Senior Respiratory Therapist (PICU primary)- University Campus (100%)

UI Health Care is seeking a full-time Sr. Respiratory Therapist which will primarily be assigned to the PICU. To be responsible for the delivery of respiratory care, including ventilation, medical gas therapy, medicated aerosol therapy, pulmonary hygiene, blood gas sampling and analysis, non-invasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring, and to supervise the implementation of respiratory care in the patient care units.  Provide critical care expertise, education, routine shift staffing and shift operations relief. 

Selected candidates will be eligible for a $10,000 sign-on incentive if all qualifications are met including a minimum two-year commitment. Current UI employees are not eligible.

Shift: Combination of 2--8 hour shifts and 2--12 hour day shifts. Includes every third weekend and holidays.

Percent of Time:100%.

PICU Senior Therapist Duties

• Direct and supervise the implementation of Respiratory Therapy care of patients in each work area serviced by the Respiratory Therapy Department.
• Provide information, assistance and direction to respiratory therapists, technicians, students and other departmental staff.
• Assign and prioritize coverage for the services during a specific work period by determining the most effective and efficient use of Respiratory Therapy Personnel, replacing or supplementing staff.
• Responsible for the identification of respiratory care shift or area problems, taking appropriate corrective action or referral of problem to appropriate supervisor.
• Assist in the development and presentation of continuing education programs.
• Assure adequate inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for the proper operation of the services within area of assignment.
• Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
• Supervises the delivery of respiratory care for a specific work period or a specific work area.
• Assigns staff coverage to provide services during a specific work period.
• Prioritizes workloads in relation to the available staff resources.
• Documents and initials scheduling changes on the Master Staff Schedule.
• Completes at least two rounds per shift.
• Presents a comprehensive and accurate report to oncoming supervisors.
• Assesses staffing needs for on-coming shift and secures adequate staffing.
• Collaborates with the supervisory and other senior staff to implement policy/ procedure.
• Identifies and communicates problems to the area and shift supervisors.
• Assures established inventories for equipment and supplies are maintained.
• Consults with physicians in the development and implementation of respiratory care.
• Provide training and education to the unit physician and nursing staff as needed.
• PALS instructor for respiratory therapists assigned to pediatric units
• Participate in PICU Quality and Safety meetings.
• Participate in Code Blue and Rapid Response reviews.

Institutes and Provides Mechanical Ventilation

• Sets up and checks out ventilators for stand-by according to department procedure
• Consults with physicians to implement appropriate initial ventilator settings with regard to patient condition and age in relation to training.
• Performs complete ventilator checks at the designated times.
• Demonstrates an understanding of all mo