medical equipment service technician

respiratory therapist

delivery driver

branch manager

truck driver

Northwest Respiratory Services

Job was okay for a while. Des Moines had a good manager and everything was going smoothly. Then out of blue, she is fired. The branch then had a manager from another office that tried to be a dictator and change the whole culture of the office. As drivers, our input did not matter. At Northwest, you think you are doing a good job (even though nobody tells you) and then find out you are replaceable after many years of employment. The branches never hear anything from the main office unless it's negative, never positive.

Daily routine is arriving at office, loading truck for the day, going out on the route (nursing homes, private homes), doing the deliveries, doing the necessary paperwork, driving back to office, cleaning used equipment, and dropping off daily paperwork. Usually work 9-10 hrs a day. Drivers rotate through on call, which is 24hrs a day.

As a long time employee I can truly say that I love my job and the people I work with and for. I have watched how we have grown. Leadership has worked hard to come up with and implement new ideas to help support us as we grow and navigate our new world of staffing shortages and supply chain issues that all companies are struggling with. 
At times it may seem overwhelming to some but knowing that they are always working hard to help resolve the issues at hand make it a great company to work for.
The most recent outstanding plan that has come to light is that we are moving to much safer location. With more room to grow and improve and bring all office staff together under one roof. 
We will all have our own personal issues in life to deal with and I have had plenty and have always found my managers and coworkers very supportive regardless of the time I may need off. I have always felt valued and appreciated. 

Work/life balance is terrible, you have a scheduled shift, but the vast majority of the time you never know when you are going to be done for the day. You are automatically deducted 30 minutes a day for lunch, but to realistically have any chance of getting done by the end of your scheduled shift, you work through it. Company has a high turnover rate, thus leaving most offices short staffed, and as a result training is minimal. Vehicle maintenance is also minimal as a result of being short staffed, so you drive vehicles that technically aren’t roadworthy. Branch managers are typically good, but overworked and underpaid. Corporate management is clueless as to what is actually done through the branches.

Apply at your own risk. Just keep in mind that you're replaceable and your efforts/accomplishments may not be recognized (Well... other than a pat on your back, maybe). Be aware that upper management favors friends and family. If for any reason management do not like you, they'll find and stack up any/every minor reason to rationalize employee write ups eventually leading to termination. They lack communication/compromise and refuse to resolve or correct issues. Management would rather pin issues on employees to make it seem as though they are doing their jobs as leads. On a positive note, coworkers are pleasant to work with and there's plenty of overtime. Good luck.

Every day was a different day for NRS.  The challenge of managing the daily requirements with the varying number of orders for medical oxygen at private homes and in long term care facilities was difficult, but manageable.  I had a very loyal and respected team of employees that helped to get through each day.  The difficult part of the job was managing with limited resources due to staffing, branch (satellite office) staffing needs, and truck issues.  I enjoyed working with the staff and the other departmental teams to provide the best services for our customers.  I will definitely miss working with the Vets with their oxygen needs!

The cooperate office does not care about the individual branches. They often shorted the branch that I worked at of vital equipment and we were told just to get it done. They also take 30 minutes out of your paycheck out for your lunch even if you did not have time to take a lunch. 
The manager is 100% checked out and does not fight for anything to improve.
I would say the hardest thing in the job is dealing with the management and how condescending they  can be.
The most enjoyable part is making the patients happy and helping them.
I would not work for this company. It is going downhill fast.
The benefits are horrible. The work/ life balance is non existent. The vehicles belong in a junk yard.  

I have worked for NRS for 12+ years and can honestly say this company cares for its employees and customers.  I have seen numerous examples of them supporting staff and families when they may be going through some hard times, they have come together to raise funds for surgeries donated time off for people unable to work due to a medical diagnosis etc.  I’ve seen employees volunteer their time to help a customer clean up an unsafe living condition.  The owner of this company knows every employee by name and is one of the kindest soles you will ever meet.  NRS has been active in taking steps to become a leader in the respiratory delivery field, from technology to new an updated training format.
Great place to work


It's a good concept they want you to treat the patients is family. But when you do and you spend a little too much time with them you get to talk to about it. They tell you to do one thing but they really mean something else so you're never sure what the priorities are. Management sucks big time. If they screw up somehow ends up being your fault and they stick together so that you can't even talk to your manager's manager so just lie down like a dog and take the beating. I would have to say good job is rewarding. But the rewarding part is the patients not the people that you work for because their dirt bags.

I had the opportunity to intern at Northwest Respiratory Services, and it was an incredible experience! From the start, I was welcomed as part of the team, and everyone was eager to help me learn and grow. The team is knowledgeable and always willing to share their expertise, which created a great learning environment.

Overall, my internship at Northwest Respiratory Services was an invaluable experience that exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for hands-on learning in a supportive and professional setting.



Northwest is a great place to work if you like an enviorement where the employees are like a family unit.  If you are willing to work and help others you are recognized.  The upper management is always willing to help in times of need.  If you want a career where you are willing to put in the work and treat others how you want to be treated this is a place for you.  Doors are always open and they are a family company.  They are very accomidating of your needs and are always willing to listen to ways to improve.  I enjoy it here.  A job has to be a place you enjoy going to and you get back what you put in.  

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Medical equipment service technician 26 salaries reported	$22.94 per hour
Respiratory therapist 17 salaries reported	$29.41 per hour
Delivery driver 33 salaries reported	$22.02 per hour
Branch manager 8 salaries reported	$62,500 per year
Truck driver 8 salaries reported	$22.06 per hour

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