Respiratory Therapist, RRT, RT (Pulmonary-PFT)

$10,000 Sign On Bonus, New Market Rates and Tuition Reimbursement

Join one of the nation’s most comprehensive academic medical centers, UChicago Medicine, in a detail-driven and influential role as a Respiratory Therapist with our Pulmonary Function team. Our employees deliver world-class care in an environment where opinions are respected, decision-making is rewarded, and teamwork is the order of the day. Our staff are encouraged to achieve their career goals, which in turn benefits all our patients and the University of Chicago Medicine as a whole.

As part of the Pulmonary Function Team, under limited supervision, this Respiratory Therapist prepares and performs pulmonary function testing to measure the full range of pulmonary physiological capacities and capabilities of UChicago Medicine patients.

This Respiratory Therapist will have the unique function of holding both Respiratory Therapist and Pulmonary Function Technician responsibilities. The ratio of work responsibilities will fluctuate based on the skillset and clinical experience of the candidate along with the needs of the business, however more detail around these different roles will be discussed during the interview.

Essential Job Functions

• Reviews patient charts to identify factors which would limit or deter effective testing.
• Interviews patients to determine the chief complaints obtain history of symptoms, obtain data regarding family and social history.
• Observes and monitors patient reactions to tests being performed and determines safety of the test. Communicates all changes in the patients’ biophysical, and spiritual needs/status to the physician.
• Determines appropriate laboratory tests based on patient’s clinical history and physician’s questions. Prepares, demonstrates, understands, and selects form the following tests, the most valid results:
  • Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
  • Hemoglobin Determination
  • Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement
  • Flow-Volume Loop
  • Single Breath Nitrogen Washout (N2 Delta)
  • Single Breath Diffusing Capacity/Single Breath Total Lung Capacity
  • Multi-breath Nitrogen Washout (FRC)
  • Body Plethysmography Lung Volumes
  • Airways Resistance/Specific Conductance
  • Spirometry before and after bronchodilator administration
  • Maximum Voluntary Ventilation
  • Slow Vital Capacity
  • Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests (Invasive/Non-Invasive)
  • Home Oxygen Therapy Determinations (Invasive/Non-Invasive and Walking/Cycling)
  • Bronchial Provocation by Methacholine Inhalation Tests
  • Pulmonary Compliance/Pressure-Volume Curves
  • Pulmonary Shunt Studies
• Performs pulmonary function tests according to UCH Pulmonary function Laboratory manual criteria.
• Assess test results to determine if further testing is recommended or contraindicated and notifies physician.
• Performs arterial punctures. Analyzes blood samples for pH, PO2, HCO3, BE, O2 saturation and hemoglobin determinations.
• Administers medication: bronchodilators, Methacholine, lidocaine, etc.
• Attends to patient’s I.V., IMED, O2 and personal needs.
• Demonstrates pulmonary function tests and explains their use to medical students, residents, fellows, nurses, and staff.
• Performs quality control. Maintains daily log. Enters blood gas quality control data into computer program for statistical analysis and graphic display. Analyzes results and performs necessary corrective action. Notifies supervisor if unable to correct the problem.
• Monitors and performs necessary maintenance of equipment. Maintains daily record of all service conducted.
• Administers supplemental oxygen/medical gas therapy; as prescribed by direct physician order or via established and approved departmental patient care protocols; documents such procedures appropriately and accurately into the EPIC electronic medical record.
• Administers intermittent (Small Volume Nebulizer, MDI, etc.) or Continuous Medication delivery therapy (bronchodilators, steroid therapy, mucolytics, etc.) as prescribed or via established and approved department protocols. Documents such procedures into the EPIC electronic medical record appropriately and accurately, in real-time fashion. Properly assesses the patient during administration of such modalities
• Provides for patient transport within the facility when patients are transported to other areas on oxygen delivery systems, mechanical ventilators, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• • An Associate’s degree or higher from an approved & accredited Respiratory Care Program
  • An active certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care
    • Note: Certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) can be accepted, but the RRT must be obtained within 180 days of hire
  • A current Respiratory Care Practitioner license in the State of Illinois or eligibility to obtain said license prior to start
  • An active Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association
  • Demonstrates effective & accurate communication and documentation skills (both verbal and written communications)
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Must be able to work independently and exercise sound judgement
  • Excellent attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an approved & accredited Respiratory Care Program
• A Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification; Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification depending upon the patient care area assigned and the primary patient population served

Position Details

• Job Type/FTE: Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Shift: Days – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Unit/Department: Respiratory Care Services
• CBA Code: Non-Union

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Must comply with UChicago Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.