Respiratory Therapy Extern - Pediatrics

Advocate Health • Oak Lawn, IL

3d • $20 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapy Extern works in pediatric respiratory therapy services at Advocate Children's Hospital Oak Lawn. Under the observation of a licensed respiratory therapist, the extern may perform routine, basic respiratory therapy procedures, including oxygen therapy, pulse oximetry, aerosol therapy, and incentive spirometry. The position is per diem/registry, with various shifts and a flexible schedule intended to accommodate school responsibilities. The employer is seeking May 2027 respiratory therapy graduates interested in working in a pediatric hospital with a NICU.

The extern organizes and maintains respiratory therapy equipment and supplies, collects and processes equipment according to procedure and infection-prevention guidelines, and completes annual hospital competencies. The role also includes patient positioning and transporting duties, with physical demands such as lifting and pushing or pulling. The extern must provide age-appropriate care in accordance with departmental policies and procedures and demonstrate understanding of growth and development across the lifespan.

The position requires current enrollment in an accredited or approved respiratory therapy program and AHA Healthcare Provider BLS certification. No experience is required. Wisconsin externs must transition immediately into a graduate respiratory therapist position; Illinois extern status may not exceed three years from enrollment in an approved program.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved Respiratory Therapy program.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• No experience required.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to function independently.
• Wisconsin externs must transition into a graduate respiratory therapist position immediately.
• For Illinois externs, extern status may not exceed three years from the date of enrollment in an approved program.
• Able to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and patient-transfer tasks.
• Functional speech, vision, and hearing.

Responsibilities

• Under the observation of a licensed respiratory therapist, perform routine and basic respiratory therapy procedures, including oxygen therapy, pulse oximetry, aerosol therapy, and incentive spirometry.
• Organize and maintain respiratory therapy equipment and supplies according to department-specific standards.
• Collect, clean, reassemble, and process disposable and non-disposable equipment according to procedures and infection-prevention guidelines.
• Complete annual hospital competencies and learn new equipment, supplies, procedures, and processes as needed.
• Perform patient positioning and transporting duties using proper technique, when applicable.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to provide care appropriate to patients' ages and developmental needs, following departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• 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
• Career development programs
• Competitive compensation and potential premium or incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed