Job Description

The **Respiratory Therapist **reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Respiratory Therapist, in consultation with the physician or by prescription, restores the patient’s pulmonary function, alleviates pain, and supports life by planning and administering medically prescribed respiratory therapy. This role will perform full pulmonary tests and administer treatments as appropriate.

_ Responsibilities:_

• Assesses the patient, collects and evaluates relevant clinical history/test results, performs chest physical exam.
• Calibrates equipment, prepares supplies, performs diagnostic testing procedures.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, directs and monitors treatment given by technicians/assistants and provides follow-up clinical direction and guidance.
• Provides patient education, encourages and assists patient with breathing exercises.
• Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy, observes and notes patient’s response and progress, recommends adjustments and modifications.
• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment, troubleshoots malfunctions, promptly reports deficiencies to management, calls for repairs.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

_ Required:_

• Respiratory Care Practitioner, Registered (IL) license.
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) certification within 6 months of starting position.
• Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) certification.
• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy.
• Zero (0) to two (2) years’ experience in a relevant role.

_ Preferred:_

• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) certification within 6 months of starting position.
• Experience in spirometry, diffusing capacity, lung volumes, and bronchodilator testing.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.