Respiratory Care Extern

Employment Type:

Part time

Shift:

Rotating Shift

Description:

Respiratory Care Extern

Administers nasal oxygen, Nebulized medication treatments, Hyper-inflation therapy examples; Acapella, Thera-Pep, etc., ECGs, inpatient transports, nocturnal pulse oximetry studies, and other applicable procedures to patients as prescribed by physician. Note: For Respiratory Therapy students only, who have completed the theory & clinical module in P&PD and/or non-invasive ventilation such as BIPAP/CPAP successfully in school and have established RC competency on lab specific tasks expected of that student. Will establish and maintain applicable Respiratory Care competency. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.    Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of Trinity Health.

2.    Uses "AIDET" principles when interfacing/treating every patient throughout the organization.   (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You).

3.    Where appropriate, with each patient interaction, uses the concept of "Managing Up" – a form of communication that positions information, a person, or team in a positive manner.

4.    Provides a consistent experience to patients, families, visitors and internal customers by using "Key Words at Key Times."  Specifically, uses key words to help patients to understand what is happening with their care, help internal customers understand their service better, and build relationships.

5.    Obtains required medications according to prescription.

6.    Treats patient in accordance with NMT policy, monitors patient’s response to therapy and record in the electronic medical record.

7.    Performs suctioning procedures as needed. 

8.    Performs non-invasive measurement of oxygen saturation levels via pulse oximetry.  Documents in patient’s electronic medical record.  Notifies appropriate personnel of results—i.e., Respiratory Therapist, Nurse.

9.    Serves as member of the Code Blue Team, receives direction from Charge Therapist during code—i.e., chest compressions, etc.

10.    Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships.  Approaches conflict in a constructive manner.  Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participates in their resolution.

11.    Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.  Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places per HIPPA guidelines.

12.    Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

13.    Provides quality patient care by considering the age specific, development and cultural needs through competent clinical practice.  Demonstrates unit/area competencies.

14.    Assists with inter-hospital patient transports for patient's that are on devices that have been documented for competency on.

15.    Performs nocturnal pulse oximetry studies on patients, based on orders directed by a managing physician.

16.    Continues to gain additional knowledge and additional competency as position/experience deems appropriate.
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

• Education:  High school diploma or equivalent.  Successful completion of either 1) first year of accredited RT program in good standing or 2) paramedic or EMT program.
• Experience: 6 months of RT experience preferred.  
• Certification/Licensure:  BCLS

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1.    Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with patients and personnel when explaining treatment procedures and with physicians and other departmental personnel when gathering and exchanging patient-related information.

2.    Analytical skills as necessary to observe and evaluate patients during treatments, and to notify appropriate personnel in cases of patient distress and/or status changes.

3.    Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for approximately 100% of work time when reading and interpreting physician’s orders, monitoring equipment, and recording data in patient charts.

FLEX only: 

Schedule requirements:  
1.    Submit and be available for a minimum of two 12-hour shifts per schedule period where at least one of the shifts occurs on a weekend i.e.; Saturday or Sunday dayshift or midnights Friday/Saturday/Sunday.  
2.    Eight-hour shifts will be allowed only in the following situations (a) After the minimum requirement of two 12-hour shifts during the schedule period has been met; and (b) if called last minute to accommodate an unplanned staffing need (i.e., sick calls, increased volume, etc.); and (c) employee agrees to work three 8-hour afternoon shifts per schedule (this would meet the minimum staffing requirement).
3.    Submit availability of a minimum of one holiday 12-hour shift per year, which may be rotated each year.
4.    In reference to shift availability submission, shifts will be assigned on an as-needed basis. Specifically, shifts requested may or may not be granted, and assignment of requested shifts, depends solely upon the department scheduling needs.
5.    In the event that schedule availability is not submitted for two consecutive schedule periods, employment may be terminated at the discretion of the manager.  

At or before the associates one year anniversary when in good standing; having graduated from an accredited respiratory care program and being registry eligible will be considered to move into the respiratory therapist contingent position agreement at that time. 

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.