Jobs › Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Respiratory Assistant

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you followed a supervisor's instructions in a situation you were unsure about.

What they are checking: Working within their scope and asking for guidance when needed.

Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team caring for a very sick patient.

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly and pull their weight when a team is caring for a very sick patient.

Why are you interested in respiratory care in a rehabilitation hospital?

What they are checking: Motivation to help patients regain breathing function as part of recovery.

What would you do

You notice a patient's oxygen saturation dropping during your visit. What do you do?

What they are checking: Quick response and escalation to the respiratory therapist or nurse.

The role includes adult, pediatric and geriatric patients. How would you change your approach for each?

What they are checking: Awareness that age changes communication, equipment and comfort needs.

A patient is anxious and doesn't want their treatment. How do you help them?

What they are checking: Calm explanation and patience that help an anxious patient accept treatment without being forced into it.

About the work

Walk me through how you give a nebulizer treatment and what you watch for during it.

What they are checking: Basic respiratory treatment skills and noticing when a patient isn't tolerating therapy.

How do you suction a patient with a tracheostomy safely?

What they are checking: Correct technique and infection control for trach care, common in rehab patients.

How do you clean and maintain respiratory equipment between patients?

What they are checking: Infection prevention habits that protect fragile patients from germs carried on shared respiratory equipment.

How do you document the treatments you give?

What they are checking: Accurate, timely charting so the rest of the care team knows exactly what was done and when.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description Summary The Respiratory Therapy Assistant will provide therapy and treatment procedures to rehabilitate people with pulmonary disease processes. They will provide comprehensive care to a variety of patient populations including adult, pediatric and geriatric in an inpatient setting. The therapy assistant will be allowed to take part in patient care with our pediatric population of patients when properly trained and under the supervision of the appropriate department personnel. The Respiratory Therapy Assistant will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute. The Respiratory Therapy Assistant will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Respiratory Therapy Assistant, upon completion of training with staff will be expected to perform the following duties: • Routine airway assessment and stock of bedside emergency equipment for patients with a tracheostomy tube. • Routine assessment and application of monitoring and recording devices used to monitor patient’s oxygen saturation as well as carbon dioxide level. • Proper documentation of administered services in the patient’s electronic record. • Following manufacturers, respiratory department and infection control guidelines, replace patient disposable bedside equipment. • Stock and assess department equipment needs and communicate to the designated staff member items for reordering • Perform all other duties that may be assigned following proper training by department personnel. In addition to the above, 2nd year students and new graduates are expected to perform the following • Routine non-medication delivery respiratory therapy procedures including bronchial hygiene (suctioning), airway clearance therapy (CPT and Vest Application), and hyperinflation therapy (Cough Assist Application). • Administration of medications (oxygen or nebulized medications) may be performed under the supervision of another respiratory therapist. • Apply monitoring and recording devices used to monitor patient’s oxygen saturation as well as carbon dioxide level. • Document administered services in the patient’s electronic record • Following manufacturer, respiratory department and infection control guidelines to replace and label patient disposable equipment. Reporting Relationships Reports directly to the Respiratory Manager Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required • First or second year student in an approved and accredited Respiratory Care Program with evidence of continued enrollment. Will accept newly graduated students from an approved and accredited Respiratory Care Program awaiting credentials. • New grad students are expected to obtain credentials within 1 year of graduation date • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association. • Must demonstrate accurate and effective communication and documentation both verbally, in writing as well as appropriate technical skills. Working Conditions • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. • Exposure to moderately adverse working conditions in performing certain patient care activities. • Occasional exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: 27.00 USD Hourly Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Benefits Learn about the benefits of working at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, including vacation hour, healthcare plans, 401k and more. Benefits Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

Apply at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab