Respiratory Therapist
Posted Jul 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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 were part of a difficult airway or code. What did you do?
What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and effective in emergencies, which nights at a regional center bring often.
St. John's sees complex patients. What experience do you have with ICU-level respiratory care?
What they are checking: Whether they have, or can quickly build, skills for complex acuities the posting highlights.
If you're a new grad, how will you handle the jump from school to nights in a busy hospital?
What they are checking: Whether they know when to ask for help and have realistic expectations about the first months.
How do you work with nursing on shared patients so care stays coordinated?
What they are checking: Whether they communicate across disciplines rather than working in a silo.
What would you do
You're on nights and get called to a patient on BiPAP who is getting more tired and confused. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they recognize BiPAP failure and push for intubation before the patient crashes.
You have a long list of scheduled treatments and get pulled to an emergency. How do you manage the rest of your work?
What they are checking: Whether they prioritize and hand off or communicate so routine care isn't silently missed.
A physician orders a treatment you don't think is helping. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they offer clinical input respectfully and use therapist-driven protocols where they exist.
About the work
Walk me through how you read an arterial blood gas and decide what to change on the ventilator.
What they are checking: Whether they can interpret ABGs and adjust settings safely in high-acuity patients.
How do you approach weaning a patient from the ventilator?
What they are checking: Whether they know spontaneous breathing trials and the signs that a patient is or isn't ready.
How do you prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia?
What they are checking: Whether they follow the bundle, including head of bed, oral care and sedation breaks.
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As published by HSHS.