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.

1. 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.
2. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
3. If assigned patient care duties, Respiratory Therapy Technicians perform basic respiratory care techniques such as:

1. Sputum inductions
2. Medication Administration
3. Aerosol and oxygen therapy
4. Analysis of blood gases and electrolytes from arterial/venous samples
5. Calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzers
6. EKG diagnostic testing
7. Equipment rounds and compressed gas cylinder management
8. Basic ventilatory parameters
9. Patient education
10. Assists in performing intra-tracheal aspiration

4. Stocks and maintains designated areas with appropriate respiratory care equipment
5. Re-processing of moveable equipment/devices.
6. High Level Disinfection (HLD) of bronchoscopes, airway devices and other medical devices
7. Set-up and testing of equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP, nitric oxide delivery machines and other medical devices
8. Is responsible for learning new technical devices and clinical procedures when applicable.
9. Communicates pertinent observations of patient status to oncoming shift and/or shift supervisor when assigned patient care duties.
10. Attends shift and general staff meetings.
11. Follows procedures for accurate and complete entries on medical-legal documents and the patient’s electronic medical record.
12. Adheres to CLIA/CAP, department and Michigan Medicine policies and procedures.
13. Provides equipment support, checks and preventive maintenance.
14. Performs other job related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Educational and Professional Requirements – High school diploma and 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.
2. Personal Requirements

1. Must be able to conduct himself/herself in a professional manner.
2. Must exhibit sound judgment, tact and dependability.
3. Must exhibit good organizational skills.
4. Must be able to communicate effectively, and work well with all levels of hospital

personnel.

3. Physical Requirements

1. Considerable physical and mental effort in job duties, ie, assisting patients, moving equipment, bending, long periods of standing, comforting and emotionally supporting patients and families.
2. Frequent use and exposure to disinfectant agents and hand cleaners.
3. Ability to function appropriately in emergency situations.
4. The position may be prone to fatigue and infrequent opportunities for relaxation.

            A.         College degree in healthcare related field.

B.         Knowledge of all basic respiratory care techniques.

C.        Active membership in the AARC and MSRC.

1. Seven days per week work schedules including weekends, holiday rotations and on-call assignment.
2. Health Dangers

1. Continuous possibility of exposure to infectious diseases, high-pressure medical gases, and potential chemical/biologic/electrical hazards.
2. Possibility of illness as a result of occupation.

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.

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 openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

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