This question helps you assess the candidate’s general knowledge and level of expertise. You’ll learn whether they have dealt with complex cases, and you’ll be able to get a sense of whether they would be suited to the particular type of work that your respiratory therapy team performs. You’ll discover whether the applicant communicates effectively and clearly and how they might communicate with patients and team members. What to look for in an answer:

• Evidence of experience with cases your team commonly treats
• High level of knowledge of treatment approaches
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently

Many patients receiving respiratory treatments are acutely ill, and this question helps you gauge whether the applicant would be professional, empathetic and clear when explaining and performing potentially painful procedures for patients. You’ll learn whether the 503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05respiratory therapist would take an appropriate level of time with the patient and what they might do to ease a patient’s anxiety. This information helps you know if they fit your team. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to keep patient calm
• Willingness to answer patient’s questions
• Ability to adapt treatment approach to individual patient’s needs

In dealing with seriously ill patients, a 503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05respiratory therapist may face instances of conflict with patients and families over treatment approaches. This question helps you determine whether the respiratory therapist would be able to handle these situations independently, and you’ll learn about their attitude, values and treatment philosophies. You’ll be able to uncover whether the candidate handles conflict with appropriate resolution tactics and maintains professionalism and respect. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to resolve conflicts independently and respectfully
• Willingness to listen to patient’s concerns
• Knowledge of appropriate conflict resolution strategies

Sometimes, a 503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05respiratory therapist has to deliver bad news to patients and families. Perhaps a treatment isn’t working as well as had been expected, or maybe a patient needs to transition to another type of care. This question helps you determine how emotionally involved the respiratory therapist may become, and you’ll learn whether they can deliver bad news in a gentle, warm and positive manner. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to clearly and honestly explain bad news
• Ability to deliver news gently
• Understanding of the importance of supporting patient/family after delivering news

This question helps you understand whether the candidate is able to collaborate effectively with other respiratory therapists. You’ll learn whether the potential hire would be an asset to your existing team, and you’ll discover more about their strengths and weaknesses as a person. This information could help you decide where to place the candidate on your team and which members of staff they may interact with best. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to respectfully collaborate with other team members
• Willingness to admit mistakes
• Ability to support other existing team members

Respiratory therapists perform an important role for the patients they help. In order to ensure those patients feel empowered to manage their respiratory health and take the advice and treatment recommended by their care team, a strong, positive relationship with the 503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05respiratory therapist is vital. Ask this question to ensure the candidate knows the importance of rapport and knows how to establish it.

A great candidate answer should include:

• Reference to the necessity of rapport
• Steps for relationship building
• A relevant example

Look for a candidate answer that resembles this example: