Respiratory Therapist I KAL in Kalamazoo, Michigan at Beacon Health System

Reports to the Medical Director. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for delivering pulmonary rehabilitation services and supporting Traditional Cardiac Rehabilitation and Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) programs. This role focuses on patient safety, respiratory assessment, and education within a clinical fitness environment. The Respiratory Therapist works collaboratively with Exercise Physiologists, Registered Nurses, and other clinical staff as part of a multidisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes. They assist patients in managing pulmonary conditions, ensure safe use of equipment, and promote proper exercise techniques and breathing strategies.

Classification level of Respiratory Therapist will be decided by pre-determined guides below:

• Level I- Less than two years' experience or does not meet qualifications of a Level II position.
• Level II- Independently functions in CCU, NICU, PICU, or Pulmonary Function Lab with minimum 2 years' experience and ability to validate independent skills to leadership. (eligible $3.00 ad-rate)
• Level III- All previous level requirements must be met in addition to performing one or more of the following: Performs surgical bronchoscopies, provides independent respiratory support during a NICU/PICU transport, valid certified and/or registered pulmonary function technologist exam and/or valid specialty exam credentials from NBRC in your qualifying area of practice. (eligible for an additional $2.00 ad-rate for a maximum of $5.00, not per each skill).

** Level eligibility will be dependent to specific Beacon facility and available areas of practice within that hospital.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• 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.

• Assesses patient for appropriate type and frequency of treatment and develops a plan of care based on diagnosis.
• Implements and monitors patient care plan and equipment. Monitors, records and communicates patient condition. Performs advanced respiratory care modalities.
• Evaluates respiratory practice, administration of medications, and treatment based on patient outcome.
• Educates the patient and family about the health condition and provides information about community support groups and other available programs.
• Responds to emergency resuscitation team code.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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 the successful completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy required.
• Current licensure as a Respiratory Therapist in the State of employment.
• Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and membership or certification through the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) preferred.
• Two years of experience in Pulmonary Rehabilitation or cardiopulmonary care preferred. Current BCLS (CPR) certification required.
• ACLS preferred; must obtain within 90 days if not already certified.
• Certification in Pulmonary Rehabilitation through AACVPR strongly encouraged; must be obtained within one year of hire if not already held.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires well-developed knowledge of application and effects of respiratory therapy techniques and procedures.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and associates.
• Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all caregivers.
• Requires analytical skills necessary to determine appropriate methods of therapy based upon observation of patient and diagnostic reports to solve complex patient problems.
• Requires ability to handle a multitude of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Requires ability to handle emergency situations in a calm, professional manner.

• Demonstrates self-motivation by using available work time wisely.
• Requires an in-depth knowledge of advanced respiratory critical care including patient assessment, emergency procedures, theory and function of all equipment used in the critical care setting, and monitoring techniques in Critical Care (per facility availability).
• Expertise in pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory care protocols.
• Ability to perform respiratory assessments and monitor patient progress.
• Knowledge of respiratory and exercise equipment use and safety.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Proficiency in documentation and electronic health records.
  Ability to educate patients and lead group sessions effectively.
• Commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork and emotional support during patient recovery.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment with occasional exposure to communicable disease, radiation, or from use of chemical solutions for disinfection.
• Must be able to work under high levels of stress.
• Works in an active clinical fitness environment with frequent patient interaction, occasional interruptions, and fluctuating noise levels.
• Requires flexibility in hours and schedule.
• Requires physical endurance for standing and walking throughout most of the shift.
• Occasional community outreach or off-site activity participation may be required.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/equipment 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.
• Must possess physical ability and stamina to deliver care in an active environment.
• Manual dexterity to manipulate respiratory and exercise equipment.
• Adequate vision and hearing to monitor patients effectively.
• Primarily standing and walking work with limited sitting.
• May be required to assist in lifting or transferring patients in emergencies.