Respiratory Therapist Lead

Respiratory Therapist

Allina Health is a not-for-profit health system that cares for individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. If you value putting patients first, consider a career at Allina Health. Our mission is to provide exceptional care as we prevent illness, restore health and provide comfort to all who entrust us with their care. This includes you and your loved ones. We are committed to providing whole person care, investing in your well-being, and enriching your career.

Key Position Details:

• 0.9 FTE (72 hours per two-week pay period)
• 12-hour day/evening shifts
• Every 3rd weekend rotation
• Experience with Pulmonary Function Testing preferred

Job Description:

Assesses, diagnoses and treats patients suffering from cardiopulmonary respiratory disorders. Under the direction of a physician, educates patients and staff regarding chronic and acute pulmonary disorders, provides consultative services to area hospitals/agencies, and provides technical and educational support to nurses regarding respiratory procedures. Coordinates the daily operations of the Respiratory Therapy Department.

Principle Responsibilities

• Provides respiratory assessment and therapeutic intervention.
• Identifies opportunities to improve outcomes by utilization/recommendation of appropriate therapies or interventions.
• Applies knowledge of approved protocols and clinical indications to interventions and routinely applies protocols to progress patients appropriately.
• Communicates with the Nurse and Provider to assure exchange of essential information.
• Demonstrates competency with operation and troubleshooting of equipment used for therapy.
• Provides for safe/effective management and monitoring of mechanical ventilation.
• Provides mechanical ventilatory support to meet objectives identified by the provider and/or protocols.
• Demonstrates competency in operation and troubleshooting of ventilators.
• Identifies best mode of ventilation and opportunities to optimize patient-ventilator interface through use of respiratory mechanics and waveform analysis, makes recommendations to Provider as appropriate; including non-traditional modes and techniques.
• Assesses readiness to wean, recognizes failure to wean and documents findings.
• Manages airway appropriately to include positioning, securing, humidification selection and suctioning.
• Collaborates with nursing and providers to ensure respiratory goals are not in conflict with other aspects of patient care.
• Provides disease management education to patients and families.
• Recognizes opportunity to increase patient knowledge of disease management and/or coping skills.
• Reinforces positive patient behaviors and skills during treatment interactions.
• Possesses and shares knowledge of asthma self-management and COPD education.
• Educates patient on inhaler techniques, peak flow monitoring, asthma and COPD education to achieve patient compliance for self-administration.
• Educates patient on diaphragmatic and purse lip breathing techniques to alleviate dyspnea.
• Conducts diagnostic testing and analysis.
• Completes tests to assist in the medical management of the patient.
• Possesses clinical knowledge of interpretation of results and acts accordingly.
• Complies with policy and procedure as well as processing of report.
• Coordinates the daily operations of the Respiratory Therapy department.
• Assigns workloads and exercises good judgment in delegating patient care assignments.
• Follows staffing guidelines, delegates, prioritizes and triages as appropriate.
• Follows cancellation guidelines as appropriate.
• Assures that adequate staffing is available to meet patient care needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Vocational degree from a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredited Respiratory Care Program
• 2 to 5 years experience in a critical care setting
• 2 to 5 years experience as a Respiratory Therapist

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a CoARC accredited Respiratory Care Program

Licenses/Certifications

• Licensed Respiratory Therapist - MN Board of Medical Practice required As required by location of employment and
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist - WI Dept of Safety & Professional Services required As required by location of employment and
• Must meet at least ONE of the requirements below: Current ACLS certification from the American Heart Association Current ALS certification from the American Red Cross Allina in-house ACLS training (within 60 days of hire)
• PALS - Pediatric Advance Life Support - Multisource required at sites providing pediatric care within 180 days and
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation - Multisource required at sites providing neonatal care within 180 days
• Credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care preferred

Physical Demands

• Medium Work*:
• Lifting weight up to 32 lbs. occasionally (*Allina Safe Patient Moving Policy), up to 25 lbs. frequently

Pay Range

Pay Range: $40.08 to $54.93 per hourThe pay described reflects the base hiring pay range. Your starting rate would depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, your experience, education, and the union agreement (if applicable). Shift, weekend and/or other differentials may be available to increase your pay rate for certain shifts or work.

Benefit Summary

Allina Health believes the best way to provide safe and compassionate care for our patients is by nurturing the passion of those who care for them. That's why we devote extraordinary resources to help you grow and thrive not only as a professional but also as a whole person. When you join our team, you have access to a wealth of valuable employee benefits that support the total well-being mind, body, spirit and community of you and your family members.

Allina Health is all in on your well-being. Because well-being means something different to everyone, our award-winning program provides you with the resources you need to help you navigate your personal journey. This includes well-being dollars, dedicated well-being navigators, and many programs, activities, articles, videos, personal coaching and tools to support you on your journey.

We are focused on creating an inclusive workplace so everyone can see themselves as part of our care team. Our care teams are as diverse as the communities we serve and proud to be contributing to the mission of a leading health care organization. Our pioneering approach to well-being helps every member of our care team feel a deep sense of connection and joy in their work.

Benefits include:

• Medical/Dental
• PTO/Time Away
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-term/Long-term Disability
• Voluntary Benefits (vision, legal, critical illness)
• Tuition Reimbursement or Continuing Medical Education as applicable
• Student Loan Support Benefits to navigate the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Allina Health is a 501(c)(3) eligible employer