At the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA), we believe that every breath should be taken with dignity. We are looking for a Respiratory Therapist who understands that in hospice care, success isn’t measured by a weaning protocol, but by the peace and comfort of a patient in their final days. If you are a clinical expert with a heart for palliative care, we invite you to bring your specialized skills to our In-Patient Hospice Unit, where your expertise will directly provide relief to patients and reassurance to their families when they need it most.

For nearly 100 years, the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) has been a trusted pioneer in hospice care, helping our neighbors age with dignity and independence. Our mission-driven work spans 16 counties across North Texas—including Collin, Dallas, Denton, Kaufman, and Tarrant to rural communities in Fannin and Navarro—ensuring no one faces life's transitions alone. As a non-profit, we prioritize people over profits, treating every patient like family and maintaining a gold standard of clinical excellence. Beyond hospice, our community roots run deep through programs like Meals on Wheels.

We offer a competitive salary with mileage reimbursement and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and short- and long-term disability coverage. Employees also receive a 401(k) with a 6% company match and two-year vesting, generous PTO with six paid holidays and flexible days, professional development and education reimbursement opportunities, and the support of a mission-driven work environment.

Job Summary

As an In-Patient Hospice Respiratory Therapist , your primary mission is to manage the complex respiratory needs of patients at the end of life, ensuring maximum comfort and dignity. You will provide expert bedside assessment, alleviate respiratory distress through specialized palliative interventions, and offer vital education to families and the interdisciplinary team (IDT). Your role is critical in coordinating immediate symptom relief and maintaining a peaceful environment for patients within the in-patient unit.

** Key Responsibilities**

• Symptom Management & Assessment: Thoroughly assess respiratory status with a focus on palliative comfort; prioritize interventions for dyspnea, air hunger, and terminal secretions using established hospice protocols.
• Responsive Comfort Care: Respond to bedside respiratory distress calls in a timely and compassionate manner, ensuring all clinical interventions align with the patient’s goals of care and "DNR/DNI" status.
• Clinical Direction: Provide expert guidance to the nursing and medical staff regarding oxygen titration, non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP/CPAP) used for comfort, and the administration of nebulized medications.
• Documentation: Accurately document all respiratory assessments, interventions, and family education in the clinical record to ensure seamless continuity of care within the IDT.
• Patient & Family Education: Educate families on the physiological changes in breathing patterns during the active dying process, providing reassurance and instruction on comfort-based respiratory measures.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an accredited Associate or Baccalaureate program in Respiratory Care.
• Licensure: Current Texas State license as a Respiratory Care Practioner (RCP) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a current Texas Driver’s License.
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience as an RRT in a clinical care setting is required; hospice, palliative, or critical care experience is highly preferred.
• Skills: Expert clinical assessment skills, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to communicate sensitive information clearly and fluently in English.

Working Conditions

This position involves working in patients' homes and facilities in various conditions, including occasional exposure to infectious diseases and unpleasant weather. The role requires prolonged sitting to field calls, the ability to lift up to 20 lbs, and significant hand-eye coordination. You must be highly organized to manage high call volumes and make quick resource acquisition decisions under stressful conditions.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.