Lead Respiratory Therapist

Overview

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 Lead, it conducts operation problem‑solving processes to ensure uniform clinical outcomes for the department. It assists the department by ensuring that JCAHO and MDPH standards are met and maintains high‑quality diagnostic skills/competency within its respective area of responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Perform respiratory care to evaluate and treat protocol evaluations (25%).
• Deliver medications via aerosol and metered dose inhalers (25%).
• Respond to all Rapid Responses, arrest or STAT situations immediately, maintaining artificial airways, respiration, and cardiac compressions. Set up and maintain all oxygen according to protocol (25%).
• Maintain proficiency as an expert respiratory therapist at MyMichigan Health member locations (25%).
• Manage physiological and mechanical aspects of a patient who requires life support. Wean patients off the ventilator.
• Perform chest physiotherapy and airway clearance; assess patient to recommend appropriate therapy.
• Perform special procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons, i.e., bedside bronchoscopes, drawing/analyzing arterial blood gas samples, EKGs, Holter monitoring and oximetry.
• Provide supplemental oxygen throughout the hospital and maintain and change equipment.
• Maintain inpatient charts and clarify physician orders for the department.
• Perform chart auditing and participate in the quality assurance program.
• Provide continuing education for the department and staff members in other departments, often functioning as instructor and preceptor for respiratory students.
• Assist in orientation of new employees.

Certifications and Licensures

• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support (Required, equivalent experience within 12 months of hire)
• BLS – Basic Life Support (Required, equivalent experience within 1 month of hire)
• NBRC – National Board Respiratory Care (Required, equivalent experience)
• NRP – Neonatal Resuscitation (Required, equivalent experience within 12 months of hire)
• PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life Support (Required, equivalent experience within 12 months of hire)
• RT – Licensed Respiratory Therapist (Required, equivalent experience)
• TEAM Advanced – Techniques for Effective Aggression Management (Required, equivalent experience within 6 months of hire)

Required Education

Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy.

Experience, Training and Skills

• Graduate of a school of Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2-year Associate’s Degree (exception: any therapist with the RTT credential on or before July 1, 2004 is not required to have an Associate’s Degree).
• Current State of Michigan License in Respiratory Care.
• Current Basic Life Support required upon hire.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certifications 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 to interact with people at all levels to convey ideas and concepts clearly and understandably.
• Mandatory OSHA training completed annually per the Exposure Control Plan.

Physical and