Respiratory Therapist - CTI Clinic Full time Days

The main responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist at Northwestern Medicine include assessing patients, performing pulmonary tests, administering respiratory therapy treatments, and providing patient education. You will also monitor patient responses to therapy and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans as needed.

To apply for the Respiratory Therapist position at Northwestern Medicine's CTI Clinic, candidates must possess an Illinois Respiratory Care Practitioner license, Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association, and an Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy. A Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist certification is also required within six months of hiring.

While prior experience is preferred, it is not strictly required for the Respiratory Therapist role at Northwestern Medicine. Candidates with zero to two years of relevant experience are welcome to apply, making this position accessible for recent graduates or those transitioning into the healthcare field.

Northwestern Medicine offers various professional development opportunities for Respiratory Therapists, including tuition reimbursement for further education and training programs. Our supportive environment encourages ongoing learning and skills enhancement to help you grow in your career.

The Respiratory Therapist role is crucial in impacting patient care at Northwestern Medicine. By restoring pulmonary function and providing necessary therapy, you play a key part in improving patients' quality of life and overall health outcomes, embodying our dedication to a patient-first approach.

When assessing a patient's respiratory condition, I start by reviewing their clinical history and conducting a thorough physical examination. I prioritize clear communication with the patient to ensure I understand their symptoms and tailor my approach to their specific needs. Providing empathy and establishing a rapport can also yield better outcomes.

I have experience performing various pulmonary diagnostic tests, including spirometry, diffusing capacity assessments, and lung volume evaluations. I am also familiar with bronchodilator testing and understand how to interpret the results to develop effective treatment plans.

To ensure patients understand their treatment plans, I take the time to explain each component of the plan clearly and answer any questions they might have. I find using visual aids or teaching breathing exercises helps reinforce their understanding and improves compliance.

In a previous role, I encountered a patient who was non-compliant with their therapy. I took the time to understand their concerns and discovered they felt overwhelmed. I worked with them to break down the treatment plan into manageable steps and provided additional support, which ultimately improved their compliance.

I stay current with advancements in respiratory therapy by attending professional workshops, subscribing to relevant journals, and participating in online forums. Continuing education is essential in this field, and I’m committed to lifelong learning to provide the best care possible.

When managing multiple patients, I prioritize tasks based on the urgency and severity of each patient's condition. I maintain clear communication with my team to delegate tasks effectively while ensuring that each patient receives timely care.

I believe empathy is the most important quality for a successful Respiratory Therapist. Understanding the patient's struggles with their respiratory condition allows me to provide personalized care and better support in their treatment journey.

If I encounter an equipment malfunction during a therapy session, I remain calm and quickly perform troubleshooting to address the issue. If I cannot resolve it, I promptly notify my supervisor and request backup equipment to ensure the patient's therapy continues without interruption.

I find that using interactive teaching methods, such as demonstrations and role-playing, works best in patient education. Additionally, providing written materials allows patients to refer back to information at home, reinforcing their learning.

In my past role, I initiated regular team meetings to discuss complex cases and share best practices. This not only fostered collaboration among staff but also enhanced our collective ability to provide high-quality care to our patients, reinforcing the power of teamwork in healthcare.