Develops, implements and evaluates educational programs for Pulmonary Services staff, students, agency personnel, nursing units and other appropriate areas within Memorial Medical Center.  Maintains a close working relationship with Educational Resources in order to assure organization wide standards of education, orientation and competency.  Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.

Schedule

Full Time, Variable Shift

Every other weekend

Education:

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Respiratory Therapist registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care and current Illinois License.
• Current CPR certification.

Experience:

• Three to five years of progressive clinical experience with advanced clinical expertise in respiratory therapy, clinical experience in sleep disorders and/or pulmonary function testing is also desirable

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates the ability to provide respiratory care and therapy to patients of all ages and conditions, including intensive care, neonatal, and pediatric patients.
• Writing skills necessary to prepare well-written, thorough proposals and educational materials.
• Educational experience in preparation of education material and presentation preferred.
• Participation in professional society with American Association of Respiratory Care membership preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing practice and work process changes
• Computer experience using writing, presentation, and e-mail software preferred.
• Maintains active practice appointment as Respiratory Therapist I or II in the care of pulmonary care patients.

1. Coordinates educational programs in Pulmonary Services; conducts needs assessment and determines content, format, schedule, location and speakers. Develops and revises content, materials and maintains records.

2. Collaborates with department leadership to plan, develop, implement and evaluate orientation and staff development.

3. Share accountability for development of annual clinical competencies in collaboration with staff, preceptors and management.

4. Follows and enforces safety rules, instructions and procedures of the Respiratory Therapy Department and hospital to contain and minimize the spread of infection.

5. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

• SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others.
• COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude.
• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results.
• EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

6. Maintains the security and confidentiality of all patient records and information.

7. Measures and administers prescribed medications, such as oxygen and aerosolized medications to patients. Administers the following procedures or therapies:  EZPAP, humidity and aerosol, chest physical therapy, incentive spirometry, TB skin test, pulse oximetry and bedside pulmonary function/mechanics.

8. Assesses patient’s condition and responses to respiratory therapy by checking pulse, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, inspiratory pressure, cough, sputum, breath sounds and other pertinent data related to patients. Recognizes and treats adverse reactions and emergency situations arising during treat.

9. Recognizes and responds to the signs of cardiopulmonary arrest and/or failure and life-threatening arrhythmias during EKGs. As necessary assists in performing and/or initiating CPR.

10. Records procedures, patient responses and medication administration in compliance with departmental documentation requirements. Relays same information orally or in writing to management and/or other Therapists as shift changes occur.

11. Performs arterial punctures using approved criteria and maintains competency through annual reviews.

12. Performs nasal and tracheal suctioning of patients and obtains tracheal secretions for culture.

13. Performs CPR procedures as a part of the Stat Code Team.

14. Maintains monitors and provides respiratory care to patients on continuous mechanical ventilators.

15. Provides respiratory care to ICU patients (including lung auscultation); recommends or obtains ABG samples, x-rays, O2 and other respiratory care procedures as patient condition warrants. Alerts the appropriate staff of any changes in patient condition.

16. May perform endotracheal intubation, assist physician in performance of bronchoscopy or participate in patient sedation and monitoring if credentialed through annual competency review.

17. Collaborates and shares clinical information with the multidisciplinary health team to achieve evidence-based care and outcomes.

18. Evaluate clinical practice environment for strengths and challenges to orientation, quality of care and profession development of staff.

19. Monitors practice standards and facilitate intervention based on quality improvement, competency and outcomes data relevant to operation goals determined by Memorial Medical Center strategic plan, Patient Care Services and Pulmonary Services objectives. Promotes and assists in maintaining standards/competencies of patient care.

20. Assures the development and revision of policies and procedures and associated teaching tools in area of responsibility with input from key stakeholders.

21. Role models clinical expertise in the care of patients and their families.

22. Mentors and coaches staff members and students in developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.

23. Develops student programs and arranges their clinical experiences to meet educational objectives

24. Guides department staff in the clinical instruction of respiratory therapy students, new employees and contract employees, including in serving as clinical preceptor.

25. Assures that JCAHO educational standards are met.

26. Assures completion of BLS training for all staff members.

27. Understands essential components of department Policy and Procedures and assists in the updating process, including education of staff to maintain compliance.

28. Demonstrates a commitment to customer service, as well as behavior that enhances the image of the department and the organization.

29. Serves as a change agent and leader to implement evidence based practices and redesigned work processes into the department.

30. Performs other related work as required or requested.