Respiratory Therapist Inter

Respiratory Therapist

This position is responsible for assessment and provision of care to meet the needs of patients for whom respiratory care services are requested. Based on the clinical needs and care plans, the Respiratory Therapist initiates and performs both basic and advanced respiratory care in the management of adult patients in an outpatient setting.

Responsibilities*

Completes training/competencies and demonstrates job proficiency in all basic and advanced Respiratory Care techniques or procedures, including but not limited to; emergency response procedures, medical gas and aerosol administration, airway management and bronchial hygiene procedures, mechanical ventilation, patient assessment, monitoring and testing, patient transport, infection control and patient, family, visitor or staff education.

Initiates, maintains and weans patients from continuous ventilator support devices. This includes making appropriate ventilator changes based on patient condition, care plans and protocols.

Commits and maintains patients to CPAP/BiPAP devices.

Receives and transcribes verbal orders in the patient’s health record.

Participates in rounds with the primary provider and care team, and department leaders of the patients under their responsibility including consulting with providers in developing care plans.

Evaluates the need for therapy in general and intensive care patients and makes changes to improve care.

Serves as an educational and consult resource to students, respiratory care technicians, medical and nursing staff in respiratory care techniques and practices.

Initiates and interprets other complex respiratory care procedures such as:

High Frequency Ventilation

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation

Hemodynamic Monitoring

Arterial punctures

Bronchoscopy

Pulmonary function studies

Analysis of blood gases and electrolytes

Patient education

Others as designated

Participates as an active member on the Cardiac Arrest and Rapid Response Teams.

Acts as a preceptor assisting in the orientation of new employees and training of respiratory care students when designated.

Ensures accountability and assumes responsibility for learning new technical devices and clinical procedures.

Reports patient safety incidents and concerns and communicates pertinent patient and unit information to the oncoming shift and/or shift supervisor.

Attends and participates in case presentations, shift and general staff meetings.

Accurately documents care provided to patients according to institutional and department policy in the patient’s health record.

Ensures functional knowledge and adheres to all department and Michigan Medicine policies.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned, such as Quality Assurance, data collection and other chart review functions, etc.

Provides patient and family education.

Completes continuing education units or professional development credits annually (12 credits for UH/CVC), including department and Michigan Medicine mandatory competencies within required timeframes or as specified by the department’s continuing education program.

Contributes to a positive and inclusive work community by building trusting partnerships with colleagues, continually learning, creating impactful experiences, and working with a sense of ownership for outcomes. Exhibits a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in daily work activities. Continuously interacts with respect, dignity, and in a manner where individuals feel their perspectives are welcomed. Consistently exhibits active listening skills, values feedback, and a commitment to learning from the perspectives of others.

Maintains a patient-centric care perspective, including:

Actively engaging and building rapport and trust with the patient and family, as applicable, exhibiting respect and dignity

Sharing information in a timely and unbiased manner, and

Creating a welcoming environment that encourages open participation by patients and family members to achieve shared decision making.

Collaborates with other members of the team, including the patient and family, to achieve the ideal patient care experience.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

College graduate with a degree in Respiratory Therapy.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Current licensure as a Respiratory Therapist by Michigan Department of Community Health, Board of Respiratory Care. Licensure and credentials must be always maintained by the employee during employment. This applies to both regular and temporary status positions.

Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), or certification within 30 days of hire.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Considerable physical and mental effort in job duties, i.e., assisting patients, moving equipment, lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, twisting, walking, long periods of standing, comforting and emotionally supporting patients and families.

The position may be prone to fatigue and infrequent opportunities for relaxation.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.