Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist, RRT I is responsible for performing patient care activities and other tasks that contribute to high-quality, safe, and effective patient care, such as executing protocols, administering respiratory care, and educating patients, families, students, and other care providers.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Administers, monitors, and assesses the effectiveness of respiratory care in an efficient and effective manner for inpatients and outpatients of all developmental and maturational levels (neonatal to geriatric) under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
• Uses independent judgement in the application of respiratory care protocols and is self-motivated to take responsible and professional action within the scope of practice.
• Maintains a patient-centered focus and strives to support the mission, goals, and values of the hospital, department and division.
• Follows policies, procedures, and department standards.
• Interacts with physicians and other health system staff to provide quality, safe, and efficient care for the patient.
• Maintains positive working relations with customers. Demonstrates mature, sensitive, and effective communications with all age groups, especially under high levels of stress.
• Educates patients and family members of all developmental and maturational levels (neonatal to geriatric) regarding cardio-respiratory topics, medications, equipment, and procedures.
• Reacts appropriately under high levels of stress. Demonstrates flexibility in the face of uncertainty, and can take responsible and professional action without awaiting orders.
• Assists in the oversight of other staff members during advanced procedures.
• At the direction of a supervisor, serves as the acting team leader, as needed.
• Assists in the orientation, training, and evaluating new graduate RTs, students, and other employees.
• Participates on the rapid response or code blue teams, as needed.
• Assist with the ambulation of patients.
• Moves ventilators and other items around campus.
• Quickly responds to critical situations including taking stairs to reach emergencies and assist in the removal of patients from the building (in case of emergency).
• Must select a team (within one year of hire/placement in position). Team options: Team CA, Team Heart, Team 6, Team 4/5, Team 2, Team Advanced Float.
• Competencies by team (must obtain within one year of placement on respective team): Team CA: Trach team, Team Heart: CTS ICU (including transplant patients and nitric oxide delivery), Team 6: Trach team, Team 4/5: NICU & PICU (including deliveries), Team 2: Burn ICU & ED, Team Advanced Float: NICU & PICU (NOT including deliveries) and ED/Med-Surg Pediatrics.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent military training/certificate program

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree in Respiratory Care or related field
• Master's Degree in Respiratory Care or related field
• Respiratory therapy work experience.
• Experience in clinical instruction of students.
• Six months of experience in critical care.
• Active AARC membership

Required Licensure and Certification:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within 1 Year
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT) - State Board of Healing Arts permanent license only upon Hire
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) within 30 Days
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) within 180 Days
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) within 180 Days
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) To work independently in the neonatal ICU, therapists must have NRP

Knowledge Requirements:

• Basic computer knowledge

Important information for you to know as you apply:

• The health system is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected status. See also Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
• The health system provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need to request reasonable accommodations for your disability as you navigate the recruitment process, please let our recruiters know by requesting an Accommodation Request form using this link View email address on click.appcast.io.
• Employment with the health system is contingent upon, among other things, agreeing to the health-system-dispute-resolution-program.pdf and signing the agreement to the DRP.

The University of Kansas Health System