POSITION PURPOSE
Clinical Specialists and/or PFT Therapists are credentialed respiratory therapists actively working in their area of specialty credentialing . Sr. Respiratory Therapists are required to attain additional credentialing as appropriate for their area of expertise: Examples CPFT, RPFT , FCC course, neonatal/Pediatric specialty , NRP , etc. Sr. Respiratory Therapists are responsible for performing various therapeutic and site/unit-specific advanced practice procedures. He/she will provide professional leadership representing the respiratory care department in daily activities as well as participate in unit specific meetings and related clinical workgroups. Sr. Respiratory Therapists will participate in orientation of staff and student training programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides professional leadership in the delivery of patient care.
Uses " AIDET " principles when interfacing/treating every patient throughout the organization . (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You).
Where appropriate, with each patient interaction, uses the concept of "Managing Up" a form of communication that positions information, a person, or team in a positive manner.
Provides a consistent experience to patients, families, visitors and internal customers by using "Key Words at Key Times." Specifically, uses key words to help patients to understand what is happening with their care, help internal customers understand their service better, and build relationships.
Serves as a consultant, resource person, and role model representing respiratory care in the health system committees or work groups as needed.
Maintains the confidentiality of information according to HIPPA guidelines.
Maintains safe respiratory therapy practices; alerts management of any safety issues or concerns.
Performs all duties and responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist per AARC guidelines obtains and maintains competencies per RT II orientation. Some examples below:
Cardiopulmonary arrest situations
Other emergency situations
Participates in patient rounds
Ensure treatments/therapies/diagnostic testing is provided in accordance with physician orders and approved medical protocols.
Ensures that equipment is in safe operating condition and contacts repair personnel or Charge therapists as appropriate
Based on clinical assessment of patient situations, suggests changes in therapies, etc., to medical staff to benefit cardiopulmonary patient care.
Demonstrates knowledge of procedure(s) for oxygen and medical air shutdown.
Understands and takes an active role to stay updated on hospital and departmental policies and procedures
Prioritizes and addresses conflicting requests for respiratory care services.
Provides high quality patient care considering age specific, developmental and cultural needs through competent practice and application of the respiratory care practice process.
Has established competencies/ demonstrates unit/area/Job specific competencies (as applicable):
Pulmonary Function testing or PFTs
Metabolic studies
Six minute pulse oximetry walks
NICU skill sets
NPS/ NRP
IABP
FCC
Participates as needed in new educational programs and equipment/ procedure implementations.
Facilitates instruction of staff or students during clinical training. Providing feedback during the orientation period when applicable.
Completes Health Stream yearly on a timely basis per SJMHS standards
Responsible for own education for professional growth and maintains log of activities.
Successful completion of the FCC course or NRP instructor course (as appropriate) and participates in FCC/ NRP course(s) as needed
Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.
Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, colleagues , and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Health. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places.
Behaves in accordance with the Code of Conduct, Service Excellence Standards, and the Mission, Vision and Values of SJMH .
Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE
Education: G raduate of a two year advanced practitioner -Accredited Respiratory Therapist program: Registry eligible. Bachelors degree preferred
Experience:
Certification/Licensure: Maintains current RRT credential
Maintains valid State of Michigan License in Respiratory Care
Maintains or (or more) of the following:
NPS/ NRP
CPFT
RPFT
FCC
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Consistently exhibits interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with patients, physicians and other health personnel and department management during all situations and in line with our mission and values.
Utilizes analytical skills necessary to identify patients needs.
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This document is intended to describe the generalized duties and responsibilities, the specialized job functions, and the essential requirements of this job . It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements or reflect any accommodations made under the Americans with Disability Act, the Michigan Handicappers Act, or SJMHSs Return to Work Program
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.