Respiratory Therapist - Resource Pool

Respiratory Therapist

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. As a resource respiratory therapist, you must maintain competency in the subsidiary hospitals as follows: Alma, Clare, Gladwin, West Branch, Saginaw, Standish, Tawas, & Alpena & Sault Saint Marie (advanced notice given for Alpena & Sault Saint Marie). Maintain high quality diagnostic skills/competency within their respective areas or responsibility. Position requires travel among MyMichigan Health member locations.

(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. Sets up and maintains all oxygen according to protocol.

(25%)* Maintains proficiency as expert respiratory therapist at MyMichigan Health member locations.

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., bedside 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.

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.

Other duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licensures

ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Required Equivalent Experience - Within 1 month of hire or transfer into position

BLS - Basic Life Support

Required Equivalent Experience - Within 1 month of hire or transfer

NBRC - National Brd Respiratory Care

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

NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation

Required Equivalent Experience -

PALS - Ped Advance Life Support

Required Equivalent Experience - Required within 12 months of hire.

RT - Licensed Respiratory Therapist

Required Equivalent Experience -

TEAM ADVANCED - Techniques for Effective Aggression Mgt

Required Equivalent Experience - Within 6 months of hire.

Required Education

Associates Degree

Other Information

Experience, Training And Skills:

Must be a graduate of a school Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2-year associate degree (exception: any therapist who has the RTT credential on or before July 1, 2004 is not required to have an associate 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) (for non-casual) certification required within 365 days 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 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training must also be completed annually according to the Exposure Control Plan.

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 are 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.