and promptly communicate significant findings to nursing staff and the appropriate physician or provider.
Respond appropriately to respiratory emergencies and follow facility emergency procedures.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers regarding respiratory treatments, oxygen safety, airway management, and appropriate use of respiratory equipment.
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 DistinctionIn 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.Current and valid California Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license required.
Graduate of a respiratory care education program meeting California licensing requirements.
Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred.
Current Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential may be applicable depending on the individual's California licensure pathway and employer requirements.
ACLS certification preferred or required based on facility and resident acuity.
Previous respiratory therapy experience preferred.
SNF, post-acute, long-term care, hospital, pulmonary care, or home health experience preferred.
Experience with oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, airway clearance, tracheostomy care, or ventilator support preferred.
Strong respiratory assessment, clinical judgment, documentation, and communication skills required.
Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to changes in respiratory status and respiratory emergencies required.
Ability to work effectively with nursing, physicians, rehabilitation, and other interdisciplinary team members required.
Work EnvironmentThe 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 StandardsThe 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.