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Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 2, 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 made sure a task was done right even though you were busy.

What they are checking: Whether they stay accountable for doing a task correctly even when time pressure pushes toward shortcuts.

Why do you want to work in respiratory care for rehab patients?

What they are checking: Motivation that matches the slower, long-term nature of rehab.

What would you do

The posting says you can work with pediatric patients once trained. How would you prepare for that?

What they are checking: Willingness to learn and respect for the extra care children need.

A patient with a lung condition gets short of breath during therapy in the gym. What do you do?

What they are checking: Quick, calm action and working with therapy staff.

How do you talk with an elderly patient who is hard of hearing about their treatment?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate patiently and clearly with older patients who may have hearing or memory limits.

About the work

Walk me through how you prepare and give an aerosol or nebulizer treatment.

What they are checking: Whether they have solid basics in preparing and delivering respiratory treatments safely and correctly.

What signs during a treatment would make you stop and call the respiratory therapist?

What they are checking: Knowing the warning signs and the limits of their role.

How do you care for a patient's tracheostomy during routine checks?

What they are checking: Practical trach care and infection control skills, since many rehab patients breathe through a tracheostomy.

How do you keep track of which patients need treatments and when?

What they are checking: Organization so no treatment gets missed or delayed.

How do you handle infection control between patients with different conditions?

What they are checking: Strong hygiene and cleaning habits that protect vulnerable patients from infections spread by equipment and hands.

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.

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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 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: 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.

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