Respiratory Care Extern - Variable 12hr shifts, PRN - (Bronson Methodist Hospital)

Bronson Healthcare•Kalamazoo, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general and direct supervision, the Respiratory Care Extern works with the LRT to administer basic respiratory care to patients with cardiopulmonary abnormalities and deficiencies according to physician prescription and/or established organization policies, procedures, and guidelines. The Respiratory Care Extern is responsible for communicating learning needs to the LRT partner. The Respiratory Care Extern is accountable, under the direction of an LRT, for setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and providing selected aspects of patient care within established Bronson Respiratory Care Extern Scope of Practice. The Respiratory Care Extern performs routine respiratory care procedures according to established standards in General Patient Care areas. The Respiratory Care Extern works under direct supervision of a LRT in the Critical Care Units. Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served.

Requirements

Enrolled and maintaining satisfactory progress after one year in an accredited program for Respiratory Care to perform in General Patient Care areas required.
Enrolled and maintaining satisfactory progress in the final clinical semester of an accredited program for Respiratory Care to work in the Critical Care areas under the direct supervision of a LRT required.
Successful completion of the Respiratory Department requirements for orientation which includes Hospital, Core, and Department specific orientation.
Satisfactory performance on the respiratory care medication competency test.
Current BLS certification
Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data from various computer systems and equipment in order to set an appropriate plan of action
Must be able to constantly communicate both verbally and in writing. Activities and treatments must be recorded in an accurate manner and technical information and instructions must be communicated to patients, families, and all members of the care delivery team.
Excellence in internal and external customer service must be demonstrated.
Work which produces high levels of mental/visual fatigue, e.g., interactive and repetitive or small detailed work requiring alertness and concentration for sustained periods of time, the operation of and full attention to a personal computer or CRT between 40 and 70 percent of the time.
Involves regularly lifting of bulky or moderately heavy weights (i.e., up to 50 pounds), and occasionally assisting with heavier tasks or expending the equivalent effort in pushing, pulling, or otherwise handling material, equipment, and other objects.
Performs as an integral part of the patient care team.

Responsibilities

Performs as an integral part of the patient care team.
Assesses patients' respiratory status using basic assessment skills including medical record/monitor review and physical assessment.
Performs basic, routine respiratory care procedures including oxygen delivery and medication administration.
Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions associated with Respiratory Care equipment.
Under direct supervision of a LRT, externs may gather and prepare equipment such as intubation but not assist with the procedure.
Under supervision of a LRT, performs necessary measurements/calculations and assists in determining appropriate parameters for mechanical ventilation.
Under supervision of a LRT, performs emergency and acute Respiratory Care procedures.
Communicates appropriately and effectively with other members of the healthcare team regarding all aspects of patient care.
Regularly communicates with his/her shift charge therapist as to activity in his/her area and availability to help areas.
Participates in department performance improvement activities
Assumes responsibility for professional development.