Respiratory Therapist Clinical Specialist

Description Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 diverse employees, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve. Position qualifies for our inpatient Respiratory Care Incentive Program: $15,000 commitment incentive with a three (3) year commitment This position is also eligible for up to $10,000 in relocation assistance (based on location) Participation in our employee referral program ($3,000 referral bonus to employees who refer other Respiratory Therapists) Summary: Under the direction of the Respiratory Therapy management and according to UNCH and departmental policies and procedures, the RT Clinical Specialist is responsible for all aspects of patient care within their designated service line or intensive care unit. The Clinical Specialist is also responsible for collaborating with RNs, physicians, and other members of the health care team to coordinate care for these very complex patients. THIS POSITION IS FOR THE NEUROSURGICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT Responsibilities: Planning and Managing Care - According to UNCMC and department standards, and utilizing unique knowledge regarding the care of CF patients or the care of patients with critical illnesses, independently uses and documents effective planning, deliverance and evaluation of goal focused, individualized safe age and culture-specific care for all patients. Works in conjunction with other caregivers and providers to ensure that the patients under the care of the Clinical Specialists has technologically advanced optimum care for relief of their respiratory compromise, assuring that patients have adequate oxygenation and ventilation and is able to maintain acid base balance and hemodynamic stability within physician ordered parameters. Participates in patient rounds each day on the intensive care units or with the clinical team within the adult or pediatric pulmonary division teams. Continuum of Care Planning - Consistently role models the coordination of comprehensive, age and culture specific continuum of care planning for all patients and families. Using available internal resources and systems, consults with healthcare team providing complete and appropriate information for complex continuum of care planning as it relates to the patient population being served. Patient and Family Education – Independently develops, evaluates and revises individualized, age and culture-specific teaching plans for all patients and families. Provides extensive patient/family education for patients ready for discharge, clinic patients, and patients ready to go home with tracheostomies and ventilators. For CF patients, develops care plans to keep them free of infections and re-admissions. Problem Solving - Identifies problems and utilizes problem solving skills to participate in finding solutions and then follows through to implement solutions. Role models the use of the problem solving process. Is a change champion. Works closely with physicians to determine the best treatment plans for patients, weaning plans for mechanically ventilated patients, and to determine the best modes of ventilation to optimize critically ill patients on life support. Actively participates in department quality assurance programs and takes part in the re-education of caregivers when applicable. Communication and Collaboration - Clearly and efficiently communicates significant information from one level or location of care and/or from one caregiver to another. Independently collaborates with multidisciplinary team members. Role models effective communication/collaboration and directly manages conflict resolution. Continuous Learning - Assumes responsibility for continuous learning, engaging in educational activities annually or pursuing advanced academic education. Develops and achieves personal and professional goals. Is proactively involved in quality improvement by the identification of issues, planning and evaluation of quality improvement projects. Maintains knowledge of all current applicable research and information published in peer reviewed journals. Commitment and initiative to maintaining skills and expertise to care for critically ill patients on life support equipment. Provides supervision, guidance, training and direction to respiratory care students. Provides orientation to new hires. Is the clinical resource for nurses, physicians and other respiratory therapists working in the Clinical Specialists’ areas of responsibility. Provides in-service education to nurses, physicians and colleagues. Other Information Other information: Education Requirements: ● Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program. ● If hired after August 1, 2016, a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or related field is required. Licensure/Certification Requirements: ● Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board and registry eligible by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Professional Experience Requirements: ● Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in an intensive care setting. Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements: ● Advanced knowledge of principles and techniques of mechanical ventilation and care of the patient with complex respiratory diseases or compromise. ● Able to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. ● Interpersonal communication skills necessary to work with hospital employees, physicians, patients, family members and community professionals. ● Must possess exceptional critical thinking skills and deal with extreme pressure and stress. ● Ability to rotate shifts and/or work flexible hours to meet patient care needs. Job Details Legal Employer: STATE Entity: UNC Health Care Organization Unit: Respiratory Therapy Work Type: Full Time Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00 Work Schedule: Variable Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No Salary per hour: $27.89 - $40.09 per hour (Hiring Range) Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.