Registered Respiratory Therapist II

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

About The Position

Provides professional respiratory care and supports the safe medical management and transportation of critically ill or injured neonates, infants, and children. In consultation with the attending physician and under medical control supervision, assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates individualized, goal-directed care in accordance with the medical plan of care, professional practice standards, and applicable policies and procedures. Coordinates care with multidisciplinary teams at sending and receiving facilities and collaborates with transport team members to ensure safe operations. The role provides rapid assessment, emergency measures, and transport using current techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. It includes maintaining advanced neonatal skills, participating in outreach education, maintaining pediatric transport quality data, and serving as a patient advocate and source of psychosocial support. Work may occur under high-tension or adverse conditions because of the critical nature and location of patients, including work in and around aircraft and ambulances. The position works rotating 24-hour or 12-hour shifts, including nights and weekends, with 36 scheduled weekly hours. Moderate physical effort is required, including frequent equipment moving and lifting, substantial walking and standing, and frequent use of mechanical devices. Physical requirements include weight restrictions, good general health, and a high tolerance to stress.

Requirements

Licensed respiratory therapist license.
At least 5 years of pediatric critical-care experience in NICU, PICU, PCICU, or a similar relevant field.
Maintain current BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP certifications if selected.
Complete an advanced trauma course, such as PATC or TNCC, within 1 year of orientation.
Meet physical requirements including weight restrictions, good general health, and a high tolerance to stress.

Responsibilities

Provide total clinical care and professional respiratory care for critically ill or injured pediatric patients during transportation.
Communicate and coordinate care with multidisciplinary team members at sending and receiving facilities and with other transport team members.
Promote, plan, direct, and implement medical management and safe transportation in consultation with the attending physician.
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care in accordance with the medical plan, practice standards, care standards, and policies and procedures.
Provide rapid patient assessment, emergency measures, and transportation using current techniques and state-of-the-art equipment.
Acquire and maintain advanced neonatal skills, including intubation, ventilation, UAC/UVC insertion, and chest needle aspiration.
Maintain required certifications, licenses, and continuing education.
Organize, prioritize, direct, supervise, and evaluate care delivered by staff in the hospital and during transport.
Participate in outreach education.
Maintain pediatric transport quality data.
Act as a patient advocate, protect patient rights, and provide psychosocial support.
Communicate with patients, families, physicians, nurses, EMS personnel, aviation personnel, administrators, the public, and community agencies.