Respiratory Therapy Clinical Specialist

Respiratory Therapy Clinical Specialist (Job ID: 2952)

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) at Unity Health Toronto are front line health care providers who work both independently and as a member of many health care teams to monitor, evaluate, and treat patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary issues. RTs provide care to newborns, pediatric and adult patients throughout the hospital from inpatient wards to intensive care units. They play an integral role as a member of the resuscitation teams, providing advanced life support, specifically airway and mechanical ventilation management, to critically ill patients. RTs collaborate with other health care team members to develop and implement appropriate care plans for patients in the intensive care units, emergency department, inpatient wards 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. RTs are committed to providing quality respiratory care to all patients, by persistently reviewing literature, participating in research, and translating evidence-based best practice into clinical practice. The RT department has a long standing affiliation with the Michener Institute and provides clinical placements for multiple students on an annual basis.

Responsibilities

The Clinical Specialist, RT functions in the capacity of practitioner, supervisor, administrator and educator, ensuring quality/consistency in patient care by enforcing standards set by the profession/Hospital. Primary responsibilities include: providing leadership and acting as a clinical resource for RT staff in critical care units/wards/and emergency department; performing clinical care responsibilities, e.g., application of medical gases, aerosolized drugs, specialized therapeutics/ diagnostics, mechanical ventilation and airway management; performing administrative responsibilities; performing planning, operations and area specific responsibilities to ensure the area functions effectively/efficiently; performing education, staff development and professional practice responsibilities; playing a fundamental role in departmental quality assurance by providing continuing education sessions for RT staff and other health professionals, participating actively in the development/implementation of new clinical practice guidelines/procedures and facilitating the orientation of new staff; assuming an administrative role to provide leadership/support for clinical, technical and educational research areas to ensure excellent in patient focused care In the absence of the RT Clinical Manager. The Specialist will also have oversight and responsibility for the clinical coordination of the RT students during their clinical year and in collaboration with the Michener Institute.

• Ensures adequate staff coverage to meet workload, i.e., ED, Wards, REACT & ICUs
• Provides day to day support and assistance in problem solving to the RT staff regarding clinical and technical issues and organizes non routine workload;
• Provides guidance and leadership in revising, developing and promoting new therapeutic practices, in accordance with current medical literature and in consultation with both internal and external peers/resources;
• Organizes and participates in the hiring, orientation and training of staff and students in clinical practice areas;
• Develops, coordinates, actively participates in and monitors advanced skill certifications and performance management initiatives of staff, in accordance with Hospital and professional college quality assurance directives;
• Participates in program and hospital wide committees, e.g., Code Blue committee, Patient Safety, etc.;
• Participates in the Performance Evaluation/Assessment process with the Manager
• Develops and revises policies and procedures to reflect current and safe practices in respiratory care;
• Participates in budgetary planning, as required;
• Liaises with other members of Critical Care and/or other Hospital resources to facilitate equipment trials, e.g., Vendor Administration, OR Educator;
• Assists and acts as resource for processing internal and external requisitions
• Assists and maintains current records and quotas of equipment inventory.
• Monitors resource utilization (ie; human, material), in partnership with the RT Manager
• Participates in performance appraisals peers, staff and managers
• Develops, modifies and coordinates the orientation of new RT staff.
• Assumes the role of Clinical Tutor on Adult/Neonatal and respiratory related issues, assisting with the development and coordination of continuing education programs for Respiratory Therapy staff, Physicians, nursing and other allied health professionals as required;
• Provides expert technical knowledge of respiratory equipment and service issues;
• Ensures sufficient, appropriate supply and use of new and existing respiratory related therapeutic and technical equipment required for patient care, are always available;
• Supports Respiratory Therapy staff and Critical Care team members involved in research projects;
• Remains informed of current research and studies in respiratory therapy and related critical studies as well as fields that are appropriate to clinical focus;
• Manages daily RT clinical or operational issues/crisis when assuming responsibilities in the absence of the RT Manager;
• Modifies existing scheduling/work assignment for new hires and novice staff to optimize training.

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized Respiratory Therapy Degree program or recognized equivalent required with Principles of Adult Education preferred;
• Master's Degree Preferred
• Membership with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) required;
• Current BLS and NRP certifications required
• Five (5) years clinical experience in a tertiary care hospital required;
• Excellent interpersonal skills required;
• Excellent time management skills required;
• Excellent computer skills required;
• Effective decision making skills required;
• Strong technical skills required;
• Ability to maintain safe working practice and work in compliance of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations required;
• Ability to take the initiative and work independently as required;
• Ability to multi task and pay close attention to detail, organize and prioritize work activities required.

As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code exists. All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Please note, proof of vaccination must be QR Code format.