Description
The Respiratory Therapist RRT reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs all respiratory care procedures including patient assessments and implements treatment and therapies in accordance with department and hospital protocols and within physician order.
- Implements and evaluates the plan of care related to respiratory procedures including but not limited to aerosol, secretion mobilization, and hyperinflation therapies.
- Provides care for patients requiring ventilator assistance, complex respiratory devices and procedures, and interprets clinical data necessary for the delivery of quality patient care.
- Performs comprehensive ventilator management and monitors the cardiopulmonary status of patients receiving intensive respiratory care.
- Demonstrates competency and can perform without supervision all procedures required in adult ICU, Peds, Emergency Room, and Special Care Nursery/NICU.
- Performs diagnostic studies on patients as designated by department policy and/or by physician order.
- Initiates and monitors invasive and all non-invasive arterial blood gas measurement monitors.
- Consults with Physicians, RNs, and other healthcare professionals and participates in daily patient rounds for assigned area to promote consistent quality and delivery of patient care.
- Demonstrates clinical competence and implements appropriate actions to respond to needs of patients and family members.
- Monitors and documents the patient response to therapeutic interventions and progress toward outcomes. Completes all documentation for patient charting in compliance with standards for accuracy and content as established by the department and NM.
- Serves as a resource and role model for new staff, students, and other NM personnel and assists with precepting and orienting.
- Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers and collaborating across departments. Communicates effectively with others and works collaboratively with all hospital services to responsibly accomplish daily work and maintain an environment of excellence.
- Responsible for meeting all the department’s expectations for all age groups and participates in huddles, and is aware of information shared in emails and other forms of communication.
- Manages work schedule efficiently by completing timely documentation, cleaning and setting up equipment, and entering accurate billing and charges for provided services.
- See additional addendum for Level 2 and Level 3 RCP.
Qualifications
Required:
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board of Respiratory Care
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (within three months of hire)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) – American Academy of Pediatrics (within three months of hire)
- Associate Degree in Applied Art/Science (AAS)
Preferred:
- Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) - National Board of Respiratory Care
- Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) - National Board of Respiratory Care
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) through American Heart Association
- Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) - National Board of Respiratory Care
- Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS)
Equal Opportunity
Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.