Respiratory Therapy Extern

Major Responsibilities:

• Under the observation of a licensed respiratory therapist, may perform routine and basic level respiratory therapy procedures including oxygen therapy, pulse oximetry, aerosol therapy and incentive spirometry.
• Organizes and maintains supply of respiratory therapy equipment and supplies as needed by department specific standards.
• Collects equipment from all the areas of the hospital and cleans and reassembles equipment according to proper procedure observing standard precautions. Processes disposable/non-disposable equipment based on infection prevention guidelines.
• Completes annual hospital competencies. Learns new equipment/supplies, procedures, and processes as needed to perform their job as appropriate.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique (if applicable).
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Education Required:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved program in Respiratory Therapy.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Wisconsin externs: Must transition into graduate respiratory therapist position immediately.
• Illinois externs: The status of an extern shall not exceed 3 years from date of enrollment in an approved program.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills plus ability to function independently.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Will be required to walk, stand, squat, reach above the shoulders and sit throughout the workday.
• Repetitive use of hands including simple grasping, pushing/pulling and fine manipulation.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Must have functional speech, vision and hearing.
• May be exposed to chemical and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids; therefore, personal protective equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.