Respiratory Therapist - HME

Position: Registered Respiratory Therapist - Home Medical Equipment 

Schedule:

Compensation Range: $38.08 - $63.75/hour 

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Join Our Growing Team at Good Shepherd Health Care System

At Good Shepherd Health Care System, we put "Patients First. Always." We are committed to bringing state-of-the-art care closer to home and providing exceptional care to our community.

Why Choose Good Shepherd?

• Independent & Financially Stable organization
• Top-tier benefits package offering 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for both employees and their families.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities & Services
• Supportive Administration & Culture
• Thriving, Growing Region supporting outdoor lifestyle & adventure.

Good Shepherd Health Care System remains one of the largest employers in the area and plays a pivotal role in the region's continued growth. 

Definition of Position: 

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) within the Home Medical Equipment (HME) department provides respiratory care and education to patients in both the home and retail settings. This includes clinical assessment, setup, and monitoring of patients using oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and AffloVest therapy.

In addition to home visits, the RRT assists with operations in the HME retail store, offering walk-in consultations, product support, and education on equipment and supplies. The RRT ensures that services and documentation are compliant with state and federal regulations, payer guidelines, and accreditation standards.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform initial and ongoing respiratory assessments to determine patient eligibility and appropriateness for therapy.
• Develop and revise individualized Plans of Care in accordance with physician orders, accreditation requirements, and payer policies.
• Document assessments, therapy goals, and patient progress using agency-approved formats that meet regulatory standards.
• Set up and demonstrate the use of home respiratory equipment, including oxygen concentrators, CPAP/BiPAP, NIV devices, and AffloVest systems.
• Educate patients and caregivers on equipment use, maintenance, safety, infection prevention, and emergency procedures.
• Confirm patient and caregiver understanding and competency prior to therapy initiation, with documentation for accreditation compliance.
• Monitor ongoing therapy adherence using electronic platforms, and take appropriate clinical action based on data.
• Conduct scheduled follow-ups (in-home or remote) to evaluate therapy effectiveness, troubleshoot issues, and reinforce education.                           

• Document all patient interactions and updates accurately and in a timely manner, per accreditation and billing standards.
• Serve as a clinical liaison between patients, physicians, and the HME team to ensure continuity of care.
• Coordinate with referred providers for equipment changes, therapy updates, and documentation of medical necessity.
• Refer patients to other services (e.g., sleep labs, pulmonary rehab) when clinically appropriate.
• Provide training and competency evaluation for Delivery Coordinators on the setup, use, and maintenance of all respiratory equipment.
• Support non-clinical staff in identifying equipment-related issues and ensuring safe home environments.
• Maintain a collaborative team culture and ensure consistent standards of care across all HME staff.
• Comply with all applicable standards set forth by accrediting organizations (ACHC, The Joint Commission, CHAP).
• Participate in agency performance improvement activities and internal audits as assigned.
• Report and document patient incidents, equipment failures, or safety concerns in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education

Required: Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.

Licenses/ certifications/ registrations

Required: Active Oregon Respiratory Therapist license, CPR certification, and Valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of current auto insurance.

Experience

Preferred: Home Medical Equipment or Home Health Experience. Proficiency with CPAP/BiPAP/NIV equipment. Familiarity with AffloVest or other airway clearance therapies. Working knowledge of PAP compliance software and documentation systems

Other:

• Professional, compassionate, and patient-centered approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across diverse populations
• Ability to work independently, manage a dynamic schedule, and meet deadlines
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and organizational skills
• Commitment to continuous education and compliance with clinical best practices

Physical Requirements:

The physical and sensory functions described below are essential to the successful performance of this position. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes, such as identifying medications or safety indicators. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture during patient care. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for the use of medical equipment and procedures. The position also involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. There may also be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with the expectation that appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance will be used to ensure safety. May to sit for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment, with the expectation that all staff follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

The health care environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, including high-pressure or emergency situations. The work setting also involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.