Respiratory Therapist - Full Time
Company : Select Medical
Location : Fort Wayne, IN, 46804-4140
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Hospital Name: Select Medical Rehab Hospital at Lutheran HospitalJoint venture/Partnership/Affiliation with Select Medical and LutheranPosition: Respiratory TherapistLocation: Fort Wayne, INSchedule: Fulltime , 12 hr shifts, rotating weekendsCompensation: $29.73- $40.00 per hour, plus shift differentials for weekends
Our Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital is committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care to best address the medical, physical, emotional, and vocational challenges for individuals with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, orthopedic issues, amputation, and multiple traumas.
At our company, we support your career growth and personal well-being.
- Start Strong: Extensive and thorough orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting
- Recharge & Refresh: Generous PTO and Paid Sick Time for full-time team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Your Health Matters: Comprehensive medical/RX, health, vision, employee assistance program (EAP), and dental plan offerings for full-time team members
- Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plan, as well as life and disability protection for full-time team members
- Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care
Responsibilities
- Evaluates patient and recommends a treatment plan.
- Explains purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to the patients, and provides necessary education upon discharging to home.
- Conducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating various ventilatory equipment, both invasive and non-invasive, various oxygen and aerosol devices, and various nebulizer devices in order to administer prescribed medications, humidification, ventilation and oxygenation to the patient.
- Performs chest physiotherapy by operating various equipment to promote secretion clearance, suctioning of the patient by various methods (oropharyngeal, nasal and tracheal), oximetry and capnography monitoring according to policy.
- Performs routine review of patient's chest x-rays to determine need for further evaluation.
- Performs 12-Lead EKG and basic arrhythmia recognition.
- Performs pulmonary function studies according to policy (i.e. NIF, VC etc.)
- Assists with procedures relating to respiratory care according to policy (i.e. Bronchoscopy, Perc Trachs, Chest Tube placement, etc.), where applicable.
- Performs adequate drainage of chest via PleurX catheter or similar device where applicable.
- Performs tracheostomy care according to policy, including insertion and removal of tracheostomy tubes (emergent and non-emergent).
- Performs arterial puncture according to policy and is able to determine efficiency of ventilation, as well as monitoring, recording and reporting of test results, where applicable.
- Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to BLS and ACLS guidelines.
- Performs insertion and removal of endotracheal tubes via free hand technique and/or video laryngoscope system, where applicable.
- Records all pertinent information of treatments, and patient response to treatments on respiratory care records and patient chart (including pre and post-assessment according to policy).
- Communicates with attending and pulmonary physician's concerning the efficiency of therapy administered to the patient.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- BLS certification required.
- Current state licensure required.
- ACLS required within 6 months of hire. (Agency RT must have ACLS upon first shift, PRN staff must have ACLS upon hire).
Preferred Qualifications
- Must possess “Active” credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or state equivalent; RRT preferred.
- One (1) year of related experience preferred.
*Post offer employment testing (POETs) are completed as part of the onboarding process and are to be completed before an employee's first day of work.*
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
Fort Wayne’s healthcare sector shows a steady demand for respiratory therapists due to its aging population and rehabilitation facilities. Job seekers often find opportunities growing, though candidates with advanced certifications and experience tend to have a distinct edge in this regional market.
Besides the mandatory state licensure and national board credentials, Fort Wayne employers often prefer candidates with active ACLS certification and experience in inpatient rehab settings. Staying current with regional healthcare regulations can also improve hiring prospects.
Proficiency in operating ventilators, performing arterial punctures, and managing tracheostomies distinguishes expert respiratory therapists. Strong patient communication and the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation under ACLS guidelines are crucial for success in advanced care environments.
Expect a mix of patient evaluations, ventilator management, chest physiotherapy, and collaboration with physicians. Rotating weekends mean variable schedules, but the role offers meaningful patient impact, especially in rehab hospitals dealing with neurological and trauma cases.
Select Medical emphasizes comprehensive orientation and ongoing support, with benefits like PTO, medical plans, and 401(k) matching. Their joint venture with Lutheran Hospital creates a collaborative setting focused on inpatient rehabilitation, which may offer more specialized respiratory care opportunities.
Select Medical invests in respiratory therapists through extensive onboarding and career development programs. Their large network enables exposure to advanced respiratory procedures and interdisciplinary teams, paving the way for specialization and leadership roles within rehabilitation care.
The hourly wage typically falls between $29.73 and $40.00, with additional shift differentials for weekends. This competitive pay reflects the technical skill requirements and the demanding nature of 12-hour shifts in rehabilitation hospital settings.
While part-time respiratory therapist jobs exist, full-time roles often provide better benefits and more consistent scheduling. Part-time positions may appeal to those seeking flexibility but usually offer lower hourly rates and fewer perks compared to full-time employment.
Adjusting to the complex needs of patients with neurological injuries and chronic conditions can be demanding. Therapists must be adept at diverse procedures, maintain detailed documentation, and effectively coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient recovery.