Respiratory Therapist

Summary

This position, independently or in consultation with a physician, administers medications, performs various types of therapeutic modalities and diagnostic testing for and of the cardio-pulmonary system, responds to arrest and emergency situations and provides CPR and life support systems.

• (25%) Performs Respiratory care to evaluate and treat protocol evaluations.
• (25%) Delivers medications via aerosol and metered dose inhalers.
• (25%) Responds to all Rapid Responses, arrest or STAT situations immediately, maintaining artificial airways, and respiration and cardiac compressions.
• (25%) Sets up and maintains all oxygen according to protocol.

OTHER

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the physiological and mechanical aspects of a patient that requires life support.
• Weans patients off the ventilator.
• Performs chest physiotherapy and airway clearance.
• Assesses patient to recommend appropriate therapy.
• Performs special procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons, i.e., PFT, bronchoscopes, drawing/analyzing arterial blood gas samples, EKGs, Holter monitoring and oximetry.
• Provides supplemental oxygen throughout the hospital and maintains and changes equipment.
• Maintains inpatient charts and clarifies physician's orders for the department.
• Performs chart auditing and participates in the quality assurance program.
• Assists in orientation of new employees.
• My Michigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows.
• An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by My Michigan Health.

• Verifiable ACLS:
  Advanced Cardiac Life Support (Certification within 12 months of hire).
• Verifiable NRP:
  Neonatal Resuscitation (Certification within 12 months of hire).
• Verifiable BLS:
  Basic Life Support (Upon Hire).
• Verifiable NBRC:
  National Board Respiratory Care (Employees who received credentials prior to July 1, 2002 are not required to participate in NBRC recertification programs).
• Verifiable RT:
  Licensed Respiratory Therapist.
• Verifiable PALS:
  Pediatric Advanced Life Support (Required within 12 months of hire).
• Verifiable TEAM ADVANCED:
  Techniques for Effective Aggression Management (Within 6 months of hire).

Associate degree in a healthcare related field. Required to maintain CEUs for license. Two (2) years clinical experience working in a medical center or similar setting.

• Must be a graduate of a school Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2 year Associate’s Degree (exception: any therapist with the RTT credential on or before July 1, 2004 is not required to have an Associate’s Degree).
• Current State of Michigan License in Respiratory Care required.
• Current Basic Life Support required upon hire.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment (ventilators, ABG analyzers, etc.).
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• Mandatory OSHA training must also be completed annually according to the Exposure Control Plan.

• Exposure to stressful situations, including public contact, trauma, grief, and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment including latex materials or appropriate substitute.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined.
• Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow My Michigan Health blood borne pathogen protocol.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall…