Respiratory Therapist

Job Details

Job Title: Respiratory Therapist [License Pending]

Department/Location: Respiratory / Chicago, IL

Shift: Days. 7:00 am - 7:30 pm or Nights 7:00pm - 7:30pm

Full/Part: Full-time (72 hours per pay period) + Benefit-eligible

FTE: 0.9

Req. Number: 1300

*****$7,500 Sign-On Bonus *****

GENERAL SUMMARY:

This position provides simple, intermediate, and complex therapeutic and diagnostic procedures within the general care floors and special care units. This position assists with maintaining and improving patient respiratory care through the application and administration of various medications, gases, devices, and procedures. This position will work under the direct supervision of a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner. Specialization may be in adult LTAC respiratory care. This position exemplifies the RML mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with RML policies and procedures.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supports the Mission and Vision of RML Specialty Hospital by demonstrating RML’s Core Values of Services, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Stewardship (STAIRS) in all actions. Promotes a positive patient/customer experience by exemplifying the principles of the Language of Caring in all interactions with patients, families, and coworkers.
Assists in administering, monitoring, and weaning mechanical ventilation; makes ventilator recommendations based on clinical assessment, technical assessment, and laboratory values; manages airways
Administers bronchial hygiene and treatment procedures including aerosol therapies, chest physical therapy, and therapeutic gas administration; analyzes gases where applicable; procures and delivers gases using central piping systems and gas cylinders
Assists in assessing patients clinically before and after the administration or application of any medication, procedure, or device; recommends appropriate therapy including initial therapy, changes in therapy, and discontinuance of therapy
Documents work timely, completely, and accurately, including documentation in the patient medical record, documentation in the department records, and patient billing
Assesses patient oxygenation, ventilation, and hemodynamic status through clinical observation, patient assessment, physiologic monitoring including oximetry, capnography, ventilator waveform analysis, and cardiac output, ECG, and laboratory values; provides interventions within the scope of the Rapid Response Team, performs CPR.
Provides patient/family education
Demonstrates clinical competence by consistently applying respiratory knowledge and performs within the scope of practice of a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of Illinois. Responsible for maintaining knowledge and skills appropriate to the respiratory needs of patients at RML (equipment, procedures, respiratory medications, etc.). Obtains necessary information and demonstrates competence prior to implementing new or unfamiliar care practices, or responsibly declines to provide assigned care and notifies supervisor until able to obtain the appropriate skill.
Assists in the assembly, disassembly, cleaning, and processing of respiratory therapy equipment according to department policies
Assesses patients’ progress in accordance with established goals and initiates appropriate actions. Documents thoroughly in Meditech regarding patient’s condition and interventions performed (e.g., medications given, treatments performed, etc.) Reports significant information to all appropriate individuals (change of shift report, change in condition to RN and/or MD, etc.). Ensures patient acuity is accurate for assigned shift in OptiLink.
Actively participates in staff meetings and continuing education activities. Provides information and feedback to other staff members on related clinical and professional topics. Meets all employee requirements including but not limited to: license renewal, flu/fit testing, CPR, general annual review, annual Clinical Validation, and performance evaluation by demonstrating completion or participating in the required activity prior to expiration or due date
Responsible for supporting a safe work environment for self and others, by reporting unsafe conditions, and by using appropriate safe work practices such as proper body mechanics and applicable safety devices (patient lift and transfer equipment, safety needles and sharps disposal, PPE, etc.)
Supports RML’s efforts towards becoming a High Reliability Organization.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be a graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory Care program
BLS is required upon hire.
New graduates should acquire as soon as possible, but do have three months from the time of graduation or hire, whichever is later, to obtain:
The State of Illinois Respiratory Care Practitioner license (the National Board for Respiratory Care Certified Respiratory Therapist credential is a prerequisite).
The NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist credential

4. Must pass departmental competencies in adult trach care

JOB REQUIREMENTS & CHARACTERISTICS

MINIMUM

PREFERRED

Skills & Abilities

BLS upon hire
Thorough knowledge of respiratory care procedures, equipment and respiratory pharmacological agents to recommend and perform therapy.
The clinical knowledge and technical skills to operate instruments associated with moderate complexity and waived testing. Interpretation of results and critical notification to staff. The analytic skill to access a patient and perform phlebotomy.
The interpersonal skills necessary to positively interact with patients, families, physicians and other members of the health care team
The ability to perform effectively and efficiently under the pressure of stressful and/or emergency situations

Knowledge & Experience

Clinical skills to evaluate patients
Minimum 1-year acute patient care experience, including adult patients in rotations
Clinical competence documented by references based on respiratory care experience and education

License & Certifications

Graduate of CoARC respiratory care program upon hire.

ACLS

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a patient care environment. May be exposed to hazardous materials, including but not limited to bloodborne pathogens and medical gases under pressure

Benefits

RML offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits package. Employees can choose from a large selection of benefits that help protect their health, wealth, and well-being. Benefits include:

Medical
Dental
Vision
Life and Accidental Death Insurance
Disability Insurance
Free Parking
Tuition Reimbursement
Banking Alternatives
Referral Rewards (upwards of $4k)
Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) Retirement Plan (6% company match) - For every $1 an employee contributes, RML contributes $1 to their accounts. Employees are 100 percent vested in the money both they and RML contribute.
Paid Time Off (PTO) RML offers employees flexibility in taking time off. Full-time employees receive 26 days each year.
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) For employees who may need help managing stress, RML offers an EAP at no cost. Counselors are available 24 hours a day to both employees and their family members.
Employee Fitness Room

This role is eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus and is subject to the terms and conditions of the offer. Bonuses will be pro-rated for positions less than full-time (0.9 FTE). Registry/PRN positions are not bonus eligible. Rehires and current employees are not eligible.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with it.

1/2024

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