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Job Summary

The Respiratory Ther Sr within the Adult Respiratory Care Department assesses the care needs of patients for whom respiratory care services are requested. They initiate and perform both basic and advanced respiratory care in the management of acutely ill patients and have high participation level in the care of the critically ill as well. As part of the healthcare inpatient team, Respiratory Ther Sr work closely with providers, nurses and other hospital staff in delivery patient services and assuring safety.

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.

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 savingsResponsibilities*

This position is responsible for evaluating and treating patients with breathing disorders.  Applies advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience and works independently with limited supervision. Responsibilities may include: managing projects and processes as assigned, coaching, reviewing and functional supervision of the work of lower level professionals including respiratory therapy technicians.  In addition to all duties and responsibilities of the Respiratory Therapist, the Respiratory Therapist Senior position is also responsible for performing select advanced procedures reserved for practitioners that have demonstrated or attained a higher level of clinical achievement, experience and expertise as outlined below.  As an active member of the care team and department, the position contributes to and participates in the provision and monitoring of clinical services, implementation of policies and procedures and the promotion of patient safety. 

Essential 

Completes training and demonstrates job competency, age-specific or otherwise, in all basic and advanced Respiratory Care techniques or procedures, including but not limited to; emergency response procedures, medical gas and aerosol administration, airway management and bronchial hygiene procedures, mechanical ventilation, patient assessment, monitoring and testing, patient transport, infection control and patient, family, visitor or staff education.  Initiates, maintains and weans patients from continuous ventilator support devices. This includes making appropriate ventilator changes based on patient condition, care plans and protocols. Commits and maintains patients to CPAP/BiPAP devices. Receives and transcribes verbal orders in the patients health record. Participates in rounds with the primary provider and care team, and department leaders of the patients under their responsibility, including consulting with providers in developing care plans.   Evaluates the need for therapy in general and intensive care patients, and makes changes to improve care.  Serves as an educational and consult resource to students, respiratory care technicians, medical and nursing staff in respiratory care techniques and practices. Initiates and interprets other complex respiratory care procedures such as: High Frequency Ventilation Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation  Hemodynamic Monitoring Arterial punctures Bronchoscopy Pulmonary function studies Analysis of blood gases and electrolytes Patient education Others as designated Participates as an active member on the Cardiac Arrest and Rapid Response Teams.  Acts as a preceptor assisting in the orientation of new employees and training of students when designated. Ensures accountability and assumes responsibility for learning new technical devices and clinical procedures. Reports patient safety incidents and concerns, and communicates pertinent patient and unit information to the oncoming shift and/or shift supervisor. Attends and participates in case presentations, shift and general staff meetings. Accurately charts care provided to patients according to institutional and department policy in the patients health record. Ensures functional knowledge and adheres to all department and Michigan Medicine/UMHS policies. Performs other job related duties as assigned, such as but not limited to Quality Assurance, data collection and other chart review functions. Provides patient and family education. Completes training and demonstrates proficiency in all competencies, age-specific or otherwise, that are required of practitioners who are delivering patient services.  Communicates pertinent observations of patient and unit status to the shift supervisor.  Completes continuing education units or professional development credits annually, including department and Michigan Medicine/UMHS mandatory competencies within required timeframes or as specified by the departments continuing education program. This position will achieve/demonstrate mastery in and be required to support services including, but not limited to:  Performing artificial airway bio-film clearance. (UH/CVC) Placement support and management of esophageal pressure monitoring (PES).  Efficient in the knowledge and use of infrequently used ventilation devices.  PA/CCO insertion assistance, waveform analysis. (UH/CVC) Transcutaneous monitoring use including download/reports.  Act as a preceptor for new employees and students.  Perform in-servicing and training to respiratory care, medical and nursing staff. Administer and manage invasive, non-conventional therapies such as HFOV.  Support the introduction of new services and technologies.  Administer/act as knowledge resource for specialty gas administration (HeOx via mechanical ventilation and nitric oxide via face mask).  Administer/act as a knowledge resource for specialty medication administration (Ribavirin, prostacyclin).  Other advanced clinical duties as assigned. Supervise the initiation and maintenance of basic and complex respiratory care services in specialized areas when acting as charge therapist.  Participation in the interview process of prospective employees.  Orientation of new employees involving didactic lectures, demonstration and instruction.  Orientation of staff to new equipment, procedures and unit practices, including staff competency assessment and check-off.  Participation in departmental and hospital CPR instruction. Provide direct instruction and supervision for Respiratory Care students during clinical rotations.  Designated individuals participate in external transport of patients. Responsibility for these duties are assigned to a limited number of staff as determined collaboratively by CW 

Respiratory Care and Survival Flight. (CW) 

Provide cross-coverage support for patients receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Responsibility for these duties are assigned to a limited number of staff as determined collaboratively by CW Respiratory Care and the ECMO Department. (CW) 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. Exhibits a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in daily work activities. 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*

Respiratory Therapist Senior

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in respiratory care, science, education or other related field of studyProfessional, Licensing and Credentialing Requirements  College graduate with a degree in Respiratory Therapy Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Current licensure as a respiratory therapist by Michigan Department of Community Health, Board of Respiratory Care  Licensure and credentials must be maintained by the employee at all times during employment. This applies to both regular and temporary status positions. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), or ability to be certified within 60 days of date of hire Minimum of two (2) years of critical care experience as a Respiratory Therapist Strong knowledge of basic and advanced cardiopulmonary procedures related to respiratory care and readily available to act as a consultant Proficiency in information technology skills (including Microsoft Office software, e-mail and calendar); proven record of effectively learning and utilizing computer systems and technology Excellent customer service skills Credentialed as an Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) registered therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), (UH/CVC) Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification, (CW) Certified as an AHA BLS Instructor; ACLS, PALS or as an Asthma or COPD educator Active membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and Michigan Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) 

Respiratory Therapist Intermediate

College graduate with a degree in Respiratory Therapy (minimum Associate's Degree)Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).Current licensure as a Respiratory Therapist by Michigan Department of Community Health, Board of Respiratory Care.Licensure and credentials must be maintained by the employee at all times during employment (both regular and temporary status positions).Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), or certification within 30 days of hire.Demonstrates sound understanding of respiratory care principles and pulmonary/cardiac diseases.Proficiency in information technology skills (including Microsoft Office software, e-mail and calendar); proven record of effectively learning and utilizing computer systems and technologyExcellent customer service skillsLicensure & Certification

Current license in respiratory therapy by the state of Michigan is necessary. This classification requires Primary Source Verification

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.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

This position involves considerable physical and mental effort in job duties, ie, assisting patients, moving equipment, bending, reaching, long periods of standing/walking, keyboarding, and providing emotional support to patients and families. There is frequent use and exposure to disinfectant agents and hand cleaners in all healthcare settings. Having high involvement with acute and critically ill patients, the position may be prone to fatigue and infrequent opportunities for relaxation. It also involves working in a potentially hazardous environment of infectious diseases, high-pressure medical gases and other related conditions.

Union Affiliation

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Service Employees International Union - Healthcare Michigan (SEIU), which represents bargaining unit members in 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/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.