Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Advocate Health

2d•$36 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist supports patient assessment and care using respiratory therapy processes and clinical information such as pulmonary diagnostics, chest radiographs, hemodynamic values, laboratory values, blood gases, and electrolytes. The role identifies and addresses the needs of patient populations served by the department; operates specialized ventilators in critical and non-critical care settings; assists physicians with procedures; and provides ordered medication treatments and therapies under applicable respiratory protocols. The therapist maintains and troubleshoots equipment, educates patients about therapy and disease management, collaborates with other departments, and adapts to assignments across service areas under physician direction. The position also requires effective communication and patient handoffs, participation in safety practices, and teaching or precepting new teammates, orientees, and students. Care must be appropriate to patients’ age-specific needs and stages of growth and development. This is a per-diem, part-time position requiring 48 hours per six-week schedule, including one weekend shift per six-week period and one summer and one winter holiday shift per calendar year. The listed pay range is $35.50–$53.25. The role is based at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois.

Requirements

Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the state in which the team member practices.
Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within 12 months, or active NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential if received before January 1, 2023.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).
Graduate of an accredited respiratory care program with at least an associate degree.
Effective organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to problem-solve and make decisions related to patient care and equipment use.
Proficient computer skills, including use of 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.
Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively with others.
Time-management skills, including the ability to multitask and prioritize amid 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 varying 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 two feet.
Ability to use safe body mechanics at all times.

Responsibilities

Assess patients using respiratory therapy processes and information from pulmonary diagnostics, chest radiographs, hemodynamic and laboratory values, blood gases, and electrolytes.
Identify and address needs specific to the patient populations served by the department.
Operate specialized ventilators in critical and non-critical care settings.
Assist physicians with bedside or other procedures as applicable to the facility.
Provide medication treatments and therapies according to physician orders and prescribed patient-driven respiratory protocols.
Clean and maintain equipment, ensure proper functionality, troubleshoot issues, and identify the need for service or repair.
Educate patients about the purpose and technique of therapy, self-care, treatment goals, and disease management.
Collaborate with other departments and facilitate clinical problem-solving and education on patient management.
Adapt to policies and procedures across service areas, perform assignment-specific tasks, and maintain performance and organizational standards.
Communicate effectively, provide feedback, resolve conflicts, and deliver clear, concise, timely, and accurate patient handoffs.
Promote patient safety, report safety events and near misses promptly, identify potential safety issues, and assist with corrective actions.
Teach and precept new teammates, orientees, and students.
Provide care appropriate to patients’ ages and assess and interpret information relevant to age-specific needs.
Work 48 hours per six-week schedule, including one weekend shift per six-week period and one summer and one winter holiday shift per calendar year.

Benefits

Paid time off programs.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits, subject to eligibility.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Adoption assistance and paid parental leave, subject to eligibility.
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
Educational Assistance Program.
Premium pay such as shift and on-call pay, based on the teammate’s job.
Incentive pay for select positions.
Opportunity for annual performance-based increases.
Career development programs.