Sr Respiratory Care Practitioner - Full Time - Days

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Sr Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) position is an experienced and competent therapist responsible for performing advanced procedures as assigned. Examples include, but are not limited to, intubation, advanced pulmonary diagnostics, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), electromagnetic navigation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This position performs all duties assigned to a RCP and participates in developing and teaching in-services/programs for the respiratory staff, quality improvement initiatives, research programs, and departmental committees or subcommittees. The Sr RCP serves as a mentor and resource to Respiratory Care team members and students, utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and achieve optimal performance levels in specialized areas such as ICU and NICU. This position works independently, exercising sound judgment and executing advanced clinical skills in challenging procedures and patient care situations. The Sr RCP may also coordinate activities within the Respiratory department.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Contributes to teamwork by being aware of overall patient workload, offering assistance, and responding positively to requests. Provides guidance to healthcare team members and applies feedback to improve patient outcomes.
2. Facilitates open, professional communication (verbal, nonverbal, written), including active listening and teaching, to achieve mutual understanding. Promotes high-quality service during every patient and customer encounter.
3. Guides and mentors other Respiratory Care Practitioners and students, building confidence in skills and knowledge. Teaches, orients, and precepts newly hired Therapists. Uses peer accountability to improve departmental employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides patient teaching based on learning needs, using appropriate resources, and planning for post-discharge care. Continuously evaluates patient comprehension and adapts teaching methods accordingly.
2. Serves as the primary therapist for advanced treatments such as intubation, pulmonary diagnostics, EBUS, electromagnetic navigation, and ECMO.
3. Coordinates activities within the respiratory department and assumes other duties in the absence of a team lead or coordinator. Acts as a resource for department needs, including equipment or software implementation.
4. Helps improve patient satisfaction scores through peer-to-peer accountability for service standards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assists physicians by performing tests as ordered, assessing quality and reliability of results, and taking corrective actions as needed.
2. Troubleshoots, calibrates, and performs preventive maintenance and quality control on equipment. Reports malfunctions and ensures equipment is prepared and maintained according to guidelines.
3. Uses clinical judgment and analytical skills to implement safety initiatives, identify trends, and recommend improvements, contributing to quality and safety targets.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Accurately documents all patient care activities and procedures, and enters charges at the time of service.
2. Uses resources efficiently, minimizes waste, manages time effectively, and prioritizes tasks to optimize departmental efficiency.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Identifies opportunities for innovation and efficiency, participates in department committees, and helps achieve committee goals.
2. Seeks continual learning opportunities, updates personal development plans, and fosters a positive teaching environment for students and colleagues.

This description is not exhaustive; additional duties may be assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise responsibilities as needed.

EDUCATION

• Graduate of an approved education program for the required credentials.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least four years of experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, with a minimum of two in a critical care setting. Experience at Houston Methodist or with neonatal care is preferred.