Respiratory Therapist

General Summary

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.

Essential Duties & 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/analyzing arterial blood gas samples, EKGs, Holter monitoring 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.
• MidMichigan 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 MidMichigan Health.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

• Must be a graduate of a school Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2 year Associate's Degree.
• Current State of Michigan License in Respiratory Care required.
• National Board Respiratory Care (CRT, RRT) required.
• BLS required.
• ACLS certification within 12 months of hire or transfer date effective 1/1/2017, all existing RTs must have it completed by 6/30/2018 (for non-casual employees).
• NRP certification within 12 months of hire or transfer date effective 1/1/2017, all existing RTs must have it completed by 6/30/2018 (for non-casual employees).
• 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 tuberculosis (TB) testing as required.
• Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training must also be completed annually according to the Exposure Control Plan.
• (2) years clinical experience working in medical center or similar setting preferred.

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 MidMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• 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.