RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Cook County•Chicago, IL

4d•$44 - $54•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist works under the direction of the Respiratory Department Head and serves as a clinical expert responsible for oversight of the shift. The role assigns respiratory care staff to work areas and duties, adjusts assignments as needed, coordinates or provides clinical assistance and emergency response, and supports prompt customer service. The therapist also assists the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor in coordinating respiratory care services and serves as lead or charge therapist when the supervisor is absent or circumstances require. The position provides direct respiratory patient care across patient care settings, supports established and specialized procedures, and helps evaluate equipment and changes to patient-care methods as directed. It coordinates communication and workload across the shift, conducts quality rounds and shift huddles, supports staff orientation and training, monitors equipment inventory and maintenance, and partners with department and hospital leadership to address operational needs. The position is based at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital in the Respiratory Care Department, with a scheduled shift of 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 a.m. Work takes place in a healthcare environment and requires compliance with hospital and department safety procedures, including personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and applicable engineering and work-practice controls.

Requirements

Registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT); proof required at interview.
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation license as a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP); proof required at interview.
Current certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and Pediatric Life Support (PALS); proof required at interview.
Working knowledge of respiratory procedures and respiratory equipment.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to manage interactions with people from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
Computer literacy and keyboarding skills.
Strong customer service and empathy skills.
Ability to demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged.
Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to see and hear clearly, including with correction.
Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature.
Ability to walk extensively, lift moderately heavy objects, and climb stairs.
Ability to push, pull, twist, turn, bend, kneel, stoop, lift, reach above shoulder level, and stand for prolonged periods.
Must meet required qualifications at the time of application filing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Credentialing as an Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS).

Responsibilities

Provide direct respiratory patient care in any patient-care setting as directed, using appropriate equipment and procedures.
Follow established respiratory therapy protocols; administer specialized procedures, test new equipment, and evaluate modifications to patient-care methods when directed by appropriate medical staff or a supervisor.
Direct shift operations by dividing workload, serving as a communication hub, and coordinating with external departments to ensure safe operations.
Conduct quality rounds, capture shift data, and conduct or participate in departmental shift huddles.
Participate in the orientation and training of departmental personnel, monitor their progress, and advise the Associate Manager.
Serve as a resource for respiratory staff and other healthcare professionals; orient students, physicians, nurses, and others in respiratory therapy procedures.
Monitor inventory needs to maintain necessary equipment par levels.
Oversee cleaning, calibration, and maintenance of respiratory equipment and ensure quality standards are met.
Partner with departmental and external leadership, including the On-Duty Administrator and Administrator-On-Call, to address operational needs.
Recognize and report deficiencies and concerns.
Assist the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor in coordinating respiratory care services; act as lead or charge therapist in the supervisor’s absence or as circumstances require.
Perform other duties as assigned.