Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Advocate Health

6d•$36 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist provides and coordinates comprehensive respiratory care, administering respiratory procedures and modalities according to established standards, policies, and procedures. Using evidence-based practices, clinical decision-making, and skilled communication, the therapist supports a safe patient environment and a positive patient experience across the continuum of care. In designated areas, the role operates under the guidance of a licensed respiratory therapist, as determined by site discretion. The position is based at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington and is a 0.9 FTE, full-time role scheduled for 36 hours per week on 12-hour day shifts. The therapist assesses patients using pulmonary diagnostics, chest radiographs, hemodynamic and laboratory values, and blood gas and electrolyte results; provides prescribed treatments; operates specialized ventilators; supports procedures; maintains equipment; and educates patients and colleagues. The role adapts to policies and duties across assigned service areas, collaborates with physicians and other departments, supports patient safety, and teaches or precepts new teammates, orientees, and students. Care must be appropriate to patients’ age-specific needs throughout the lifespan. The position requires an associate degree or higher from an accredited respiratory care program, a state Respiratory Care Practitioner license, and the specified NBRC credential and BLS certification. No prior experience is required. The work includes physical activities such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and assisting with patient transfers.

Requirements

Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the state in which the team member practices.
Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the NBRC within 12 months, or active Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential from the NBRC if received before January 1, 2023.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association.
Graduate of an accredited respiratory care program with a minimum of an associate degree.
Effective organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to solve problems and make decisions concerning patient care and equipment use.
Proficient computer skills, including email and electronic medical record systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with patients, teammates, and physicians; take initiative; and work collaboratively.
Time-management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize in an environment with frequent interruptions.
Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
Ability to lift 50 pounds from knee to waist and occasionally from floor to waist; lift and carry 40 pounds at waist height across various distances; and lift 20 pounds from waist to overhead.
Ability to push or pull using 30 pounds of force occasionally over long distances.
Ability to perform a stand-pivot transfer from bed to chair and, with a second person, slide-transfer a 150-pound person on a sheet across 2 feet.
Must use safe body mechanics at all times.

Responsibilities

Assess patients using respiratory therapy processes and information such as pulmonary diagnostics, chest radiographs, hemodynamic values, laboratory values, blood gases, and electrolytes; identify and address population-specific needs.
Operate specialized ventilators in critical and non-critical care settings and assist physicians with bedside or other procedures as applicable.
Provide medication treatments and therapies according to physician orders and prescribed patient-driven respiratory protocols.
Clean and maintain equipment, ensure it functions properly, troubleshoot issues, and identify when service or repair is needed.
Educate and instruct patients on the purpose, technique, self-care, goals of therapy, and disease management.
Facilitate clinical problem-solving and collaborate with other departments to provide education on patient management.
Adapt to and comply with policies and procedures across assigned service areas, perform required tasks and special duties, and maintain performance standards and organizational behaviors.
Communicate effectively, provide feedback, resolve conflicts, and deliver clear, concise, timely, and accurate patient handoffs.
Promote patient safety by applying safety measures, reporting safety events and near misses promptly, identifying potential issues, and assisting with corrective actions.
Teach, educate, and precept new teammates, orientees, and students.
Provide care appropriate to patient age and developmental needs, interpreting patient status data to identify care requirements.

Benefits

$6,250 sign-on bonus.
Loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement of up to $20,000 each.
Clinical Ladder Program with eligible Respiratory Therapists able to earn up to $6,000 in additional yearly bonus opportunities.
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.
Premium pay, including shift and on-call pay, for eligible positions.
Incentive pay for select positions.
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.