Respiratory Therapist, RRT

UChicago Medicine•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Chicago Medicine is hiring a Full-Time, Night shift Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for the Respiratory Care Services department, specifically with the Pediatrics Team at its main campus in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. The Respiratory Care Services Department is dedicated to delivering high-quality, individualized care to adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients through highly trained Registered Respiratory Therapists, advanced technology, and defined patient protocols. Employees are encouraged to achieve career goals in an environment that values opinions, rewards decision-making, and fosters teamwork. In this role, the Registered Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory care treatments, procedures, and protocols under the direct supervision of department leadership and physicians for the pediatric department. This includes patient assessment to determine cardiopulmonary status, implementing appropriate patient care protocols, and maintaining/improving cardiopulmonary hemodynamic status. The therapist also initiates and maintains emergent and non-emergent non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation according to department policies and protocols.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved and accredited Respiratory Care Program (at least two years in duration)
Diploma or Certificate of Completion and Associate’s Degree from an accredited academic body.
Demonstrates effective and accurate communication and documentation skills (both verbal and written communications)
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by The National Board for Respiratory Care
Licensed by The State of Illinois as a Respiratory Care Practitioner
Basic Life Support Healthcare provider certification (American Heart Association)

Nice To Haves

Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification
PALS Certification
ACLS Certification preferred, depending upon patient care area assigned and the primary patient populations served

Responsibilities

Administers supplemental oxygen/medical gas therapy as prescribed by direct physician order or via established and approved departmental patient care protocols; documents such procedures appropriately and accurately into the EPIC electronic medical record.
Administers intermittent (Small Volume Nebulizer, MDI, etc.) or Continuous Medication delivery therapy (bronchodilators, steroid therapy, mucolytics, etc.) as prescribed or via established and approved department protocols. Documents such procedures into the EPIC electronic medical record appropriately and accurately; in real-time fashion. Properly assesses the patient during administration of such modalities.
Administers bronchopulmonary hygiene, suctioning, & airway care procedures.
Implements airway clearance techniques (to include Chest Physiotherapy, coughing/deep breathing techniques, Therapy Vest, Flutter valve, ExPap device, Acapella device, & incentive spirometry) per physician order or under the guidelines of established and approved departmental patient care protocols. Documents such procedures into the EPIC electronic medical record appropriately and accurately per hospital policy.
Initiates and maintains non-invasive ventilation (NIV) procedures (BIPAP, CPAP, High Flow Cannula) on an emergent and non-emergent basis; assess patient status and the status of NIV equipment and patient tolerance of such. Implements necessary adjustments to assure best level of patient comfort and tolerance to achieve most effective benefit of therapy. Documents procedures into the EPIC system as required.
Initiates, maintains, and checks status (per department policy) of mechanical ventilation; provides for a thorough and complete patient assessment to recommend and implement weaning plans from mechanical ventilation either per physician order or under the guidelines of pre-approved and established departmental mechanical ventilator protocols. Documents such procedures accurately and in timely fashion into the EPIC electronic medical record.
Provides for ventilator management (NIV and mechanical ventilation); appropriate hemodynamic monitoring/reporting of patient parameters (ventilator weaning parameters, spontaneous breathing trials, etc.). Documents information accurately and timely within the EPIC electronic medical record.
Performs Arterial Blood Gas analysis per hospital, department, and accrediting agency guidelines and standards of practice. Trouble shoots ABG analyzers; performs appropriate quality control and general calibration procedures as appropriate. Reports results accurately and timely, within established results turnaround reporting guidelines.
Provides for patient transport within the facility when patients are transported to other areas on oxygen delivery systems, mechanical ventilators, etc.