POSITION SUMMARY:

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (NICU) is a highly specialized advanced level clinician with training specific to the care of pediatric and neonatal patients during ground critical care transport. This clinician must work in close collaboration with the critical care transport nurse and medical control physician to provide care. They must have exemplary communication and customer service skills as a front-line representative of UW Health.

The priority of the position will be to assure that the Critical Care Transport Ambulance equipment, and supplies are always in a state of readiness. The Registered Respiratory Therapist (NICU) will assist with writing transport policies and procedures in addition to the implementation of protocols and will also provide education and training to healthcare professionals within UW Health and outlying community hospitals.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Minimum:

• Graduate of a Commission of Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) Accredited Program for Respiratory Therapy

Preferred:

• N/A

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Minimum:

• Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in the state of Illinois
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Basic Life Support/CPR Certification
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire
• Obtain Neonatal Pediatric Specialty (NPS) Certification within 2 years of employment

Preferred:

• Perinatal Pediatric Respiratory Care Practitioner

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum:

• Two years of experience as a staff therapist, including work with neonatal and/or pediatric critical care patients

Preferred:

• Experience working in a patient transport environment

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to provide complete critical care in the absence of a physician
• Clinical expertise in patient assessment and monitoring
• Clinical expertise in interpretation of blood gases and lab values
• Clinical expertise in mechanical ventilation and administration of nitric oxide
• Critical thinking skills
• Ability to quickly and correctly assess and provide appropriate care based on a situation
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with team members, UW Health medical staff, community facility staff, patients, and families
• Ability to acquire and maintain advanced skills such as proficiency in performing basic airway management
• Demonstrates positive working relationships with other departments
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the values of self and others
• Ability to be flexible with work schedules