Job Details

Job Title: Lead Respiratory Care Practitioner

Department/Location: Respiratory Care / Chicago, IL

Shifts: 7:00 pm - 7:00 am, including rotating weekends and holidays

Full-time (72 hours per pay period) benefit eligible

FTE: 0.9

Req. Number: 1398

**** $10,000 Sign-on Bonus ****

The Lead Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) reports to the Manager of Respiratory Care Services - Chicago, or to the Director of Respiratory Care Services at Hinsdale. The Lead RCP functions in a dual capacity as both a clinical RCP and as the first level of supervision for the Respiratory Care staff. As a clinician, the RCP follows the direction of the medical staff and established policies, procedures and standards of care to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the delivery of respiratory care services to patients. The RCP provides age and developmentally appropriate care to adult and geriatric patients. As a first line shift supervisor, the RCP also plans, organizes, and coordinates staff activities and department resources.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Exemplifies the RML REACH (Service Excellence) culture by demonstrating respect, excellence, appreciation, concern and honor in all interactions with patients, families and co-workers, and as identified in departmental and hospital wide behavioral expectations.

2. In addition to the specifics of this role, the Lead RCP meets all expectations and performs all functions as described in the staff RCP job description. May be assigned to provide direct patient care when not assigned to the Lead RCP role.

3. The Lead RCP coordinates matters related to staffing for their shift:

   • Makes staff assignments and accurately enters them into the OptiLink assignment module so that an accurate record of patient assignments will be maintained.

   • Schedules and monitors compliance with breaks and lunches, and staff trips off unit.

   • Receives staff call-ins and calls confirming/canceling agency staff. Enters all changes accurately into the OptiLink scheduling module.

   • Staffs the following shift: assesses patient acuity and census, determines resources needed, compares to staff on schedule, cancels excess staff or make calls to staff and/or agencies to obtain additional staff.

   • Arranges for and re-assigns staff for patient off-campus transports.

4. Provides clinical direction and support:

   • Responds to codes and critical patients.

   • Performs initial investigation and ensures reporting of incidents.

   • Assists with patient procedures as needed, such as in-house ventilation transports, etc.

   • Takes a patient assignment consistent with that shift's combination of patient needs and available resources, if necessary.

   • Assists with admissions.

   • Completes the shift summary report and forwards to department manager or director.

   • Provides a thorough report to subsequent Lead RCP.

5. Oversees the management of the blood gas lab and stat electrolytic testing on their shift. Coordinates compliance and ensures accuracy of blood gas machine quality controls and maintenance. Runs proficiency tests as directed. Reports problems to the department manager or director.

6. Coordinates continuity of care within and between shifts; knows unique patient and family needs; directs staff RCPs to ensure that patient and family needs are addressed.

7. Consults with physicians and clinical supervisor regarding problems, concerns, care issues, equipment needs, policies and procedures. Communicates effectively with other disciplines and departments: pharmacy, care coordination, engineering, Material Services, etc.

8. Assists in coordinating and in providing patient education, especially home discharge training, related to respiratory needs.

9. Holds staff accountable and participates in staff development:

   • Re-directs staff, and intervenes to correct behavior as needed.

   • Provides staff education (just-in-time, patient specific) and coverage for staff to attend educational events.

   • Participates in precepting new RML staff; ensures orientation of Agency staff.

10. Supports effective supply and equipment management:

    • Ensures ventilators are cleaned, tested and prepared for patient use.

    • Provides input on supply and capital equipment needs.

    • Assists in the evaluation of new supplies or equipment.

11. Ensures accurate charge capture by staff.

12. Participates in performance improvement activities and quality audits. Identifies opportunities for improvement in patient safety and collaborates with staff and department manager for implementation. Implements all applicable components of patient safety goals.

13. Provides feedback on staff performance to manager or director for staff evaluation.

14. Responsible for supporting a safe work environment for self and others, by reporting unsafe conditions, and by using appropriate safe work practices such as proper body mechanics and applicable safety devices (eye and face protection, patient lift and transfer equipment, safety needles and sharps disposal, PPE, etc.)

15. Performs other related functions as assigned by the department manager or director.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS

MINIMUM

PREFERRED

Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of respiratory care procedures, equipment and respiratory pharmacological agents to recommend and perform therapy.

• The clinical knowledge and technical skills to work with high technology equipment and computers.

• The interpersonal skills necessary to positively interact with patients, families, physicians and other members of the health care team.

• The physical ability for almost constant standing, walking, lifting, and moving patients and patient care equipment.

• The ability to perform effectively and efficiently under the pressure of stressful and/or emergency situations.

• The ability to work in a team setting to assign, direct and check the work of staff RCPs.

Knowledge & Experience

Three years experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner

Clinical competence documented by references based on respiratory care experience and education, including recent acute care experience with patients required mechanical ventilation.

Experience in leadership or supervisory positions preferred.

License/Certification

Completion of an AMA approved respiratory therapy program with certification (CRT) and/or registration (RRT) by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
Current CPR, ACLS required.

Illinois state licensure required.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a patient care environment.

Benefits

RML offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits package. Employees can choose from a large selection of benefits that help protect their health, wealth, and well-being. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Free Parking
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Banking Alternatives
• Referral Rewards (upwards of $4k)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (6% company match) - For every $1 an employee contributes, RML contributes $1 to their accounts. Employees are 100 percent vested in the money both they and RML contribute.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) RML offers employees flexibility in taking time off. Full-time employees receive 26 days each year.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) For employees who may need help managing stress, RML offers an EAP at no cost. Counselors are available 24 hours a day to both employees and their family members.
• Employee Fitness Room

This role is eligible for a $10,000 sign-on bonus and is subject to the terms and conditions of the offer. Bonuses will be pro-rated for positions less than full-time (0.9 FTE). Registry/PRN positions are not bonus eligible. Rehires and current employees are not eligible.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with it.

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