Respiratory Therapy Technician

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job Summary

The Respiratory Technician position within the Adult Respiratory Care Department assesses the care needs regarding basic therapies of patients for whom respiratory care services are ordered. They initiate and perform basic respiratory care techniques and blood gas analysis. As part of the healthcare inpatient team, Respiratory Technicians work closely with respiratory therapists, nurses and other hospital staff in delivery patient services and assuring safety. *Shift is 7:00 pm to 7:30 am.

Responsibilities*

• If assigned patient care duties, Respiratory Therapy Technicians must complete training and demonstrate proficiency in all competencies, age-specific or otherwise, that are required of practitioners who are delivering patient services.
• If assigned patient care duties, Respiratory Therapy Technicians perform basic respiratory care techniques such as:
• Sputum inductions
• Medication Administration
• Aerosol and oxygen therapy
• Analysis of blood gases and electrolytes from arterial/venous samples
• Calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzers
• Performs and reviews quality controls on blood gas analyzers
• Performs proficiency testing
• Documents analytical measurements
• Monitors temperature and humidity in blood gas labs
• EKG diagnostic testing
• Equipment rounds and compressed gas cylinder management
• Basic ventilatory parameters
• Patient education
• Assists in performing intra-tracheal aspiration
• Stocks and maintains designated areas with appropriate respiratory care equipment.
• Re-processing of moveable equipment/devices, including inlet gaskets.
• Set-up and testing of equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP, nitric oxide delivery machines and other medical devices.
• Responsible for learning new technical devices and clinical procedures when applicable.
• Provides report on pertinent observations of patient status to oncoming shift and/or shift supervisor when assigned patient care duties.
• Attends shift and general staff meetings (including huddle).
• Follows procedures for accurate and complete entries on medical-legal documents and the patient?s electronic medical record and credits reports for mislabeled patient tests.
• Adheres to CLIA/CAP, department and Michigan Medicine policies and procedures.
• Adhere to Joint Commission guidelines.
• Provides equipment support, checks and preventive maintenance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Completes continuing education units or professional development credits annually, including department and Michigan Medicine mandatory competencies within required timeframes or as specified by the department's continuing education program.
• Contributes to a positive and inclusive work community by building trusting partnerships with colleagues, continually learning, creating impactful experiences, and working with a sense of ownership for outcomes.
• Continuously interacts with respect, dignity, and in a manner where individuals feel their perspectives are welcomed.
• Consistently exhibits active listening skills, values feedback, and a commitment to learning from the perspectives of others.
• Patient and Family Centered Care
• Maintains a patient-centric care perspective, including:
• Actively engaging and building rapport and trust with the patient and family, as applicable, exhibiting respect and dignity
• Sharing information in a timely and unbiased manner, and
• Creating a welcoming environment that encourages open participation by patients and family members to achieve shared decision making.
• Collaborates with other members of the team, including the patient and family, to achieve the ideal patient care experience.
  
  

Required Qualifications*

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), or certification within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to conduct himself/herself in a professional manner.
• Ability to use sound judgment, tact and dependability.
• Excellent organizational, customer service and reading comprehension skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work well with all levels of hospital personnel.
• Proficiency in information technology skills (including Microsoft Office software, e-mail and calendar); proven record of effectively learning and utilizing computer systems and technology.
  
  
  

Desired Qualifications*

• Some college level training in a health or science related degree (e.g., Respiratory Therapy Program student), or previous work experience in a similar position.
• Knowledge of all basic respiratory care techniques
• Active membership in the AARC and MSRC
• ACLS
  
  
  

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings
  
  
  

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The employee will be able to perform the assigned duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Ability to promote and teach service excellence, diversity, guest relations and clinical care among staff, students, patients, families and visitors
• Considerable physical and mental effort in job duties, i.e., assisting patients, moving equipment, lifting, pulling, pushing, bending, twisting, walking, long periods of standing, comforting and emotionally supporting patients and families.
• Frequent use and exposure to disinfectant agents and hand cleaners.
• Ability to function appropriately in emergency situations.
• The position may be prone to fatigue and infrequent opportunities for relaxation.
• Ability to communicate/exchange information; read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Functional visual acuity and hearing for accurate assessment and recording of patient observations and information in clinical records.
• Manual dexterity to perform required procedure activity proficiently and safely.
• Seven days per week work schedules including weekends, holiday rotations and on-call assignment
  
  
  

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.