Respiratory Care Practitioner - Transport

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Job Description

General Summary:

The Transport Respiratory Care Practitioner will provide the respiratory management required to stabilize and transport critically ill patients to Lurie Children’s. The Transport RCP will maintain all respiratory transport equipment and supplies in good working order. Educational opportunities will include the training of new employees, in servicing staff on new equipment and techniques, writing newsletter articles and helping to coordinate the Transport Team conference. Customer service, communication and public relations are key aspects of this position.

This role will work 3x12 night shifts, self-scheduling with your team, and will cover every 3rd weekend.

Essential Job Functions:

Clinical:

• Obtains pertinent data regarding the health status of the patient to be transported through communication with the transport nurse and referring hospital, patient assessment, records and x-rays.
• Collaborates with transport nurse to determine team composition, equipment needed, and the mode of transportation for safe and expedient transport based on protocol and the immediate/potential physical condition of the patient.
• Collaborates with team members to formulate a plan of care related to identified patient problems and desired outcomes of transport, as well as potential emergency situations.
• Identifies and prioritizes appropriate respiratory stabilization measures based upon patient assessment and protocol. Establishes and maintains artificial airways, including endotracheal tubes, LMAs and tracheostomies.
• Determines appropriate parameters for mechanical ventilation and monitors effectiveness via blood gas analysis, end-tidal CO2 monitoring and pulse oximetry.
• Obtains blood samples for diagnostic analysis through arterial punctures, arterial line draws or capillary/venous sampling.
• Evaluates the patient’s progress through continuous observation and assessment of responses to interventions, treatments, and therapies. Revises the plan of care according to changes in patient needs.
• Implements a plan of care that includes participation and education of the patient and family as well as referring healthcare team as appropriate.
• Assists the transport nurse in any medical interventions deemed necessary, including but not limited to umbilical line insertion, chest tube placement, intraosseus needle insertion, NG placement, intravenous catheter insertion and CPR.
• Assists the transport nurse in transport preparation and restocking of equipment and supplies.
• Provides the respiratory support for traumas and codes in the Emergency Department.
• Other job functions as assigned.

Safety:

• Maintains transport equipment and instrumentation in good working order and a constant state of readiness.
• Evaluates new equipment and provides input into budget.
• Correctly utilizes the appropriate equipment as indicated by the patient assessment and plan of care.
• Establishes and maintains a safe and therapeutic environment in which to provide optimum care and transport.
• Demonstrates awareness of legal issues in all aspects of patient care and transport.
• Strives to anticipate and appropriately manage risks.

Knowledge Base/Technical Skills:

• Demonstrates base knowledge and use of transport protocols in the care and decision making for transported patients.
• Demonstrates competency in expanded role skills of transport as well as comprehensive critical care respiratory skills.
• Performs effectively in emergency situations following protocols and informing appropriate persons.

Customer Service:

• Communicates patient’s condition and need for transport with the parents.
• Utilizes a family centered approach when interacting with family.
• Actively protects patient’s rights as identified by policy.
• Understands customer service as it relates to all healthcare professional interactions.
• Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers, and others.

Leadership:

• Collaborates and communicates plan of care with other team members, referring hospital staff and Lurie Children’s staff.
• Role models communication standards.
• Demonstrates team building skills.
• Strives for collegial working relationships.
• Mentors team members.
• Assists others in the development of critical thinking skills.
• Provides education, formally and informally, to patients, family members and members of the healthcare team.

Professional Development:

• Identifies and evaluates progress toward yearly goals for self as they relate to Hospital goals.
• Seeks opportunities to develop as a professional and transport therapist including conference attendance, skills lab, OR experience, annual team education and team committee participation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Licensed as a respiratory care practitioner by the State of Illinois. B.S. preferred.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (NPS) preferred upon hire. Obtain within 1 year of hire.
• Three years of recent Neonatal or Pediatric Critical Care (NICU/PICU) required, preferably cross trained to both. Equivalent experience in an adult ICU may be considered as part of the three years. Intubation experience preferred.
• Demonstrates leadership qualities and capacity for independent judgment and action as evident in performance appraisals.
• Demonstrates ability to educate and effectively communicate with patients/families, physicians and hospital staff.
• Basic Life Support Certification required. NRP/PALS and ACLS preferred and will be required within one year of hire on the team. Transport Respiratory Care Practitioners are required to obtain C-NPT within two years of hire. Certifications are intended to be maintained throughout their tenure.
• Capable of performing MEDIUM work. Must be able to carry 40 pounds at a time, with frequent lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds. Requires good overall physical health and body agility to enter/exit ambulance, helicopter, and fixed wing aircraft. Frequently required to lift, push, pull equipment and patients.

Working Conditions:

Reasonable likelihood of regular occupational exposure to pathogens during the performance of assigned duties. Subject to hazards of flammable and explosive gases. Frequent exposure to hazards of riding in ambulance in congested traffic under various weather conditions. Frequent exposure to hazards of flying in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Potential exposure to environmental hazards such as: extreme temperature changes, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and noise pollution. Requires no smoking during scheduled shifts. Must be able to work flexible shifts. Reasonable likelihood of working beyond scheduled end of shift due to completion of a transport.

General Understanding and Nature of the Position Description:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job classification. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills of personnel so classified.

Education:

Associate's Degree: Respiratory Therapy (Required) (BLS) - Basic Life Support - American Heart Association, (CRT) - Certified Respiratory Therapist - National Board for Respiratory Care, (RRT) - Registered Respiratory Therapist - National Board for Respiratory Care.

Benefit Statement:

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance.

Employer paid group term life and disability.

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account.

Flexible Spending Accounts.

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.

403(b) with a 5% employer match.

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability.
• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage.
• Tuition assistance.
• Student loan servicing and support.
• Adoption benefits.
• Backup Childcare and Eldercare.
• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members.
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities.
• Discount purchasing program.

There’s a Place for You with Us:

At Lurie Children’s we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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