Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist Opportunity:

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides comprehensive respiratory care and ventilator management for individuals with acute and chronic pulmonary conditions within the Ventilator Unit at North Central Health Care. This position specializes in the treatment, education, and long-term management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and airway support, with the overall goal of promoting ventilator liberation and optimal respiratory health. The RT functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary team, collaborating closely with nurses, CNAs, and rehabilitation staff to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate care.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The starting pay range for this role is $33.00 - $35.93, based on education and experience.
• We have an occasional position open that would require picking up open shifts when able. This shift is 6:00pm – 6:00am
• PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, on-site bistro and cafeteria, pharmacy, newly updated facility, life insurance, accident insurance, hospital insurance, employee assistance program, and more.
• As a full-time employee of NCHC, you would be eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

What Qualifies You:

Required:

• Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy from an AMA-accredited program.
• Certified as a Respiratory Therapist (CRT) by the State of Wisconsin.
• Current Wisconsin driver's license, unrestricted.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred:

• More than one year of respiratory therapy experience, ideally in a skilled nursing or long-term care environment.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within one year of hire.

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. 

What a Respiratory Therapist Does at NCHC:

• Administer prescribed respiratory therapy procedures, including mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, aerosolized medication delivery, and bronchial hygiene techniques.
• Transport patients dependent on respiratory support equipment outside of the facility for various appointments.
• Set up, monitor, and troubleshoot ventilator and respiratory support equipment; perform routine checks and preventive maintenance.
• Adjust ventilator settings per physician orders and clinical protocols.
• Provide airway clearance treatments such as suctioning, cough assist, percussion, vest therapy, and pulmonary toileting.
• Perform tracheostomy care, including tube changes, cleaning, and monitoring for complications.
• Maintain humidification and oxygen systems to ensure airway patency and comfort.
• Respond promptly to tracheostomy emergencies, including occlusions or dislodgements, following established protocols.
• Accurately document all assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic medical record (EMAR).
• Ensure orders are accurate and updated; maintain checklists and daily logs.
• Educate patients and families on home respiratory care techniques and safety prior to discharge.
• Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care and safe transitions.
• Partner with nursing, therapy, and medical staff to coordinate patient care plans.
• Support other departments during high-need times (e.g., assisting during meals, transporting residents, running supplies).
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, providing input on respiratory-related aspects of patient care.
• Provide manual ventilation in the event of equipment failure and assist in resuscitation efforts.
• Maintain readiness to respond to urgent respiratory distress events throughout the facility.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to respiratory therapy students during their clinical rotations at North Central Health Care.
• All other duties as assigned

About North Central Health Care:

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments. We provide passionate and high-quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at www.norcen.org/careers to learn more.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.