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.
Responsibilities
- (25%) Perform Respiratory care to evaluate and treat protocol evaluations.
- (25%) Deliver medications via aerosol and metered dose inhalers.
- (25%) Respond to all Rapid Responses, arrest or STAT situations immediately, maintaining artificial airways, respiration and cardiac compressions.
- (25%) Set up and maintain all oxygen according to protocol.
- Manage the physiological and mechanical aspects of a patient that requires life support.
- Wean patients off the ventilator.
- Perform chest physiotherapy and airway clearance.
- Assess patient to recommend appropriate therapy.
- Perform special procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.
- Provide supplemental oxygen throughout the medical center and maintain and change equipment.
- Maintain inpatient charts and clarify physician's orders for the department.
- Perform chart auditing and participate in the quality assurance program.
- Provide continuing education for the department, staff members in other departments and often function as instructor for preceptor for Respiratory Students.
- Assist in orientation of new employees.
- Demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows.
- Participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health as required.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Certifications and Licensures
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support (certification required within 12 months of hire or transfer).
- BLS - Basic Life Support (certification required upon hire).
- Fingerprinting (requirement indicated).
- NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation (certification required within 12 months of hire or transfer).
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support (certification required within 12 months of hire).
- RT - Licensed Respiratory Therapist (required).
- TEAM Advanced - Techniques for Effective Aggression Management (certification required within 6 months of hire or transfer).
Required Education
Associate's degree in a healthcare related field; graduate of a school Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2-year Associate's Degree. Two (2) years clinical experience working in a medical center or similar setting.
Other Information
- 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 must be done as requested.
- Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training must also be completed annually according to the Exposure Control Plan.
- Physical and mental requirements: exposure to stressful situations, trauma, grief and death; must wear personal protective equipment including latex if required; able to move freely with or without an assisted device; overall vision and hearing necessary; frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods and perform stooping, kneeling or crouching; exposure to blood borne pathogens; ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance and stay awake; dexterity required for handling, reaching, grasping; physical demand level: medium with specified lifting/carrying ranges.
- Job may involve occasional lifting or carrying 21-50 lbs frequently 20 lbs; or walking/standing/pushing/pulling arm/leg controls constantly 10 lbs.