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Respiratory Care Practitioner-$10,000 Sign On Bonus Available- Night Shift

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · $30.77–$54.33 an hour · Full time

Posted Mar 12, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 responded to a respiratory emergency. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and skilled under pressure when a patient's airway or breathing is at risk.

How do you stay alert and careful during long night shifts?

What they are checking: Self-awareness about fatigue and habits that keep patients safe.

What would you do

It's the middle of the night and a trach patient's alarm goes off with high pressures. What do you do?

What they are checking: Fast troubleshooting of airway problems like plugs or dislodgement when fewer staff are around.

How do you work with nurses and physicians on nights when you're the main respiratory resource?

What they are checking: Confidence and clear communication as a key clinical resource on night shift.

A physician's order doesn't seem right for the patient in front of you. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Willingness to question orders respectfully and advocate for the patient.

About the work

Walk me through how you assess a patient with a high spinal cord injury who is on a ventilator at night.

What they are checking: Thorough ventilator and airway assessment in patients who depend on breathing support.

How do you approach ventilator weaning in a rehab patient, and what tells you to slow down?

What they are checking: Understanding of weaning trials and signs of fatigue or failure.

What's your experience with speaking valves, and how do you decide a patient is ready for one?

What they are checking: Knowledge of tools that support communication and rehab goals.

How do you teach a patient's family to manage trach care or a home ventilator?

What they are checking: Patient education skills that prepare families for discharge.

How do you manage airway clearance for patients with weak coughs?

What they are checking: Knowledge of cough assist and other clearance methods common in neuromuscular patients.

What licenses or credentials do you hold, such as RRT, and how do you keep them current?

What they are checking: Whether they meet the credential requirements and keep learning as respiratory care practice changes.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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 Care Practitioner will serve as a valued member of the clinical team to assess, manage, treat and perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for patients requiring respiratory therapy services. These procedures are approved and overseen by the Medical Director appointed by SRAlab service agreement. The Respiratory Care Practitioner 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 Therapist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description $10,000 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE The Respiratory Care Practitioner: • Conducts patient assessments and interprets clinical data necessary for the delivery of quality patient care. • Implements and evaluates the plan of care related to respiratory procedures including but not limited to aerosol, secretion mobilization, and hyperinflation therapies. • Provides care for patients requiring ventilator assistance, complex respiratory devices and procedures. • Performs comprehensive ventilator management and monitors the cardiopulmonary status of patients receiving intensive respiratory care. • Maintains emergency airway equipment for patients with artificial airways. • Performs diagnostic studies on patients as designated by department policy and/or by physician order. • Consults with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals and participates in daily patient rounds for assigned area to promote consistent quality and delivery of patient care. • Completes all documentation for patient charting in compliance with standards for accuracy and content as established by the department and SRAlab. • Monitors and documents patient responses to therapeutic interventions and progress toward outcomes. • Assists with the development of clinical research protocols and participates in their implementation. • Performs other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the SRAlab including meeting pre-specified work commitment for float pool employees as specified by the RCP team leader. Reporting Relationships Reports directly to the Manager, Respiratory Care. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: • Associates Degree Required. • National Board of Respiratory Care RRT credential. • Current Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - Illinois Department of Professional Regulation License. • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association. • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association. • Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association. • Completion of a nationally accredited degree program in Respiratory Therapy Preferred: • Minimum 2 years of post-school experience as a RCP, one year should reflect experience in critical care • Neonatal/ Pediatric Specialist (NPS)- National Board of Respiratory Care • Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) or higher 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: $30.77 - $54.33 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. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role. 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.

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