Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary

The Respiratory Care Practitioner (aka Respiratory Therapist or RT) with Montefino does more than provide essential direct medical care to their patients. Our RTs have smaller patient caseloads, in some cases working with a single patient at the assigned facility on a given shift. This allows RTs to apply their skills in more direct and intentional ways to contribute toward positive patient outcomes. RTs build meaningful relationships with the patient's loved ones, their care team, and most importantly, the patient to foster positive impacts on their daily lives.

Montefino RTs follow established standards and procedures, provide supervision, care, support, and training to individuals with Developmental Disabilities. The position provides critical assistance to individuals with ADL's (activities of daily living). Effective RTs are organized, analyze situations accurately, take effective action, diligently follow directions, and communicate clearly and effectively. They possess knowledge of the industry/field, applicable state/federal laws (e.g. Title 17 & 22), and associated organizations and agencies (e.g. Regional Centers, Dept. of Social Services, Dept. of Development Services, State Council on Developmental Services, etc.). Successful candidates are enthusiastic in their efforts to expand upon their technical knowledge (e.g. dual Diagnosis, Individual Program Plans, emergency protocols, etc.), advocate for their patients, and are consummate professionals.

RTs maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment that ensures respect, dignity, protects privacy, rights, and physical/emotional well-being to all residents. The RT possesses skills in organization, time management and analytical problem solving. Clear and effective written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills, multi-tasking, critical thinking and active listening skills and essential to success.

Essential Duties

Include but are not limited to:

• Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.


• Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.


• Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.


• Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.


• Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.


• Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to manage patient care.


• Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.


• Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.


• Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.


• Educate residents and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.


• Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.


• Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.


• Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.


• Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.


• Provide supervision and guidance for residents during skills building activities.


• Develop and implement individual treatment plans for residents.


• Assist with daily living activities, including preparing meals and assisting with personal hygiene.


• Develop a rapport with residents and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship.


• Update resident case notes on a daily basis.


• Ensure an appropriate staff-to-client ratio at all times.


• Additional duties and projects as assigned.

Compensation details: 38-44 Hourly Wage