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Adult Respiratory Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 37.24-56.23 HOUR
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary/Purpose
This job is responsible for evaluating, administering, addressing and documenting a variety of respiratory therapy treatments to ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients, with heart and lung abnormalities, in assigned hospital, to include intensive care and the emergency room. Sets up and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume and pressure ventilators for critical care patients. Performs routine respiratory therapy treatments such as oxygen, therapeutic aerosols, intermittent positive pressure breathing, incentive spirometer, and airway care to include intubation/extubation and tracheostomy care. Monitors patients for adverse reaction, and takes corrective action based on established procedures. Determines the effectiveness and/or need for change in the therapy being administered and make recommendations to the physicians regarding treatment.
Incumbents are also accountable for providing resuscitation services, participating in various orientations, providing educational/orientation services to students, quality improvement and department projects, providing and maintaining skill levels to reflect the ever-changing procedures and techniques of respiratory care.
Essential Function
- Performs respiratory patient care to include Aerosol Therapy, ABGs, ETTs, Bronchus, ECGs, CPT, Vent Care, CPAP/BIPAP therapy and other Respiratory Care Procedures in accordance with all department safety, risk management and procedural standards.
- Monitors patients for adverse reaction, and takes corrective action.
- May performs EEG studies.
- Continually evaluates and assesses the cardiopulmonary condition of patients using data acquired from physical examination, respiratory monitoring, and diagnostic equipment.
- Determine the effectiveness and/or need for change in the therapy being administered and make recommendations to the physicians and/or Manager regarding treatment.
- Communicates patient assessment to nursing and other staff, as appropriate.
- Documents all work activity in applicable computer system to include billing charges in accordance with department specific processes.
- Participates in the transfer of equipment and supplies to and from other Cardiopulmonary Departments as necessary; cleans, assembles and maintains CPS equipment and restocks supplies as needed.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.
Education/Experience
Graduation from an approved school of Respiratory Therapy
One (1) year recent clinical experience in Respiratory Care that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities
Licensure and Certifications
- Respiratory Care Practitioner: WA
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 6 - months
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 - months
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
Adult Respiratory Therapists in Tacoma focus on critical respiratory care, managing equipment like ventilators and monitoring cardiopulmonary conditions. Unlike general nursing, they specialize in therapies such as aerosol treatments and airway management, often working in ICU and ER settings to support patients with heart and lung conditions.
In Washington, possessing the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential along with a Washington State Respiratory Care Practitioner license is essential. Additional certifications like ACLS and PALS, typically within six months of employment, enhance eligibility and demonstrate preparedness for emergency respiratory interventions.
Career progression can include roles such as respiratory therapist manager, clinical educator, or specialized consultant. Gaining experience in critical care settings and obtaining advanced certifications opens doors to leadership positions or involvement in quality improvement projects within healthcare systems.
Catholic Health Initiatives offers a culture steeped in holistic care, emphasizing body, mind, and spirit healing. Respiratory therapists here engage in continuous education, participate in department projects, and serve diverse patient populations with a focus on compassionate, culturally sensitive treatment approaches.
The organization encourages ongoing skill development through educational programs, orientations, and involvement in quality initiatives. Therapists have access to modern equipment and a collaborative environment that promotes sharing expertise and adopting innovative respiratory care techniques.
Adult Respiratory Therapists in Tacoma typically earn between $65,000 and $80,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications like RRT and ACLS, and the employing healthcare facility’s scale and specialty services.
Tacoma has a steady demand for respiratory therapists due to its sizable healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals and specialty clinics. This demand is bolstered by an aging population and increased respiratory care needs, making it a competitive yet promising job market.
Tacoma’s urban setting offers reasonable commuting options, including public transit and highway access. However, peak-hour traffic can impact travel times, so many therapists consider proximity to the hospital or flexible shifts to optimize work-life balance.
Adult Respiratory Therapists specialize in managing complex respiratory equipment and therapies for adult patients with cardiopulmonary issues. Their expertise includes ventilator management, arterial blood gas analysis, and emergency airway procedures, setting them apart from aides or assistants.
Serving a diverse population, including elderly and critically ill patients, necessitates cultural competence and tailored communication strategies. Therapists adapt treatments considering patients’ backgrounds, ensuring effective collaboration and adherence to respiratory care plans.