Transport Respiratory Therapist NICU (Casual)

WVU Medicine

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs routine and advanced respiratory care procedures according to established standards in the ABG lab, Pediatric/Neonatal Care Units, Emergency Room, and general patient care areas of WVU Medicine. The position participates as a member of the Transport Team in identifying, assessing, stabilizing, and transporting critically injured or ill neonatal, pediatric, and/or maternal patients. The Transport Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory care as ordered by medical command and performs advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures requiring additional training beyond that required of a Registered Respiratory Therapist. The role provides respiratory expertise to patients with complex and rapidly changing needs; assesses patients, anticipates problems, intervenes, and evaluates and documents care. It coordinates and communicates with healthcare providers, referring centers, accepting physicians, the WVU Medicine Transport program, the flight program, and other agencies. The position also maintains transport equipment and supplies, supports education and mentoring, and maintains required competencies and certifications.

Requirements

Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist in the applicable state; for West Virginia, an LRTR license through the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification, or obtain it within six months of hire.
S.T.A.B.L.E. certification, or obtain it within six months of hire.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or obtain it within two years of hire.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or obtain it within two years of hire.
Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire.
Two years of experience in a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit, another relevant children’s hospital, or transport.
Demonstrated interpersonal and professional verbal communication skills with healthcare team members and the general public.
Meet physical and operational requirements including a maximum weight of 220 pounds for safety and agility in helicopter and ambulance environments; yearly Air Methods and Survival training as required by Healthnet; and the ability to perform heavy work involving lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, and carrying materials or equipment weighing 40 pounds or more.
Corrected vision within normal limits and hearing sufficient to function without lip reading; hearing aids are permitted.
Do not take prescription or over-the-counter medication except as approved by the Children’s Hospital Medical Director.
Have no medical condition likely to be aggravated by transport duties or that may endanger patients or transport personnel; an independent physician examination may be required if necessary.
Work closely with others, work protracted or irregular hours, and work around biohazards, infectious diseases, the deceased, water, electrical hazards associated with patient-care equipment, inclement weather, and life-threatening conditions; provide transport care to outlying hospitals by ambulance and helicopter.

Nice To Haves

Neonatal Pediatric Specialty (NPS) certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care within two years of hire, or Certified Neonatal/Pediatric Transport (CNPT) certification through the National Certification Corporation.
Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Support (PFCCS) within two years of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide routine and advanced respiratory care in the ABG lab, Pediatric/Neonatal Care Units, Emergency Room, and general patient care areas.
Participate in identifying, assessing, stabilizing, and transporting critically ill or injured neonatal, pediatric, and/or maternal patients.
Assess patients, anticipate potential problems, perform appropriate interventions, and evaluate and document care using scientific principles and established standards.
Complete transport-related documentation and required unit-specific forms.
Coordinate and collaborate with healthcare providers and referring and accepting medical providers.
Stabilize acutely ill neonatal and pediatric patients at referring centers through assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of care; consult referring providers and the accepting attending physician.
Administer medication according to WVUH policies and procedures.
Communicate by phone or radio with the accepting attending physician during transport regarding assessment, patient status, interventions, and complications.
Identify education needs at referral hospitals, help address them through formal or informal teaching, and communicate identified needs to the Transport Clinical Specialist.
Evaluate practices and recommend changes to meet patient needs.
Maintain communication within the WVU Medicine Transport program, flight program, and with other agencies and personnel.
Coordinate care with healthcare professionals and use sound decision-making in coordinating care.
Complete established patient follow-up within 72 hours of transport.
Maintain clear and effective radio and phone communications.
Participate in activities that promote the safety of patients, EMS personnel, staff, and other healthcare providers.
Clean transport equipment according to infection-control policies and hospital guidelines; maintain essential equipment.
Perform routine and monthly transport equipment checks and coordinate with Biomedical Engineering to ensure equipment is safe and operational.
Restock transport supplies after each transport and maintain established inventory.
Maintain competency through Transport and Respiratory Department activities and complete annual clinical and operational competencies and required certifications.
Participate in orientation of new transport crewmembers and serve as a formal mentor for respiratory therapists and nurses.
Attend required educational and operational meetings and participate in continuing education activities.
Maintain competence through additional training, including endotracheal intubation, chest tube placement, needle thoracotomy, intraosseous access, assisting with umbilical vessel catheterization, and IV therapy.
Participate in healthcare promotional activities sponsored by the hospital and WVU Medicine transport.