What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Respiratory Therapist - Contingent Variable Shifts position at Henry Ford Health - Careers?
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for delivering critical life-support services, resuscitative care, diagnostic testing, and medical gas therapies to patients across Intensive Care Units (ICU) and General Practice Units. This role requires clinical proficiency, flexibility across departments, and excellent communication with patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams.
You will also supervise, guide, and delegate tasks to support staff such as Respiratory Therapists, orientees, externs, and students. Accurate documentation and billing are essential to this role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team.
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Provide direct patient care 100% of the time while on shift.
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Delegate appropriate tasks to support personnel with clear instructions and ongoing oversight.
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Participate actively in daily bedside rounds and multidisciplinary communications.
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Maintain high standards of care and adhere to departmental protocols and best practices.
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Demonstrate clinical competency in advanced respiratory procedures, including life support, monitoring, and diagnostics.
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Provide coverage across various inpatient departments as assigned.
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Stay informed of advancements in respiratory care through continuing education, in-services, professional associations, and conferences.
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Perform cleaning, maintenance, and calibration of respiratory equipment as needed.
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Accurately document patient interventions and outcomes in accordance with departmental standards and timelines.
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Uphold patient safety, confidentiality, and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapist program.
- Bachelors in Respiratory Therapy preferred, Associate of Science Degree, minimum
- Recent graduate of a Respiratory Therapy school or two years of recent Respiratory
- Therapist experience in a Tertiary Hospital.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:
- Registration with the National Board of Respiratory Care.
- Current License - Respiratory Therapist in the State of Michigan
- Newly graduated therapists will be allowed 90 days from the date of graduation to complete their registration with the National Board of Respiratory Care and to obtain a State of Michigan Respiratory Therapist License. If not obtained, will be terminated.
- Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the HFHS’ Customer Service Policy
- Must practice the customer skills as provided through on-going training and in-services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work performed in a patient care setting and blood-analysis laboratories with potential exposure to communicable disease.
- Wash, clean and disinfect soiled medical equipment.
- Work with pressurized piped-in and bottled medical gases.
- Incorrect lifting, moving and use of equipment could result in personal, patient and/or equipment injury.
- Must be able to constantly move, lift patients, help push patients on hospital beds, and move heavy equipment across the Hospital.
- Limited noise, temperature fluctuation and dust are possible
