Respiratory Therapist

at Mercy Health Corporation (Mercyhealth) in Rockford, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Overview

Under the direction of a physician, the RRT provides all respiratory care related duties and functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Sets up and administers all routine and complex respiratory care procedures to patients in all areas of the hospital, particularly the Pediatric, Emergency/Trauma Department, Step-Down Critical Care, Adult Critical Care Units, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using protocol driven care. Provides critical and emergent care, airway stabilization and management, non-invasive ventilation, and is responsible for acute care ventilators used for continuous short and long term ventilation. The Neonatal Pediatric Therapist may also treat critically ill neonates in emergency transit from lower level care to a higher level of care via helicopter, ambulance, and occasionally fixed wing flight. Exemplifies the Mercyhealth mission, vision and values, and acts in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures. They will perform other duties as assigned
Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs the duties listed in the Registered Respiratory Therapist Level 2 job description.
Transports adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients on mechanical ventilators, non-invasive ventilation devices, and critically ill to intra-hospital procedures and testing.
Provides developmentally appropriate care to support the various patient populations during their hospitalization.
Demonstrates competence in the care of neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients (when/if assigned to these
patients) relative to determining each patient's age related and other physical, psycho-social, and cultural needs.
Assists with the orientation process for new employees, mentors employees orienting to a specialty care unit, and functions as a resource to NICU RCP float staff.
Acts as the charge therapist in the absence of the Lead Respiratory Therapist on a rotational basis as assigned, performing the duties and responsibilities described in that job description to the best of your ability.
Cross-trains and maintains proficiency in taping IV's, Assisting in umbilical line placement, placing oro/nasogastric tubes required. Maintaining proficiency in intubation and surfactant administration preferred.
Maintains proficiency in the processing and interpreting of point of care (POC) blood gases, glucose, and
electrolytes; and collaborates on quality control with the POC Coordinator.
Attends deliveries and performs resuscitative duties as part of NICU team.
Transport - Operating, troubleshooting, and monitoring of respiratory equipment during air and ground transport including ambulance, helicopter and fixed wing.
Transport - Maintains Transport Certification by attending yearly skills lab and helicopter safety education

COE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program

Minimum 1 year respiratory experience required, 6 months critical care

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE
RRT
Current employees who are RRT eligible, must complete the RRT exam by 3/15/2012.
Current employees who are not RRT eligible, RRT is not required (CRT is required).
CPR, ACLS, NRP
NPS preferred
IL and/ or WI Respiratory Care Practitioner license
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Passing the Driver's License Check and/or Credit Check (for those positions requiring).
Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check... For full info follow application link.

EOE&AA/M/F/Vet/Disabled. Mercy is an equal employment opportunity employer functioning under Affirmative Action Plans.