NICU Senior Respiratory Therapist

Senior Respiratory Therapist

Clinical Specialists and/or PFT Therapists are credentialed respiratory therapists actively working in their area of specialty credentialing. Sr. Respiratory Therapists are required to attain additional credentialing as appropriate for their area of expertise: Examples CPFT, RPFT, FCC course, neonatal/Pediatric specialty, NRP, etc. Sr. Respiratory Therapists are responsible for performing various therapeutic and site/unit-specific advanced practice procedures. Will provide professional leadership representing the respiratory care department in daily activities as well as participate in unit specific meetings and related clinical workgroups. Sr. Respiratory Therapists will participate in orientation of staff and student training programs.

Graduate of a two-year advanced practitioner -Accredited Respiratory Therapist program: Registry eligible. Bachelor's degree preferred. Maintains current RRT credential. Maintains valid State of Michigan License in Respiratory Care.

Maintains or (or more) of the following:

• NPS/NRP
• CPFT
• RPFT
• FCC

Consistently exhibits interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with patients, physicians and other health personnel and department management during all situations and in line with our mission and values. Utilizes analytical skills necessary to identify patient's needs.

Provides professional leadership in the delivery of patient care. Uses "AIDET" principles when interfacing/treating every patient throughout the organization. (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You). Where appropriate, with each patient interaction, uses the concept of "Managing Up" a form of communication that positions information, a person, or team in a positive manner. Provides a consistent experience to patients, families, visitors and internal customers by using "Key Words at Key Times." Specifically, uses key words to help patients to understand what is happening with their care, help internal customers understand their service better, and build relationships. Serves as a consultant, resource person, and role model representing respiratory care in the health system committees or work groups as needed. Maintains the confidentiality of information according to HIPPA guidelines. Maintains safe respiratory therapy practices, alerts management of any safety issues or concerns. Performs all duties and responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist per AARC guidelines obtains and maintains competencies per RT II orientation to include:

• Cardiopulmonary arrest situations
• Other emergency situations
• Participates in patient rounds. Ensure treatments/therapies/diagnostic testing is provided in accordance with physician orders and approved medical protocols.
• Ensures that equipment is in safe operating condition and contacts repair personnel or Charge therapists as appropriate.
• Based on clinical assessment of patient situations, suggests changes in therapies, etc., to medical staff to benefit cardiopulmonary patient care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of procedure(s) for oxygen and medical air shutdown.
• Understands and takes an active role to stay updated on hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
• Prioritizes and addresses conflicting requests for respiratory care services.

Provides high quality patient care considering age specific, developmental and cultural needs through competent practice and application of the respiratory care practice process.

Has established competencies/demonstrates unit/area/Job specific competencies (as applicable):

• Pulmonary Function testing or "PFT's"
• Metabolic studies
• Six-minute pulse oximetry walks
• NICU skill sets
• NPS/NRP
• IABP
• FCC

Participates as needed in new educational programs and equipment/ procedure implementations. Facilitates instruction of staff or students during clinical training. Providing feedback during the orientation period when applicable. Completes Health Stream yearly on a timely basis per SJMHS standards Responsible for own education for professional growth and maintains log of activities. Successful completion of the FCC course or NRP instructor course (as appropriate) and participates in FCC/NRP course(s) as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are 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, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.