Respiratory Therapist, CRT

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Pediatrics Full-Time Nights

Join one of the nation's most comprehensive academic medical centers, University of Chicago Medicine, in a patient-focused and influential role as a Respiratory Therapist (CRT) with our Respiratory Care Services department. The Respiratory Care Services Department is committed to providing quality individualized care for adult, pediatric and neonatal patients through the employment of highly trained (CRT) Certified Respiratory Therapists, advanced technology and defined patient protocols. Our employees deliver world-class care in an environment where opinions are respected, decision-making is rewarded and teamwork is the order of the day. Our staff is encouraged to achieve their career goals, which in turn benefits all of our patients and the University of Chicago Medicine as a whole.

Job Summary

In this role, the (CRT) Certified Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory care treatments, procedures, and protocols under the direct supervision of department leadership and physician. Provides for patient assessment to determine cardiopulmonary status, implement appropriate patient care protocols, or to maintain/improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamic status. Initiates and maintains emergent and non-emergent non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation per department policies and protocols.

Essential Job Functions

• Administers supplemental oxygen/medical gas therapy; as prescribed by direct physician order or via established and approved departmental patient care protocols; documents such procedures appropriately and accurately into the EPIC electronic medical record.
• Administers intermittent (Small Volume Nebulizer, MDI, etc.) or Continuous Medication delivery therapy (bronchodilators, steroid therapy, mucolytics, etc.) as prescribed or via established and approved department protocols. Documents such procedures into the EPIC electronic medical record appropriately and accurately; in real-time fashion. Properly assesses the patient during administration of such modalities.
• Administers bronchopulmonary hygiene, suctioning, & airway care procedures. Implements airway clearance techniques (to include Chest Physiotherapy, coughing/deep breathing techniques, Therapy Vest, Flutter valve, EzPap device, Acapella device, & incentive spirometry) per physician order or under the guidelines of established and approved departmental patient care protocols. Documents such procedures into the EPIC electronic medical record appropriately and accurately per hospital policy.
• Initiates and maintains non-invasive ventilation (NIV) procedures (BIPAP, CPAP, High Flow Cannula) on an emergent and non-emergent basis; assess patient status and the status of NIV equipment and patient tolerance of such. Implements necessary adjustments to assure best level of patient comfort and tolerance to achieve most effective benefit of therapy. Documents procedures into the EPIC system as required.
• Initiates, maintains, and checks status (per department policy) of mechanical ventilation; provides for a thorough and complete patient assessment to recommend and implement weaning plans from mechanical ventilation either per physician order or under the guidelines of pre-approved and established departmental mechanical ventilator protocols. Documents such procedures accurately and in timely fashion into the EPIC electronic medical record.
• Provides for ventilator management (NIV and mechanical ventilation); appropriate hemodynamic monitoring/reporting of patient parameters (ventilator weaning parameters, spontaneous breathing trials, etc.). Documents information accurately and timely within the EPIC electronic medical record.
• Performs Arterial Blood Gas analysis in select areas per hospital, department, and accrediting agency guidelines and standards of practice. Trouble shoots ABG analyzers; performs appropriate quality control and general calibration procedures as appropriate. Reports results accurately and timely, within established results turnaround reporting guidelines.
• Provides for patient transport within the facility when patients are transported to other areas on oxygen delivery systems, mechanical ventilators, etc.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved and accredited Respiratory Care Program (at least two years in duration)
• Diploma or Certificate of Completion and Associate's Degree from an accredited academic body.
• Demonstrates effective and accurate communication and documentation skills (both verbal and written communications)
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) by The National Board for Respiratory Care
• Registered Respiratory Therapist Credential (RRT) from the NBRC within 180 days of hire
• Licensed by The State of Illinois as a Respiratory Care Practitioner
• Basic Life Support Healthcare provider certification (American Heart Association)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification; PALS Certification; or ACLS Certification preferred, depending upon patient care area assigned and the primary patient populations served

Position Details

Job Type/FTE: Full Time (0.9 FTE)Shift: Night Shift Unit/Department: Respiratory Care Services (Pediatrics)CBA Code: Non-Union

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