Respiratory Therapist, RRT Registry

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

About The Position

UChicago Medicine is hiring a Respiratory Therapist for its Respiratory Care Services team. The department provides individualized respiratory care to adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients using trained Registered Respiratory Therapists, advanced technology, and established patient protocols. Under the direct supervision of department leadership and a physician, the Registry Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory treatments and procedures, assesses cardiopulmonary status, implements appropriate care protocols, and helps maintain or improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamic status. The role initiates and maintains emergent and non-emergent non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation in accordance with department policies and protocols. The position is PRN, per diem, and requires four 12-hour night shifts per six-week schedule.

Requirements

Associate degree from an approved and accredited Respiratory Care Program.
Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Current Respiratory Care Practitioner license in Illinois, or eligibility to obtain the license before the start date.
Active Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
Effective and accurate verbal and written communication and documentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an approved and accredited Respiratory Care Program.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification, depending on the assigned patient care area and primary patient population.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, depending on the assigned patient care area and primary patient population.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, depending on the assigned patient care area and primary patient population.

Responsibilities

Administer supplemental oxygen and medical gas therapy under physician orders or approved departmental protocols, and document care accurately in the EPIC electronic medical record.
Administer intermittent or continuous medication-delivery therapies, including nebulized and metered-dose inhaler treatments, and assess patients during treatment.
Perform bronchopulmonary hygiene, suctioning, and airway care procedures.
Implement airway-clearance techniques, including chest physiotherapy, coughing and deep-breathing techniques, Therapy Vest, Flutter valve, ExPap, Acapella, and incentive spirometry, as ordered or under approved protocols.
Initiate and maintain emergent and non-emergent non-invasive ventilation, including BIPAP, CPAP, and high-flow cannula; assess patient status, equipment, and tolerance, and make necessary adjustments.
Initiate, maintain, and assess mechanical ventilation; assess patients and recommend or implement ventilator-weaning plans under physician orders or approved protocols.
Manage non-invasive and mechanical ventilation and monitor and report patient parameters, including weaning parameters and spontaneous breathing trials.
Document procedures and patient information accurately and promptly in EPIC.
Perform arterial blood gas analysis according to hospital, department, and accrediting-agency guidelines; troubleshoot analyzers and perform quality control and calibration procedures.
Report arterial blood gas results accurately and within established turnaround guidelines.
Transport patients internally or externally using oxygen-delivery systems, mechanical ventilators, or other required support.
Perform other duties as assigned.