Graduate Respiratory Therapist (RT) - Pediatrics

Advocate Health•Park Ridge, NJ

5d•$36 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

The Graduate Respiratory Therapist provides and coordinates comprehensive respiratory care, administering respiratory procedures and modalities in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures. Using evidence-based practices, clinical decision-making, and skilled communication, the therapist supports a safe patient environment and positive patient experience across the continuum of care, under the guidance of a licensed respiratory therapist in designated areas. The role operates specialized ventilators in critical and non-critical care settings, assists physicians with procedures as applicable, provides prescribed medication treatments and therapies, and maintains and troubleshoots equipment. The therapist educates patients about therapy and disease management, collaborates with other departments, adapts to different service areas and assignments, and promotes patient safety. The therapist must provide age-appropriate care and understand growth and development across the lifespan. This is a full-time position at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, scheduled for three 12-hour night shifts per week (7 p.m.–7 a.m.), with every-other-weekend and holiday rotation. The position is listed at $35.50–$53.25 per hour and includes a $15,000 sign-on bonus. Eligible respiratory therapists may advance through a clinical ladder program with up to $6,000 in additional annual bonus opportunities. Loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement of up to $20,000 each are also noted.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy.
No experience required.
Obtain Respiratory Therapist certification (CRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care within 45 days.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification from the American Heart Association.
Demonstrate effective communication, feedback, and conflict-resolution skills.
Have effective organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, including problem-solving and decision-making for patient care and equipment use.
Have proficient computer skills, including use of email and electronic medical record systems.
Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
Build rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with patients, team members, and physicians; take initiative and collaborate with others.
Demonstrate time-management skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize amid frequent interruptions.
Operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
Meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting and carrying items up to 50 pounds, pushing or pulling with 30 pounds of force occasionally over long distances, performing patient transfers, and using safe body mechanics.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association, unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Heart Association, unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care, unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification from the American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics, unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Specialist (NPS) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care, unless the department leader determines it is not required.

Responsibilities

Provide and coordinate comprehensive respiratory care in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
Operate specialized ventilators in critical and non-critical care settings and assist physicians with bedside or other procedures as applicable.
Provide medication treatments and respiratory therapies as ordered by a physician or prescribed through patient-driven respiratory protocols.
Clean and maintain equipment, ensure proper functionality, troubleshoot equipment, and identify when service or repair is needed.
Educate and instruct patients on the purpose and technique of therapy, self-care, therapy goals, and disease management.
Facilitate clinical problem-solving and collaborate with other departments to provide education on patient management.
Adapt to policies and procedures across different service areas and perform assigned tasks or special duties while maintaining performance and organizational standards.
Promote patient safety by applying appropriate safety measures, reporting safety events and near misses promptly, identifying potential safety issues, and assisting with corrective actions.
Provide care appropriate to patients’ ages and developmental needs, assessing and interpreting relevant patient information in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Benefits

$15,000 sign-on bonus.
Loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement of up to $20,000 each.
Clinical Ladder Program with up to $6,000 in additional annual bonus opportunities for eligible respiratory therapists.
Paid time off programs.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health-care and dependent-care expenses.
Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
Educational Assistance Program.
Shift, on-call, and other premium pay based on the teammate’s role; incentive pay for select positions; and the opportunity for annual performance-based increases.