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.


Responsibilities

(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 arterial blood gas samples, EKGs 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.

Provides continuing education for the department, staff members in other departments and often functions as instructor for preceptor for Respiratory Students. Assists in orientation of new employees.

MyMichigan 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 MyMichigan Health.


Certifications and Licensures

Credential: BLS: Basic Life Support

Equivalent Experience: Within 1 month of hire or transfer

Qualification Source: AHA

Essential: true

Credential: RT: Licensed Respiratory Therapist

Equivalent Experience:

Qualification Source: MI

Essential: true

Credential: NBRC: National Brd Respiratory Care

Equivalent Experience: Employees who received credentials prior to July 1, 2002 are not required to participate in NBRC recertification programs.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Equivalent Experience: ACLS certification within 12 months of hire or transfer. Effective 9/5/2023 ACLS will be required for all casual employees. Casual employees hired prior to 09/05/2023 have 12 months to complete.


Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation

Equivalent Experience: ACLS and NRP (for non-casual) certification within 12 months of hire or transfer date effective 1/1/2017, all existing RTs must have it completed by 6/30/2018.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: PALS: Ped Advance Life Support

Equivalent Experience: required within 12 months of hire or 12 months from 10/01/2023 for anyone hired prior to this date.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: TEAM ADVANCED: Techniques for Effective Aggression Mgt

Equivalent Experience: Within 6 months of hire or transfer (Employees who are in this position on or before 12/31/2023 will have 24 months to complete this certification)

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Required Education

Education: ASSOC

Equivalent Experience: Must be a graduate of a school Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2 year Associate's Degree (exception: any therapist who has the RT credential on or before July 1, 2004 is not required to have an Associate's Degree)

Education Specialization: RT

Essential: true

Other Information

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

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 tuberculosis (TB) testing must be done as required according to MIOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety Health Administration) standards.

Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training must also be completed annually according to the Exposure Control Plan.

Two (2) years clinical experience working in medical center or similar setting.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.


Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

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 in the job description.


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 MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.


Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.


Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.


Equivalent Experience and Other Comments (Education)

Education: ASSOC

Equivalent Experience: Must be a graduate of a school Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2 year Associate's Degree (exception: any therapist who has the RT credential on or before July 1, 2004 is not required to have an Associate's Degree)

Education Specialization: RT

Essential: true

Other Comments

Credential: BLS: Basic Life Support

Equivalent Experience: Within 1 month of hire or transfer

Qualification Source: AHA

Essential: true

Credential: RT: Licensed Respiratory Therapist

Equivalent Experience:

Qualification Source: MI

Essential: true

Credential: NBRC: National Brd Respiratory Care

Equivalent Experience: Employees who received credentials prior to July 1, 2002 are not required to participate in NBRC recertification programs.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Equivalent Experience: ACLS certification within 12 months of hire or transfer. Effective 9/5/2023 ACLS will be required for all casual employees. Casual employees hired prior to 09/05/2023 have 12 months to complete.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation

Equivalent Experience: ACLS and NRP (for non-casual) certification within 12 months of hire or transfer date effective 1/1/2017, all existing RTs must have it completed by 6/30/2018.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: PALS: Ped Advance Life Support

Equivalent Experience: required within 12 months of hire or 12 months from 10/01/2023 for anyone hired prior to this date.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: TEAM ADVANCED: Techniques for Effective Aggression Mgt

Equivalent Experience: Within 6 months of hire or transfer (Employees who are in this position on or before 12/31/2023 will have 24 months to complete this certification)

Qualification Source:

Essential: true