NI-Respiratory Therapist, Diagnostic

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

Entity:

Illinois

Job Code:

NI-3084AC

Job Title:

NI-Respiratory Therapist, Diagnostic

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic provides diagnostic testing, education, treatment, and respiratory services for patients and families in a variety of care settings across UW Health (such as the Pulmonary Function Labs, outpatient clinic areas and inpatient floors.  This position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work with the inter-disciplinary team to ensure high quality patient care.

The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic performs routine testing (such as spirometry, lung volumes and diffusion) on inpatients and outpatients (pediatrics to geriatrics) as well as research subjects.  As experience and proficiency develops, the Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic will be expected to learn and perform advanced testing procedures, monitor and implement changes in care or practice, and recommend methods to improve service quality.

The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic must effectively communicate with patients to elicit appropriate responses in order to derive meaningful cardiopulmonary data. The clinician regularly incorporates multiple problem-solving strategies to obtain and report reliable patient data and collaborates with physicians to assure optimal and cost-effective medical treatment strategies are determined.

The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic works closely with all members of the patient care team including patients, families, physicians and durable medical equipment (DME) providers.  The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic possesses a high degree of knowledge regarding disease management and guidelines, managed care, federal reimbursement regulations, and DME for the home. The clinician acts as a resource to health care professionals and DME providers ensuring orders are concurrent with policies and procedures. The clinician participates in direct patient care and offers clinical expertise in assessment, recommendations, and implementation of care plans/equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Clinical

Provides age and culturally appropriate assessment/screening, interpretation of clinical and laboratory data and develops and implements age appropriate interventional and plans of care including education within the parameters of his/her position responsibilities and licensure.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Graduate of an AMA accredited educational program for Respiratory Care.

Required

1 year

experience with Pulmonary Function Diagnostics.

Preferred

2 years

experience in Respiratory Care, including ICU.

Preferred

Current licensure from the State of Illinois as a Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner.

Required

BLS/CPR Certified.

Required

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Required

Current CPFT or RPFT certification preferred; must be obtained within 1 year of hire.

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

•

Thorough understanding of the latest ATS/ERS guidelines.

•

Ability to effectively educate others.

•

Ability to perform advanced Respiratory Therapy procedures independently.

•

Ability to troubleshoot and possesses effective problem-solving skills.

•

Extensive knowledge of home respiratory equipment.

•

Knowledge of current disease management guidelines.

•

Excellent verbal and written skills.

•

Effective time management and organizational skills.

•

Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with a variety of professionals and home care companies.

•

Ability to display leadership and professionalism.

•

Ability to interpret selective laboratory and diagnostic tests.

•

Ability to collaborate with all members of the healthcare team and external customers.

•

Demonstrates ability for complex clinical decision making.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Standing

X

Walking

X

Climbing

X

Bending

X

Crouching

X

Pushing / Pulling

X

Carry

X

Fine Hand / Eye Coordination

X

Color Discrimination

X

Hearing Ability

X

Lifting / Lowering 1 -15 lbs.

X

15 - 30 lbs.

X

30 - 50 lbs.

X

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Concentration on Detail

X

Attention Span of 1 + Hours on a Task

X

Ability to Remember Multiple Tasks

X

Oral Communication

X

Written Communication

X

Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids

X

Exposure to Toxins, Cytotoxins, Poisons

X

Exposure to Extreme Heat, Cold, Temp Fluctuations

X

Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

X

Exposure to Radiation

X

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.