Job Description

The Home Health Respiratory Therapist provides skilled respiratory therapy services and education to patients in their homes, following the patient’s individualized Plan of Care under the direction of the physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, acting within their scope of practice, which can be safely provided in the home. The RT is responsible for evaluating, treating, and monitoring patients with cardiopulmonary disorders and collaborating with the interdisciplinary home health team to achieve optimal respiratory function and overall health outcomes. In accordance with F.A.C. 59A‑8.0095, the RT also carries specific instructional responsibilities to patients, caregivers, and health team personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Care

• Conducts comprehensive assessments of patients’ pulmonary status, including lung sounds, oxygen saturation, and ventilator settings.
• Implements and evaluates individualized treatment plans, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, airway clearance techniques, and ventilator management.
• Provides education to patients and caregivers regarding disease management, use of respiratory equipment, infection control, and medication adherence.
• Monitors patient progress, reaction to treatment, identifies changes in condition and any deviations from the Plan of Care, and reports findings promptly to the physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse, and clinical manager.
• Demonstrates appropriate infection control techniques in all patient care activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Instruction & Education (as required by F.A.C. 59A-8.0095)

• Instructs the patient and caregiver in the correct care and use of respiratory devices.
• Educates other agency personnel including when appropriate, home health aides and caregivers in phases of respiratory therapy in which they may assist the patient.
• Teaches the patient and caregiver the total respiratory therapy program integrating all prescribed respiratory interventions.

Collaboration & Communication

• Participates in interdisciplinary case conferences to coordinate patient care.
• Communicates effectively with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other care team members to ensure quality outcomes.
• Provides in-service training and education to staff and caregivers regarding respiratory equipment and protocols.

Documentation & Compliance

• Completes accurate and timely documentation of assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic medical record (EMR) per agency policy and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures all care provided meets CMS Conditions of Participation (42 CFR §484.75), ACHC Standards, and Florida state regulations.
• Maintains confidentiality and security of patient records consistent with HIPAA standards.

Equipment Management

• Assists with ordering, setup, and troubleshooting of respiratory equipment in the home setting (e.g., oxygen concentrators, BiPAP/CPAP devices, suction machines, ventilators).
• Ensures proper cleaning, calibration, and maintenance of respiratory therapy equipment.

Quality & Safety

• Participates in agency QAPI initiatives related to respiratory care.
• Reports any patient safety events, adverse outcomes, or equipment failures per agency policy.
• Maintains professional competence through continuing education and participation in performance improvement activities.

Regulatory

• Adherence to agency standards and documentation timeliness.
• Compliance with infection control, safety, and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrated competency and patient satisfaction in respiratory interventions.
• Participation in QAPI and staff education initiatives.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, SKILLS

Education and Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• Current Florida license as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) in accordance with Chapter 468, Florida Statutes.
• Current CPR certification (BLS required; ACLS preferred).
• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of recent clinical experience in respiratory care; one (1) year of home health experience preferred.
• Experience with home ventilator and oxygen therapy management strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of respiratory pharmacology, equipment, and current therapeutic techniques.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a home environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication, teaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Computer proficiency and familiarity with EMR systems.