Respiratory Therapist

The University of Kansas Health System•Kansas City, KS

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist, RRT I is responsible for performing patient care activities and other tasks that contribute to high-quality, safe, and effective patient care, such as executing protocols, administering respiratory care, and educating patients, families, students, and other care providers. The role involves administering, monitoring, and assessing the effectiveness of respiratory care for inpatients and outpatients of all developmental levels. The therapist uses independent judgment in applying respiratory care protocols and maintains a patient-centered focus, supporting the hospital's mission and values. They interact with physicians and other health system staff to ensure quality, safe, and efficient patient care, maintaining positive working relationships and demonstrating effective communication skills, especially under stress. The position also includes educating patients and family members on cardio-respiratory topics, medications, equipment, and procedures. The therapist must react appropriately under stress, demonstrate flexibility, and take professional action without awaiting orders. They may assist in overseeing other staff, serve as an acting team leader, and assist in the orientation and training of new employees. Participation on rapid response or code blue teams is also part of the role, as is assisting with patient ambulation and moving equipment. The role requires quick response to critical situations, including emergency patient removal from the building.

Requirements

Associates Degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent military training/certificate program
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within 1 Year
Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT) - State Board of Healing Arts permanent license only upon Hire
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) within 30 Days
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) within 180 Days
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA) within 180 Days
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Basic computer knowledge

Nice To Haves

Bachelors Degree in Respiratory Care or related field
Master's Degree in Respiratory Care or related field
Respiratory therapy work experience.
Experience in clinical instruction of students.
Six months of experience in critical care.
Active AARC membership
To work independently in the neonatal ICU, therapists must have NRP

Responsibilities

Administers, monitors, and assesses the effectiveness of respiratory care in an efficient and effective manner for inpatients and outpatients of all developmental and maturational levels (neonatal to geriatric) under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
Uses independent judgement in the application of respiratory care protocols and is self-motivated to take responsible and professional action within the scope of practice.
Maintains a patient-centered focus and strives to support the mission, goals, and values of the hospital, department and division.
Follows policies, procedures, and department standards.
Interacts with physicians and other health system staff to provide quality, safe, and efficient care for the patient.
Maintains positive working relations with customers.
Demonstrates mature, sensitive, and effective communications with all age groups, especially under high levels of stress.
Educates patients and family members of all developmental and maturational levels (neonatal to geriatric) regarding cardio-respiratory topics, medications, equipment, and procedures.
Reacts appropriately under high levels of stress.
Demonstrates flexibility in the face of uncertainty, and can take responsible and professional action without awaiting orders.
Assists in the oversight of other staff members during advanced procedures.
At the direction of a supervisor, serves as the acting team leader, as needed.
Assists in the orientation, training, and evaluating new graduate RTs, students, and other employees.
Participates on the rapid response or code blue teams, as needed.
Assist with the ambulation of patients.
Moves ventilators and other items around campus.
Quickly responds to critical situations including taking stairs to reach emergencies and assist in the removal of patients from the building (in case of emergency).
Must select a team (within one year of hire/placement in position).
Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.