Clinical Spec Pulm Svc (MHO) in South Bend, Indiana at Beacon Health System

Reports to the Manager, Pulmonary Services. Is responsible for planning and organizing the respiratory clinical services and care provided by Pulmonary Services associates, in designated areas of service of Memorial Hospital. Also works in designated area and performs all functions of a Senior Respiratory Therapist.

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Provides planning and organization of respiratory clinical services and care to patients in designated areas by:

• Developing protocols, policies and procedures with physicians and other Hospital team members ensuring proper implementation after approval by the Manager.
• Assessing new equipment for area of care and making recommendations to physicians and Manager, Pulmonary Services concerning equipment purchases.
• Playing a major role in communicating with Hospital personnel regarding major inter-and intra-departmental issues.
• Staying abreast of current trends in area of care to assure patients receiving respiratory care are provided services utilizing best practices.
• Making rounds and discussing Pulmonary Services patients with physicians on a weekly or daily basis where applicable.
• Assuring that quality assurance is maintained by following all recommendations of regulatory bodies.
• Assuming the role of a Level II or III Respiratory Therapist in designated area when needed, especially on high acuity patients and assessing ways to improve.
• Perform duties of Respiratory Therapist when needed.

Assists with Pulmonary Services Department education and orientation programs by:

• Providing orientation for new Pulmonary associates to assigned units.
• Assisting in the evaluation of the pulmonary associate's clinical skills and providing the Manager with feedback.
• Conducting in-service education, training, annual skill validation and new equipment orientation for Respiratory Therapists and other appropriate care givers.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Attending in-services and department meetings; also participating in continuing education and professional educational activities.
• Maintaining professional affiliations as appropriate and keeping current with professional literature and journals.
• Reading and being accountable for hospital communication such as department minutes, memos and e-mails.

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through a) the successful completion of an AMA-approved respiratory therapy program, b) registration and valid Indiana license as a Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner, c) three to five years of experience in designated area of care with responsibilities for high acuity patients, and d) within one year of obtaining position achieves, and maintains, appropriate certification(s) for area of expertise. Preference will be given to those candidates with a history of active professional involvement. Must meet all requirements for a Level II and III Respiratory Therapist.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires an in-depth knowledge of advanced respiratory therapy including patient assessment, emergency procedures, life support equipment, any diagnostic equipment used, and monitoring techniques normally utilized in area of care.
• Requires an in-depth knowledge of the functions, uses and theory behind high tech/risk equipment necessary to care for patients.
• Demonstrates an ability to plan, analyze and complete a variety of research projects.
• Demonstrates analytical skills necessary to solve very complex patient problems, interpret data, design effective patient care plans and identify and appropriately handle emergency situations.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, patients, families and staff members.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner in order to report appropriate information to other staff members, physicians and supervisory personnel.
• Requires an in-depth knowledge of computer systems utilized in the department and their various operations.
• Must meet all requirements for a Level II and III Respiratory Therapist.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment with occasional exposure to communicable disease and radiation.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.