Registered Respiratory Therapist FT ACC/PICU Nights 7p-7a 72hr/pp - Bronson Methodist Hospital

Location: Bronson Methodist Hospital (BMH)

About the role

Under general supervision from the Respiratory Manager and/or Director, and in accordance with organizational policies and guidelines, the Registered Respiratory Therapist routinely functions in patient care areas of the hospital. This role follows provider prescriptions and/or established policies and procedures to initiate and administer respiratory care to patients with cardiopulmonary abnormalities and deficiencies. The therapist serves as a resource for providers, nurses, and other hospital team members regarding advanced respiratory diagnosis and rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Supports the mission, vision, and values of the hospital.
• Works safely and ensures environmental hazards are addressed for staff and patients.
• Provides respiratory therapy and communicates findings to appropriate personnel.
• Evaluates objective and subjective patient information logically and thoroughly, discussing conclusions with providers and nurses to resolve issues promptly.
• Evaluates blood gases (invasive and non-invasive) and suggests therapy changes based on results.
• Communicates ventilator recommendations to providers and nursing based on patient evaluation and blood gases.
• Ensures provider orders are complete and administers therapy accordingly.
• Performs all respiratory therapies (age-specific) in accordance with provider orders, protocols, or guidelines.
• Explains therapy to patients based on age and learning capabilities.
• Assesses patient response to therapy and modifies treatment according to protocols.
• Administers, assesses, and titrates oxygen therapy.
• Notifies management, nursing, and providers of adverse patient reactions.
• Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and assists with “Code Blue” as necessary, following BLS, ACLS, NRP, and PALS guidelines.
• Assists with or performs tracheal intubation (if competency is complete).
• Maintains artificial airways (e.g., endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes) per department policy.
• Ensures stability and security of artificial airways, including repositioning as needed.
• Utilizes infant and pediatric resuscitation equipment appropriately in emergencies.
• Assists with patient and family education alongside the healthcare team.
• Performs basic pulmonary function testing, EKGs, arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2 monitoring, and transcutaneous oximetry.
• Assists with bedside bronchoscopies, intubations, and extubations per department policies.
• Performs naso-tracheal, endo-tracheal, tracheal suction, and sample collections.
• Assists with patient transport (walking, wheelchair, gurney, or crib) for safe continuum of care, including ambulance transports between facilities.

Standards of Professional Performance

• Accurately communicates patient diagnosis and therapy during shift change reports.
• Ensures accurate patient charging for all therapies performed.
• Supervises and instructs Respiratory Care students, completing required preceptor training.
• Adapts to fluctuations in patient census and workload, including working overtime or adjusting shift hours as needed.
• Maintains and cleans respiratory equipment to ensure readiness and supply availability.
• Orients and instructs new personnel, nursing staff, students, and respiratory team members on procedures.
• Attends in-services, online learning, and meets minimal education requirements without prompting.
• Participates in departmental and hospital-wide process improvement activities.
• Actively engages in quality assurance and organizational performance improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy (AS); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Current Respiratory Therapist license in the State of Michigan.
• For hires after 2004, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials required within 1 year of hire.
• Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program (certificate, diploma, or AS degree) and 5 years of experience (Bachelor’s preferred).
• Certifications: BLS (required within 3 months of hire), ACLS, PALS, and AAP-NRP (required within 1 year of hire, site-specific).

Physical Demands

• Work involves mental and visual fatigue typical of roles with frequent, significant deadlines.
• Up to 40% of time may involve operating a personal computer or CRT.
• Requires considerable standing, walking, and regular lifting of light-weight objects (up to 50 pounds).
• Assists with heavier tasks, including lifting and moving patients.
• Occasionally stoops, crouches, or kneels and moves quickly to gather equipment or respond to emergencies.
• Assumes minor straining or fatiguing positions and performs fatiguing physical motions.

Customer Service

Demonstrates adherence to Bronson’s “Commitment to Customer Service,” including Commitment Statements, Quality Service Standards, and the Interaction Process (Service Recovery “AAA Action Plan”).

Age-Specific Competencies

Must demonstrate competencies necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the population served.

Pay

• Sign-On Bonus (External Candidates Only): Up to $5,000.00
• Retention Bonus (External Candidates Only): $10,000.00

Schedule

• Full-time, 12-hour night shift (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM).
• 72 hours per pay period.
• Scheduled weekly hours: 36.