Respiratory Therapist - Days

Overview Under the direction of a physician, the RRT provides all respiratory care related duties and functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Sets up and administers all routine and complex respiratory care procedures to patients including pediatrics, Emergency/Trauma Department, Step‑Down Critical Care and Adult Critical Care Units, Pulmonary Function, Bronch‑lab, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or other specialty unit using protocol‑driven care. Provides critical and emergent care, airway stabilization and management, non‑invasive ventilation, and is responsible for acute‑care ventilators used for continuous short and long‑term ventilation. Exemplifies the Mercyhealth mission, vision and values, and acts in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures. They will perform other duties as assigned. Schedule Three 12‑Hour Shifts Shift Days Location Javon Bea Hospital Essential Duties and Responsibilities Performs routine therapies that aid in the treatment, diagnosis, and evaluation of cardiopulmonary status. Initiates, monitors, evaluates, and weans invasive and non‑invasive ventilation. Makes parameter recommendations based on clinical assessment, technical assessment, patient compliance, patient response, laboratory values, and patient status. Initiates and provides ongoing evaluation of treatment regime including medication delivery and oxygen administration through therapist‑driven protocols by performing patient assessments to determine the needs related to treatment therapies, frequencies, and duration of treatment regime ordered by physician. Assesses patients clinically before and after the administration or application of any medication, procedure, or device; recommends appropriate therapy including initial therapy, changes in therapy, and discontinuation. Monitors, assesses, educates, and documents the patient and/or family on therapies, medications, goals of therapies, and equipment during treatment. Documents work timely, completely, and accurately including documentation in the patient electronic medical record and departmental records. Demonstrates competence in the set‑up, calibration, and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators, non‑invasive ventilation devices, therapeutic bronchoscopies and pulmonary function screens. Cleans using high‑level disinfection, assembles, and maintains equipment and the stocking of departmental supplies. Performs and documents emergency rounds, oxygen saturation checks, and titrates oxygen per protocol during oxygen and aerosol rounds. Performs therapies in strict compliance with universal precautions and proper body mechanics, using sound judgment in evaluating situations, and taking appropriate action when necessary. Responds to emergent care situations in the hospital and assists with resuscitation by providing chest compressions, airway management, airway stabilization, and ventilatory support in accordance with the American Heart Association guidelines and as directed by the Code Team Leader. Transports adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients (as applicable) on mechanical ventilators, non‑invasive ventilation devices, and critically ill to intrahospital procedures and testing. Provides developmentally appropriate care to support the various patient populations during their hospitalization. Demonstrates competence in the care of neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients (when/if appropriately assigned) relative to determining each patient’s age‑related and other physical, psycho‑social, and cultural needs. Assists with the orientation process for new employees, mentors employees orienting to a specialty care unit, and functions as a resource to staff. Mentors students on clinical rotation as needed. Acts as the charge therapist in the absence of the Lead Respiratory Therapist on a rotational basis as assigned, performing the duties and responsibilities described in that job description to the best of your ability. Engages in a project related to the department, community, or respiratory care profession. Obtains or maintains an additional certification or specialty credential (manager approval required). Participates in community education events relating to procedures performed, disease processes, medications, and treatments relating to respiratory care. Performs QA & PI. Assists with The Joint Commission accreditation and maintaining survey readiness. Participates in Regional Peri‑Natal Designation process. Participates in facility committees on behalf of Respiratory Therapy. Maintains competence in specialty areas: Pulmonary Function: Perform pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, lung diffusion capacity, arterial blood gas draws, and other tests) according to ATS and department standards; set up, calibrate, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot pulmonary function testing equipment; performs administrative tasks including scheduling and registering patients. Bronch‑Lab: Assists providers with bronchoscopy procedures, including preparing equipment and the patient, assisting with obtaining samples, and proper handling and cleaning of instruments. NICU: Attends deliveries, including pre‑term and high‑risk, and performs resuscitative duties as part of the NICU team. Manages patients in the small baby unit and NICU. Maintains proficiency in the delivery of nitric oxide, surfactant, non‑invasive ventilation, high‑frequency oscillatory ventilation, and other NICU‑specific equipment and practices. Actively participates and engages in NICU‑specific protocols, guidelines, and initiatives with accountability for process improvement. May require on‑call coverage for add‑on procedures, unit coverage, or NICU transport. Maintains proficiency in the processing and interpreting of point‑of‑care blood gases, glucose, and electrolytes; collaborates on quality control with the POC Coordinator (at applicable locations only). Performs other duties as assigned. Education and/or Experience Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program. Minimum 1 year respiratory experience, 6 months critical care experience. Certification/License RRT or CRT accepted for RTs that are not eligible for RRT. All other CRTs must earn RRT within 1 year of hire. CPR certification. NRP within 90 days of orientation, for those departments requiring delivery attendance. Illinois and/or Wisconsin Respiratory Care Practitioner license. Specialty credential preferred (NPS, CPFT, RPFT). Other Skills and Abilities Good mathematical and interpersonal skills. Level of Supervision Work requires a moderate level of independent judgment along with good interpretative and interpersonal skills with justification and accountability to Lead, Supervisor, Manager, and Director. Pay Range $34.45 - $53.41 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Benefits Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental, Vision Life & Disability Insurance FSA/HSA Options Generous, accruing paid time off Paid Parental and caregiver leave Career advancement and educational opportunities Tuition and certification reimbursement Certification Reimbursement Well‑being Programs Employee Discounts On‑Demand Pay Financial Education Annual recognition/awards events Partner appreciation days Family entertainment attractions discount Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee‑partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: #1 in the nation on AARP’s Best Employers for Workers Over 50 One of Working Mother magazine’s 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women #J-18808-Ljbffr