Respiratory Care Extern Contingent

Trinity Health•Pontiac, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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. This role is 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 Tr RC competency. The extern will establish and maintain applicable Respiratory Care competency. The extern will behave in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, use "AIDET" principles when interfacing/treating every patient, and use the concept of "Managing Up" where appropriate. They will provide a consistent experience to patients, families, visitors and internal customers by using "Key Words at Key Times." The extern will obtain required medications according to prescription, treat patients in accordance with NMT policy, monitor patient’s response to therapy and record in the electronic medical record, perform suctioning procedures as needed, and perform non-invasive measurement of oxygen saturation levels via pulse oximetry. Documentation in the patient’s electronic medical record is required, and appropriate personnel (Respiratory Therapist, Nurse) will be notified of results. The extern will serve as a member of the Code Blue Team, receiving direction from the Charge Therapist during codes. They will maintain good rapport and cooperative relationships, approach conflict constructively, help identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution. Maintaining the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors is crucial, discussing patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places per HIPPA guidelines. The extern will assume 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. Quality patient care will be provided by considering the age specific, development and cultural needs through competent clinical practice. Unit/area competencies will be demonstrated. Assistance will be provided with inter-hospital patient transports for patients that are on devices that have been documented for competency on. Nocturnal pulse oximetry studies will be performed on patients, based on orders directed by a managing physician. The extern will continue to gain additional knowledge and additional competency as position/experience deems appropriate.

Requirements

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.
BCLS REQUIRED
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

6 months of RT experience preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
Treat patient in accordance with NMT policy, monitors patient’s response to therapy and record in the electronic medical record.
Performs suctioning procedures as needed.
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.
Serves as member of the Code Blue Team, receives direction from Charge Therapist during code—i.e., chest compressions, etc.
Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.
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.
Provides quality patient care by considering the age specific, development and cultural needs through competent clinical practice.
Demonstrates unit/area competencies.
Assists with inter-hospital patient transports for patient's that are on devices that have been documented for competency on.
Performs nocturnal pulse oximetry studies on patients, based on orders directed by a managing physician.
Continues to gain additional knowledge and additional competency as position/experience deems appropriate.