Respiratory Therapist

Special Tree Rehabilitation System•Romulus, MI

14d•$36 - $39

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist is a member of the interdisciplinary care team and provides consistent, high-quality respiratory services in accordance with Special Tree’s mission, values, and applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements. The role includes tracheotomy care, care for ventilator-dependent clients, weaning programs, and respiratory education for clients and families. The therapist evaluates, treats, monitors, and tests clients; provides mechanical ventilation and respiratory education; documents care; and collaborates with clients, families, medical staff, and interdisciplinary team members. The role also includes maintaining respiratory equipment, participating in quality improvement and care-planning activities, supporting clients during outside activities and appointments, and coordinating respiratory services as needed. Work takes place primarily at the NeuroCare Center, with possible assignments at other worksites and travel off Special Tree grounds. The position combines sedentary and physical activities in office and client-care environments. It involves occasional exposure to verbally or physically aggressive clients, possible exposure to infectious materials, and substantial physical demands throughout 8- or 12-hour shifts. The position has a very high exposure risk during certain procedures involving known or suspected sources of SARS-CoV-2. The Respiratory Therapist reports to the Respiratory Manager.

Requirements

Registered as a Respiratory Therapist or certified by the American Association of Respiratory Care or National Board of Respiratory Care, with comparable experience in respiratory care.
Licensed as a Respiratory Therapist in the state of Michigan.
Successfully complete required training, including Basic Life Support (BLS) and other courses determined by STRS, CARF, and/or the State of Michigan.
Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for the listed job duties.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for working with clients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
Ability and interest in updating respiratory therapy skills and knowledge.
Strong interest in working closely with clients and their families.
Good moral character.
Analytical skills to develop treatment plans and modify treatment as clients progress.
Flexibility and adaptability to work as a therapist, educator, or supervisor as needed.
Detail-oriented approach and strong clinical assessment skills.
Ability to maintain a professional manner at all worksites and in the community.
Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, and pull repeatedly throughout an 8- or 12-hour shift.
Ability to lift, move, push, pull, and bend during client transfers involving very heavy body weight and tone, in excess of 100 pounds.
Ability to lift, move, and carry objects frequently over 50 pounds and repeatedly over 20 pounds.
Ability to push a wheelchair frequently in excess of 150 pounds.
Ability to tolerate almost constant standing and walking during an 8- or 12-hour shift.
May occasionally be required to lift over 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience in a critical care or ICU setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide respiratory evaluation, treatment, monitoring, testing, mechanical ventilation, and education using accepted respiratory therapy procedures and techniques.
Provide tracheotomy care, ventilator-dependent care, and respiratory weaning programs.
Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and communicate with team members about client treatment and status.
Instruct clients and families on appropriate home programs and respiratory care.
Document evaluations, progress notes, care plans, and discharge summaries according to established criteria.
Maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of respiratory equipment and associated work areas.
Participate in quality improvement and quality assurance programs, care conferences, team meetings, required meetings, and applicable committees.
Consult with Special Tree medical staff and external physicians or medical staff to determine appropriate treatment.
Rotate weekend on-call coverage for respiratory services.
Accompany clients on outside activities and appointments as required.
Act as a liaison and coordinate nursing services regarding client status and care.
Make independent clinical judgments about changes in client status, needs, and required care.
Perform arterial blood gas draws, interpret results, and communicate findings.
Maintain confidentiality of client and family information and follow applicable behavior management policies when working with clients who may exhibit aggressive or difficult behaviors.
Maintain required continuing education units for licensure and complete annual required education and training hours.
Organize and participate in educational activities for clients, families, and other health professionals.
Maintain knowledge of developments in respiratory therapy through appropriate reading and professional conferences.
Provide or coordinate respiratory services to Heavlin residential as needed.
Mentor respiratory therapy student clinical rotations and serve as a preceptor to new respiratory therapists as required.
Participate in community wellness, emergency, and preparedness programs as appropriate.
Work safely and maintain proficiency with company-wide and department-specific software.