Job Summary

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. 

Mission Statement

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.

Responsibilities*

• 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.
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
• If assigned patient care duties, Respiratory Therapy Technicians perform basic respiratory care techniques such as:
• Sputum inductions
• Medication Administration
• Aerosol and oxygen therapy
• Analysis of blood gases and electrolytes from arterial/venous samples
• Calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzers
• EKG diagnostic testing
• Equipment rounds and compressed gas cylinder management
• Basic ventilatory parameters
• Patient education
• Assists in performing intra-tracheal aspiration
• Stocks and maintains designated areas with appropriate respiratory care equipment
• Re-processing of moveable equipment/devices.
• High Level Disinfection (HLD) of bronchoscopes, airway devices and other medical devices
• Set-up and testing of equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP, nitric oxide delivery machines and other medical devices
• Is responsible for learning new technical devices and clinical procedures when applicable.
• Communicates pertinent observations of patient status to oncoming shift and/or shift supervisor when assigned patient care duties.
• Attends shift and general staff meetings.
• Follows procedures for accurate and complete entries on medical-legal documents and the patient?s electronic medical record.
• Adheres to CLIA/CAP, department and Michigan Medicine policies and procedures.
• Provides equipment support, checks and preventive maintenance.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

Minimally a high school diploma and some college level training (ie, Respiratory Therapy Program student), or other health related college degree.  Experience in providing patient care services in a hospital or similar healthcare setting.  College degree in healthcare related field is preferred.  Active membership in the AARC and MSRC is preferred.  Knowledge of basic respiratory therapy techniques is preferred. 

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

1. Seven days per week work schedules including weekends, holiday rotations and on-call assignment.
2. Health Dangers
3. Continuous possibility of exposure to infectious diseases, high-pressure medical gases, and potential chemical/biologic/electrical hazards.
4. Possibility of illness as a result of occupation.

Background Screening

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.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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