Respiratory Therapist - NICU

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Position responsible for the respiratory care clinical leadership and management of the selected service lines including program development, performance improvement activities, clinical quality monitoring and ensuring positive physician relationships; position responsible for recommending therapeutic and diagnostic procedures for patients with respiratory disorders, including patients in adult and/or pediatric/neonatal critical care units; functions as a resource to RCPI/RCPII/RCPIII. Participates and leads advanced patient education; is actively involved in departmental operations.

Location: Memorial City, NICU
Shift: FT, Nights
* Prior NICU experience a plus

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor’s degree preferred

Licenses/Certification: 

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred.
• Current and unrestricted Respiratory Care Practitioner License with the State of Texas required
• BCLS and one (1) of the following: ACLS, PALS, NRP, CPFT, RPFT, RPSGT, Asthma Certified Educator, NRP Instructor, ACLS Instructor, PALS Instructor or CPR Instructor.

Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

• RCP I <1 year
• RCP II = 1-3 years
• RCP III = 3-10 years
• RCP IV = 10+ years
• Four (4) years of critical care experience, preferred.
• The position requires occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds; prolonged standing; frequent walking, stooping and squatting.
• Fine hand dexterity, eye-hand coordination, the ability to receive oral and written communication, and to communicate verbally and in writing are also necessary.
• Visual ability to monitor instruments, computers and equipment, recognize alphanumeric characters, distinguish colors and observe physical characteristics are essential to this position.
• Ability to commit to elected commitment schedule, with flexibility in scheduling and in moving within patient care areas when necessary.

Principal Accountabilities

• Performs duties in a manner to promote quality patient care and customer service/satisfaction, while promoting safety, cost efficiency, and a commitment to the CQI process.
• Performs respiratory care, quality assurance problem solving and take appropriate actions. 
• Performs respiratory care procedures: administers medical gases, humidifiers and aerosols for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes according to advanced skills check-off for RCP II. Conducts advanced patient education per skills check-off.
• Takes and follows verbal treatment orders from physicians in administering drugs and medications to the cardiopulmonary system of patients. Evaluates treatment program, results and takes appropriate action.
• Performs the following: patient assessment, interpret arterial blood gases, pulmonary function testing, hemodynamics and chest x-rays as indicated in skills check-off for RCP II.
• Develops respiratory care plan and make recommendations for patient management. Serve as a resource person to RCP I.
• Communicates effectively with professional colleagues. Manages time effectively. Documents appropriately in the medical records and completes other documentation duties accurately and efficiently according to policies and procedures.
• Participates in the evaluation of new respiratory care equipment.
• Remain current in respiratory care through continuing education, participation in in-service training, and review of journals. Conducts inter and intradepartmental respiratory care in-services at least once a year to patients, staff, hospital, system or to the community.
• Adhere to commit to the agreed upon supplemental schedule set forth.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.