Respiratory Therapist

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.

Responsibilities

(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.

(25%) Sets up and maintains all oxygen according to protocol.

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., PFT, bronchoscopes, drawing arterial blood gas samples, EKGs and oximetry.
• Provides supplemental oxygen throughout the hospital and maintains and changes equipment.
• Maintains inpatient charts and clarifies physician's orders for the department. Performs chart auditing and participates in the quality assurance program.
• Provides continuing education for the department, staff members in other departments and often functions as instructor for preceptor for Respiratory Students. 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.

Certifications and Licensures

Credential: Basic Life Support

Credential: RT: Licensed Respiratory Therapist

Credential: NBRC: National Brd Respiratory Care

Credential: ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Credential: NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation

Credential: PALS: Ped Advance Life Support

Credential: TEAM ADVANCED: Techniques for Effective Aggression Mgt

Required Education

Education: Associates Degree

Comments:

Equivalent Experience: Degree in Healthcare Related Field. Required to maintain CEU's for license. Two (2) years clinical experience working in medical center or similar setting.

Other Information

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

• Must be a graduate of a school Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2 year Associate's Degree (exception: any therapist who has 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 required.
• Current Basic Life Support required upon hire.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required within 12 months 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 is 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 protocol.
• 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.

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