Respiratory Therapy Technician

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Respiratory Technician position within the Adult Respiratory Care Department assesses the care needs regarding basic therapies of patients for whom respiratory care services are ordered. They initiate and perform basic respiratory care techniques and blood gas analysis. As part of the healthcare inpatient team, Respiratory Technicians work closely with respiratory therapists, nurses and other hospital staff in delivery patient services and assuring safety. •Shift is 7:00 pm to 7:30 am. If assigned patient care duties, Respiratory Therapy Technicians must complete training and demonstrate proficiency in all competencies, age-specific or otherwise, that are required of practitioners who are delivering patient services.

If assigned patient care duties, Respiratory Therapy Technicians perform basic respiratory care techniques such as:

Sputum inductionsMedication AdministrationAerosol and oxygen therapyAnalysis of blood gases and electrolytes from arterial/venous samplesCalibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzersPerforms and reviews quality controls on blood gas analyzersPerforms proficiency testingDocuments analytical measurementsMonitors temperature and humidity in blood gas labsEKG diagnostic testingEquipment rounds and compressed gas cylinder managementBasic ventilatory parametersPatient educationAssists in performing intra-tracheal aspirationStocks and maintains designated areas with appropriate respiratory care equipment.

Re-processing of moveable equipment/devices, including inlet gaskets.

Set-up and testing of equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP, nitric oxide delivery machines and other medical devices.

Responsible for learning new technical devices and clinical procedures when applicable.

Provides report on pertinent observations of patient status to oncoming shift and/or shift supervisor when assigned patient care duties.

Attends shift and general staff meetings (including huddle).Follows procedures for accurate and complete entries on medical-legal documents and the patient?s electronic medical record and credits reports for mislabeled patient tests.

Adheres to CLIA/CAP, department and Michigan Medicine policies and procedures.

Adhere to Joint Commission guidelines.

Provides equipment support, checks and preventive maintenance.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Completes continuing education units or professional development credits annually, including department and Michigan Medicine mandatory competencies within required timeframes or as specified by the department's continuing education program.

Contributes to a positive and inclusive work community by building trusting partnerships with colleagues, continually learning, creating impactful experiences, and working with a sense of ownership for outcomes. Continuously interacts with respect, dignity, and in a manner where individuals feel their perspectives are welcomed. Consistently exhibits active listening skills, values feedback, and a commitment to learning from the perspectives of others. Patient and Family Centered CareMaintains a patient-centric care perspective, including:

Actively engaging and building rapport and trust with the patient and family, as applicable, exhibiting respect and dignity Sharing information in a timely and unbiased manner, and Creating a welcoming environment that encourages open participation by patients and family members to achieve shared decision making.

Collaborates with other members of the team, including the patient and family, to achieve the ideal patient care experience.

High school diploma or equivalentCurrent certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), or certification within 30 days of hire.

Ability to conduct himself/herself in a professional manner.

Ability to use sound judgment, tact and dependability.

Excellent organizational, customer service and reading comprehension skills.

Ability to communicate effectively and work well with all levels of hospital personnel.

Proficiency in information technology skills (including Microsoft Office software, e-mail and calendar); proven record of effectively learning and utilizing computer systems and technology.

Some college level training in a health or science related degree (e.g., Respiratory Therapy Program student), or previous work experience in a similar position.

Knowledge of all basic respiratory care techniquesActive membership in the AARC and MSRCACLSThe employee will be able to perform the assigned duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations:

Ability to promote and teach service excellence, diversity, guest relations and clinical care among staff, students, patients, families and visitorsConsiderable physical and mental effort in job duties, i.e., assisting patients, moving equipment, lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, twisting, walking, long periods of standing, comforting and emotionally supporting patients and families.

Frequent use and exposure to disinfectant agents and hand cleaners.

Ability to function appropriately in emergency situations.

The position may be prone to fatigue and infrequent opportunities for relaxation.

Ability to communicate/exchange information; read, write, spe