Respiratory Therapist (RT) - Adults

Advocate Health•Park Ridge, IL

5d•$36 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist provides and coordinates comprehensive respiratory care, administering procedures and therapies in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures. Using evidence-based practices, clinical judgment, and skilled communication, the therapist helps create a safe patient environment and a positive patient experience across the continuum of care. In designated areas, the role is performed under the guidance of a licensed respiratory therapist, as determined by the site. The therapist operates specialized ventilators in critical and non-critical care settings, assists physicians with procedures as applicable, and provides ordered medication treatments and respiratory therapies. The role also includes maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, educating patients about therapy and disease management, collaborating with other departments, and adapting to assignments across service areas under physician direction. The therapist applies safety measures, reports safety events and near misses, and provides age-appropriate care based on each patient’s needs. This is a full-time position at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois: 36 hours per week, 0.9 FTE, on 12-hour night shifts from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with every third weekend and holiday rotation. The listed pay range is $35.50–$53.25 per hour. The posting also lists a $3,000 sign-on bonus, loan forgiveness up to $20,000, tuition assistance up to $20,000, and potential annual clinical-ladder bonus opportunities of up to $6,000 for eligible Respiratory Therapists.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy.
Respiratory Therapist certification (CRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), to be obtained within 45 days.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association, to be obtained within 0 months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Heart Association, to be obtained within 0 months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care, to be obtained within 0 months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification from the American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics, to be obtained within 0 months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Specialist (NPS) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care, to be obtained within 0 months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
No prior experience required.
Effective communication, feedback, and conflict-resolution skills.
Organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, including patient-care and equipment-related decision-making.
Proficiency with computers, electronic mail, and electronic medical record systems.
Strong written and verbal communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build rapport and maintain professional relationships with patients, team members, and physicians; take initiative and work collaboratively.
Time-management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize amid frequent interruptions.
Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job and meet the listed physical requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide and coordinate comprehensive respiratory care in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
Use evidence-based practices and clinical decision-making to support patient safety and experience.
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 or prescribed patient-driven respiratory protocols.
Clean, maintain, and check equipment; troubleshoot issues and identify when service or repair is needed.
Educate and instruct patients on the purpose and technique of therapy, self-care, treatment goals, and disease management.
Collaborate with other departments and facilitate clinical problem-solving and education about patient management.
Adapt to policies and procedures across assigned service areas and perform tasks or special duties as required.
Recognize and apply safety measures, report patient safety events and near misses promptly, and help identify and correct potential safety issues.
Provide care appropriate to patients’ ages and developmental needs, in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Benefits

$3,000 sign-on bonus.
Loan forgiveness up to $20,000.
Tuition assistance up to $20,000.
Eligible Respiratory Therapists may earn up to $6,000 in additional yearly bonus opportunities through the Clinical Ladder Program.
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 such as shift and on-call pay, based on the teammate’s job.
Incentive pay for select positions.
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.