Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic provides diagnostic testing, education, treatment, and respiratory services for patients and families in a variety of care settings across UW Health (such as the Pulmonary Function Labs, outpatient clinic areas and inpatient floors.  This position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work with the interdisciplinary team to ensure high quality patient care.

The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic performs routine testing (such as spirometry, lung volumes and diffusion) on inpatients and outpatients (pediatrics to geriatrics) as well as research subjects.  As experience and proficiency develops, the Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic will be expected to learn and perform advanced testing procedures, monitor and implement changes in care or practice, and recommend methods to improve service quality.

The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic must effectively communicate with patients to elicit appropriate responses in order to derive meaningful cardiopulmonary data. The clinician regularly incorporates multiple problem-solving strategies to obtain and report reliable patient data and collaborates with physicians to assure optimal and cost-effective medical treatment strategies are determined.

The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic works closely with all members of the patient care team including patients, families, physicians and durable medical equipment (DME) providers.  The Respiratory Therapist - Diagnostic possesses a high degree of knowledge regarding disease management and guidelines, managed care, federal reimbursement regulations, and DME for the home. The clinician acts as a resource to health care professionals and DME providers ensuring orders are concurrent with policies and procedures. The clinician participates in direct patient care and offers clinical expertise in assessment, recommendations, and implementation of care plans/equipment.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Graduate of an AMA accredited educational program for Respiratory Care

Current licensure from the State of Illinois as a Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner.

BLS/CPR Certified

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Current CPFT or RPFT cerification preferred; must be obtained within 1 year of hire

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• One year experience with Pulmonary Function Diagnostics preferred
• Two years’ experience in Respiratory Care, including ICU, preferred
• Thorough understanding of the latest ATS/ERS guidelines
• Ability to effectively educate others
• Ability to perform advanced Respiratory Therapy procedures independently
• Ability to troubleshoot and possesses effective problem-solving skills
• Extensive knowledge of home respiratory equipment
• Knowledge of current disease management guidelines
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with a variety of professionals and home care companies
• Ability to display leadership and professionalism
• Ability to interpret selective laboratory and diagnostic tests
• Ability to collaborate with all members of the healthcare team and external customers
• Demonstrates ability for complex clinical decision-making
• Ability to collaborate with all members of the healthcare team and external customers

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

UW Health is committed to being a diverse, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Our integrity shines through in patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. Applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, LGBTQ+ and non-binary identities, women, persons with disabilities, military service members and veterans are strongly encouraged.  EOE, including disability/veterans. 

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