NI-Therapist, Registered Resp (NICU)

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

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

7/24/2025

Entity:

Illinois

Job Code:

NI-3322AC

Job Title:

NI-Therapist, Registered Resp (NICU)

Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (NICU) is a highly specialized advanced level clinician with training specific to the care of pediatric and neonatal patients during ground critical care transport. This clinician must work in close collaboration with the critical care transport nurse and medical control physician to provide care. They must have exemplary communication and customer service skills as a front-line representative of UW Health.

The priority of the position will be to assure that the Critical Care Transport Ambulance equipment, and supplies are always in a state of readiness. The Registered Respiratory Therapist (NICU) will assist with writing transport policies and procedures in addition to the implementation of protocols and will also provide education and training to healthcare professionals within UW Health and outlying community hospitals.   

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

•

Provides complete patient care during inter-hospital transports in conjunction with fellow team members.

•

Completes patient assignments and stabilizes transport patients.

•

Sets priorities, adapting to changing patient situations and initiating action to reduce or correct risk in response to data indicating urgent and/or emergent risk.

•

Performs diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, including but not limited to the interpretation of blood gases and lab values, management of mechanical ventilation and high frequency oscillatory ventilation (in patient not on transport), and administration of nitric oxide and continuous nebulizers.

•

Represents UW Health to outlying healthcare facilities with superb communication and customer service.

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Assists in writing or revising transport policies and procedures, education, and competencies.

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Leads or participates in Outreach Education as necessary.

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Presents and demonstrates basic pediatric assessments to pediatric “mega-codes”.

•

Participates in or conducts research as necessary.

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Provides orientation, education, and support to new staff regarding the department and services provided.

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As needed, supervises the work of other therapists, technicians, or students to ensure effective patient care.

•

Incorporates standards of practice and clinical practice protocols to maximize clinical effectiveness.

•

Utilizes technology effectively to support practice and efficiencies in care delivery.

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Implements practice protocols relevant to patient population.

•

Uses research findings in practice.

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Initiates multidisciplinary collaboration to positively impact the outcomes of health provided.

•

Initiates steps to support and enhance the patient’s responsibility and self-determination in decision making concerning health, treatment, and wellbeing.

•

Acquires and maintains current knowledge and clinical specialty and assumes responsibility of the professional development of self, other nursing staff, and students.

ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

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 a Commission of Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) Accredited Program for Respiratory Therapy.

Required

2 years

experience as a staff therapist, including work with neonatal and/or pediatric critical care patients.

Required

Experience working in a patient transport environment.

Preferred

Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in the state of Illinois.

Required

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

Required

Basic Life Support/CPR Certification.

Required

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire.

Required

Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Required

Neonatal Pediatric Specialty (NPS) Certification.

Preferred

•

Ability to provide complete critical care in the absence of a physician.

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Clinical expertise in patient assessment and monitoring.

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Clinical expertise in interpretation of blood gases and lab values.

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Clinical expertise in mechanical ventilation and administration of nitric oxide.

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Critical thinking skills.

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Ability to quickly and correctly assess and provide appropriate care based on a situation.

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Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with team members, UW Health medical staff, community facility staff, patients, and families.

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Ability to acquire and maintain advanced skills such as proficiency in performing basic airway management.

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Demonstrates positive working relationships with other departments.

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Demonstrates sensitivity to the values of self and others.

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Ability to be flexible with work schedules.

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

Other - Working with patients in crisis who may be volatile and potentially violent.

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.