Respiratory Therapy Extern

Advocate Health • Libertyville, IL

6d • $20 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapy Extern works in the Respiratory Therapy Services department at Advocate Condell Medical Center, supporting adult care and NICU areas. This role is intended for students pursuing graduation from a respiratory therapy program in 2027 who want hands-on experience in a respiratory department. Under the observation of a licensed respiratory therapist, the extern may perform routine, basic respiratory therapy procedures and help maintain, collect, clean, reassemble, and process department equipment and supplies. The position is per diem/registry, with various shifts and approximately 8–12 hours of work per week. Benefits eligibility is listed as no.

The extern completes annual hospital competencies and learns equipment, supplies, procedures, and processes as needed. The role includes age-appropriate patient care support, patient positioning and transportation, and physical work such as lifting and pushing or pulling. The extern must follow department procedures, infection-prevention guidelines, standard precautions, and applicable requirements for personal protective equipment.

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).
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to function independently.
• Wisconsin externs must transition into a graduate respiratory therapist position immediately.
• Illinois extern status may not exceed three years from the date of enrollment in an approved program.
• No experience required.
• Must be able to walk, stand, squat, reach above the shoulders, and sit throughout the workday.
• Must be able to perform repetitive hand use, including simple grasping, pushing/pulling, and fine manipulation.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist and up to 20 lbs. over the head, and carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to push/pull with 30 lbs. of force and perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Must have functional speech, vision, and hearing.
• May be exposed to chemical and radiation hazards and to blood and body fluids; must wear personal protective equipment as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Under the observation of a licensed respiratory therapist, perform routine, 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 equipment from hospital areas; clean and reassemble it according to procedure and standard precautions.
• Process disposable and non-disposable equipment according to infection-prevention guidelines.
• Complete annual hospital competencies and learn new equipment, supplies, procedures, and processes as needed.
• Perform patient positioning and transporting duties, including lifting and pushing or pulling with proper technique, where applicable.
• Provide care appropriate to the age-specific needs of patients, applying knowledge of growth and development and relevant department policies and procedures.
• Operate equipment necessary to perform the job.

Benefits

• The posting describes a comprehensive total rewards offering, with program eligibility potentially dependent on FTE or employment status.
• 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.
• Competitive compensation, premium pay for select shifts or on-call work, incentive pay for select positions, and the opportunity for annual performance-based increases.

What This Job Offers

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