Sr. Respiratory Care Practitioner

At Houston Methodist, the Sr Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) is an experienced and competent therapist responsible for performing advanced procedures such as intubation, advanced pulmonary diagnostics, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), electromagnetic navigation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and more. The Sr RCP performs all duties assigned to an RCP and participates in developing and teaching in‑services/programs for the respiratory staff, quality improvement initiatives, research programs, and departmental committees or subcommittees.

The Sr RCP serves as a mentor and resource to Respiratory Care team members and students, training them to achieve optimum performance levels in specialized areas such as ICU and NICU. The position works independently, exercising sound judgment and executing above‑average clinical skills on challenging procedures and patient care situations, and may assume duties related to coordinating activities within the Respiratory department.

Non‑exempt

• Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below.

• Four years experience as an RCP, of which at least two in a critical‑care level (preferred at HMCCH). HM employees with at least three years of RCP experience and one year as a HM RCP may also be considered.
• Neonatal experience preferred.

• RCP – Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner – State Licensure – Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (PSV) by the Texas Medical Board.
• RRT – Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC) – National Board for Respiratory Care (PSV).
• BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association.
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association.
• NRP – Neonatal Resuscitation or Instructor (AHA, AAP) – American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English, especially for patient or employee safety or security.
• Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members, and co‑workers with a customer‑service focus and positive language principles.
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to maintain patient and exam documents.
• Works independently, capable of handling challenging/difficult procedures and patient care situations, demonstrating sound judgment and clinical skill.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team‑player skills, ensuring excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co‑workers.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision, organizing workflow and actively participating in problem‑solving.

• Contributes to teamwork by awareness of overall patient workload, consistently offering assistance, and responding positively to requests for assistance.
• Facilitates open, professional communication (verbal, non‑verbal, written) including active listening and teaching to achieve mutual understanding and role modeling.
• Guides and mentors other RCPs and students to build confidence in skills and knowledge. Teaches, orients, and precepts newly hired therapists, using peer‑to‑peer accountability toward improvement of department score for employee engagement.

• Provides patient teaching based on learning needs, using appropriate resources and incorporating planning for care after discharge. Consistently evaluates patient comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly.
• Serves as the primary therapist for performing advanced treatments such as intubation, advanced pulmonary diagnostics, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), electromagnetic navigation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and more.
• Coordinates activities within the respiratory department and assumes other duties when the team lead or coordinator is absent, serving as a resource for specialty equipment or software…