Sr. RRT - Respiratory Therapist

The Sr. Respiratory Therapist (Sr. RRT) is responsible for Cardio-respiratory care of patients within the ALS Program including the maintenance of Cardio-respiratory and resuscitation equipment. Additionally, the Sr. RRT provides Cardio-respiratory support and care to adult outpatients in the ventilation clinic at the McMaster site.

The Sr. RRT will provide respiratory therapy assessments, therapy discharge and care plans. Prepare and provide related education for patients, family members, caregivers, allied health professionals, students, and physicians. The Sr. RRT will be required to attend patient and program meetings as well as communicate with appropriate home care vendors/clients. The Sr. RRT will work autonomously, make decisions and apply clinical judgment in their day-to-day work. The Sr. RRT is solely accountable for the completion of the workload associated with the practice of Respiratory Therapy in the area/section/unit and will ensure that the proper techniques and work output meet established professional standards, and will provide technical guidance to assigned staff within the hospital and work with the community agencies that provide support to the families of these patients. The Sr. RRT will actively participate in organizational committees relevant to their clinic role and profession as appropriate. Such other duties as may be assigned.

1.       Graduate of an accredited program in Respiratory Therapy

2.       Current General Certificate of Registration, in good standing with the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO)

3.       Successful Completion of the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) exam

4.       Current BCLS Certification

5.       Recent experience (within the last 2 years) and demonstrated skills and ability in pressure monitoring, airway management and mechanical ventilation

6.       Demonstrated knowledge of the respiratory care, and support of a complex respiratory patient

7.       Demonstrated leadership and coordinator skills in a fast-paced environment

8.       Demonstrated creativity and innovation in the delivery of patient care

9.       Demonstrated excellent skills in communication, organization, interaction with multiple health care team members and an understanding of other programs within HHS

10.  Demonstrated ability to liaise with various hospital departments and community partners effectively and collaboratively

11.  Demonstrated commitment to family centered care

12.  Ability to provide respiratory therapy assessments and related education for patients, caregivers, allied health professionals and physicians 

13.  Proven ability to evaluate and monitor respiratory function, including slow vital capacity, in clinic and research settings

14.  Strong patient-teaching skills in pneumonia and aspiration prevention, secretion control, and breath-stacking techniques

15.  Proficiency in trialing and managing suction machines, cough assist devices, BiPAP, and home oxygen

16.  Experience coordinating loaner respiratory equipment and completing ADP applications for BiPAP, suction, cough assist, and related devices

17.  Skilled in collaborating with home care and wheelchair vendors to customize breathing support devices

18.  Ability to provide airway protection during procedures such as PEG insertions

19.  Familiarity with Sip-and-Puff ventilators and permanent endotracheal ventilation, including patient follow-up in ALS or adult ventilator clinics

20.  Competence in discharge planning for ALS patients transitioning from acute care to community settings

21.  Background in delivering education to patients and healthcare professionals through workshops or conferences

22.  Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning, professional accountability and quality assurance