Position Summary
The Pediatric Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the assessment, treatment, and management of infants, children, and adolescents with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions in a pediatric skilled nursing or subacute care environment. The therapist provides respiratory care services in accordance with physician orders, individualized care plans, and facility policies while promoting resident safety, developmental support, and family-centered care.
Working hours are 12-hour shifts from 6 AM to 6 PM for days, 6 PM to 6 AM for nights.
Essential Functions
Clinical Responsibilities
- Perform age-appropriate cardiopulmonary assessments for neonatal, infant, pediatric, and adolescent residents;
- Manage chronic and acute respiratory conditions including ventilator dependence, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neuromuscular disorders, airway abnormalities, and pulmonary diseases;
- Provide mechanical ventilation management including invasive and non-invasive ventilation per physician orders and protocols;
- Perform ventilator checks, circuit management, and troubleshooting;
- Provide tracheostomy care including suctioning, trach tube changes, stoma care, and emergency airway management per facility policy;
- Administer respiratory therapies including oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, airway clearance therapies, humidity therapy, and specialty gases as ordered;
- Perform pulse oximetry monitoring and other noninvasive monitoring modalities;
- Assist with emergency procedures including tracheostomy replacement and resuscitation;
- Respond to medical emergencies including Rapid Response and Code Blue events.
Care Coordination and Resident Safety
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, rehabilitation staff, and interdisciplinary team members;
- Monitor patient response to therapy and communicate clinical changes promptly;
- Ensure proper cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of respiratory equipment;
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the EHR medical record.
Family and Caregiver Education
- Provide education and hands-on training to parents and caregivers on tracheostomy care, ventilator management, airway clearance techniques, oxygen therapy, and emergency procedures;
- Support discharge planning and transition to home care when applicable;
- Promote family-centered care and developmental support.
Operational Responsibilities
- Maintain respiratory equipment inventory and supplies;
- Participate in department meetings, quality improvement, and competency programs;
- Precept new staff and students as assigned;
- Support infection prevention and regulatory compliance standards;
- Maintain credentials and Relias training.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy required;
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred, not required.
Licensure and Certifications
- Current State Respiratory Care Practitioner License required;
- CRT or RRT credential required;
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) required;
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) optional;
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) optional.
Experience
- Pediatric experience preferred, not required;
- Experience with tracheostomy and long-term mechanical ventilation strongly preferred;
- Skilled nursing, subacute, or long-term care experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of pediatric cardiopulmonary physiology and developmental considerations;
- Competency in pediatric ventilator management and tracheostomy care;
- Ability to educate families and caregivers effectively;
- Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills;
- Ability to respond to pediatric emergencies calmly and efficiently;
- Ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Standing / Walking: 60–80% of the work shift;
- Sitting: 10–20% of the work shift;
- Lifting: 10–15% of the work shift;
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently;
- Ability to lift greater than 50 pounds with assistance or mechanical devices;
- Pushing / Pulling: 10–20% of the work shift;
- Bending / Stooping / Kneeling: 10–20% of the work shift;
- Reaching / Overhead Activity: 5–10% of the work shift;
- Fine Motor Skills / Hand Dexterity: 30–50% of the work shift.
Additional Physical Requirements
- Ability to respond rapidly in emergency situations involving pediatric residents;
- Ability to transport respiratory equipment throughout the facility/offsite;
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods;
- Exposure to infectious diseases, medical gases, and cleaning agents.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Work Environment
- Pediatric skilled nursing or subacute care setting;
- Exposure to medically fragile children with complex respiratory needs;
- Exposure to infectious diseases and emergency situations;
- May require shifts including weekends, holidays, and nights.
Additional Expectations
- Compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality standards;
- Adherence to facility policies, procedures, and professional ethics;
- Participation in continuing education to maintain licensure and competency;
- Support a culture of safety, compassion, and family-centered pediatric care.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Silver State Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, Nevada state, or local law.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. The employer reserves the right to modify job duties as necessary. Employment is at-will unless otherwise specified by written agreement.