RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Cook County•Chicago, IL

2d•$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 shift oversight. This includes assigning and adjusting staff work areas and assignments, coordinating or providing clinical assistance and emergency response, and supporting prompt customer service. The position provides direct respiratory patient care across patient care settings and assists with coordinating respiratory care delivery on a particular shift or in a particular work setting. It may serve as lead or charge therapist when the supervisor is absent or circumstances require. The role also supports safe operations through communication and coordination with other departments and hospital leadership, participates in quality and shift activities, assists with personnel orientation and training, monitors equipment inventory and maintenance, and reports deficiencies and concerns. The job is based at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital in the Respiratory Care Department, with a listed shift of 7 pm–7:15 am.

Requirements

Registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT); proof is required at interview.
Licensure by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation as a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP); proof is required at interview.
Current certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and Pediatric Life Support (PALS); proof is required at interview.
Working knowledge of respiratory procedures and respiratory equipment.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to manage a variety of people from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Computer literacy and keyboarding skills.
Strong customer service and empathy skills.
Attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks.
Ability to maintain professional demeanor and composure when challenged.
Ability to function autonomously and as a team member in 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, 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 and all patient care settings as directed, using respiratory equipment and procedures.
Follow established Respiratory Therapy Practitioner protocols; as directed, administer new or specialized procedures, test new equipment, and evaluate modifications to patient-care methods.
Direct the shift by dividing workload, serving as a communications hub, and coordinating with external departments to support safe operations.
Conduct quality rounds, capture shift data, and conduct or participate in departmental shift huddles.
Participate in 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, and orient students, physicians, nurses, and others in respiratory therapy procedures.
Monitor inventory needs to maintain required 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 delivery in a particular work setting or shift; act as lead or charge therapist in the supervisor’s absence or as circumstances require.
Perform other duties as assigned.