Colleague Spotlight: Jose Salazar

Respiratory therapy is a second career for Jose Salazar, after years in business and accounting. While going back to school, Jose completed his clinical training at HCA HealthONE Swedish, where he was inspired by the exceptional care and teamwork he saw. He stayed on and has become a key part of the RT team ever since.

Jose is dedicated to educating patients and their families, collaborating with different teams and excelling at the wide range of responsibilities that come with respiratory care. He performs patient assessments, airway management as well as tracheostomy care and intubations.

Recently, Jose was shadowed by Vice President of Human Resources Dena Schmaedecke, as part of the Walk In Your World approach to advancing the care and experience offered in the hospital. Together, they assessed a burn patient, discussed the complexities of care, and responded to a code blue for a COVID-positive patient. During the emergency, Jose performed chest compressions while an RT colleague managed the airway, successfully stabilizing the patient.

Jose also showed Dena how respiratory therapists educate patients and their family members on trach care and ventilator assessments, helping to prepare our patients for the next steps in their care journeys.

Dena said she was impressed by Jose’s clinical skill and his passion for education. She saw firsthand how respiratory therapy is an essential part of the team-based care model at HCA HealthONE Swedish.

Thank you, Jose, for your dedication and for making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

Interested in joining our team? Apply here.