MedCenter Air Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist

Advocate Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health seeks a Critical Care Transport Respiratory Therapist to join MedCenter Air. You will contribute to high-acuity patient care during air and ground transports, performing advanced respiratory interventions and ventilator management under medical control.

The role requires an RT license (RRT), three years of ED/ICU experience, and ongoing certifications including ACLS/PALS/NRP with aviation training. AParamedic credential is expected within two years of hire.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited school of respiratory care.
• Current RT license or temporary license in working state.
• RRT required; BSRT preferred.
• Three years clinical respiratory care experience in ED/ICU.
• Paramedic Certification required within 2 years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Functions as a member of the critical care transport team and cares for ill and injured patients.
• Provides patient care including respiratory assessment, stabilization, and intervention.
• Operates and manages airway support and ventilator settings.
• Transports and monitors patients requiring advanced life support and related equipment.

Skills

Clinical reasoning

Patient assessment

Ventilator management

Team delegation

Safety & compliance

Education

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

BSRT preferred

BLS certification

Paramedic certification within 2 years

Tools

ECG monitor

Ventilator hardware

Job description

Job Summary

Functions as a member of the critical care transport team and is responsible for the care
of ill and injured patients transported by Med Center Air (MCA). Provides patient care
which includes respiratory system assessment, stabilization and intervention while
promoting safety and efficiency of MCA operations. Performs under the supervision of
the Medical Control Physician either by continuous radio contact or direct consultation.

Essential Functions

• Collects data pertinent to the healthcare consumer's health or the situation.
• Uses clinical reasoning, coupled with clinical skills to conduct accurate clinical
  assessments and perform patient care intervention to ensure optimum patient care,
  safety and recovery.
• Delegates elements of care to appropriate healthcare workers.
• Utilizes appropriate resources to plan and provide services that are safe, effective,
  and financially responsible.
• Participates in committees, shared governance, or other facility decision making
  activities.
• Practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner.
• Maintains operational knowledge for multiple modes of transportation including
  ambulances, helicopters and airplanes.
• Independently initiates advanced practice procedures to provide improved patient
  outcomes such as: drug assisted intubation, video laryngoscopy, needle chest decompression,
  chest tube insertion, central line placement (UA/UV, EJ), intraosseous placement,
  transvenous/transcutaneous pacing, needle cricothyroidotomy, surgical
  cricothyroidotomy, and initiation/titration of pharmacological agents.
• Initiates intubation procedures and sets up ventilation equipment. Operates,
  assesses, and
  manages patient airway support, ventilator settings and equipment.
• Transports and monitors patients requiring ECMO, Medical Circulatory Devices
  (VAD, Impella), Intra-aortic Balloon Counter Pulsation, Internal/External Pacing,
  Ventriculostomy, and Point of Care.

Physical Requirements

Work requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pulling and
pushing. Must weigh less than 240 pounds and maintain weight while employed with
MedCenter Air to remain on flying status. Must have intact sense of sight, hearing,
smell, and touch. Finger dexterity, good motor, and eye-hand coordination. Requires
good personal hygiene and appropriate conduct. Must be able to speak English clearly.
Conditions of transport may vary and include exposure to extreme hot, cold and wet
weather. Workspace may be confined and poorly lit. Exposure to patients with infectious
diseases and biohazardous materials is possible. Good physical stamina and
endurance are necessary to perform duties. Teammate must maintain fitness standards
in accordance with Policy 2.210 (Fit for Duty).

Education, Experience and Certifications

Graduate from an accredited school of respiratory care required. Current RT license
or temporary license as a registered petitioner in the working and residential state.
RRT required, BSRT preferred. BLS required. Meets qualifications of appropriate
clinical advancement requirements required. Three years clinical respiratory care
experience in the Emergency Department and/or Intensive Care Unit required.
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in advanced procedures and skills bi-annually
required. Paramedic Certification required within 2 years of hire Must acquire NC
EMT-P, SC EMT-P and National Registry. Must be maintained throughout
employment. * Trauma Certification, ACLS, PALS, NRP and S.T.A.B.L.E. required
upon completion of orientation and maintained. Advanced certification to include
Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) or equivalent as approved required to maintain
position according to standards of commission on accreditation of medical transport
systems (CAMTS). Aviation training required or flight status and must meet
requirements of "flight crew member" per FAA Part 135 regulations to include Night
Vision Googles to ensure safe landings. Must have a valid driver's license and
qualify as insurable by Atrium Health insurance for driving MedCenter Air vehicles.
Must have an operational smartphone for use as communication device related to
MedCenter air operations.
Annual compliance in education related to specialty area and/or primary base location
outside of typical practice

• o Simulation lab
• o Mechanical Ventilator Management/Lab
• o Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations
• o Air Medical Resource Management
• o Night Vision Goggle
• o Survival Practical
• o Sleep Deprivation/Just Culture/Stress Management
• o Transport Vehicle Safety Training - ambulance/helicopter/airplane
• *Current teammates required to obtain paramedic certification by December 31, 2021.