This role is responsible for initial and ongoing orientation, education, development and competency of all staff in the VCU Health Respiratory Care departments. Responsibilities include clinical student instruction with area Respiratory schools aiding in the development of Respiratory students. This role will be a combination of educator and quality coordinator functions. Along with education and quality function this person will also work clinically when required in times of high acuity.

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Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:
Licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Respiratory Therapist required
Current registry from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) required
Current CPR certification required
Current related credentials from the NBRC or National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) preferred
Current ACLS and/or PALS preferred

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:
Current license as a Respiratory Therapist by the Commonwealth of Virginia required
Current RRT required
Current CPR certification required

Experience REQUIRED:
Minimum of three (3) years of experience functioning as a Respiratory Therapist including one (1) year of supervisory and/or teaching experience

Experience PREFERRED:
One (1) year in a similar role involving staff education, formal presentations to students and other health care professionals

Education/training REQUIRED:
Education, training and/or experience that has satisfied the eligibility requirements for the National Board for Respiratory Care (or its predecessor organizations)

Education/training PREFERRED:
Bachelor's Degree in Education or Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program

Independent action(s) required:
Evaluates new employees and modifies their orientation program according to their needs.
Identifies staff education and training needs and schedules in-service training.
Prepares and presents special request lectures by way of computerized presentation packages to hospital health care workers.

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A

Additional position requirements:
As needed to supplement staffing.

Age Specific groups served: All

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):
Physical Lifting 20-50 lbs.
Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Walking (distance), Reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive)
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

Essential Job functions:

• Education Coordinator responsibilities include, but are not limited to, initial and ongoing orientation, education, development and competency of all staff in the VCU Health Respiratory Care departments.
• Obtains and maintains documentation of required competencies.
• Identifies opportunities for staff development and patient teaching.
• Coordinates student/clinical experience affiliates. Serves as a preceptor at times for student/clinical rotations.
• Functions as a clinical expert and consultant to providers and functions as a resource person with an expert level of assessment, therapeutic and diagnostic skills in virtually all patient populations, areas or age groups.
• Assesses educational needs, creates and facilitates yearly competency training based on assessment of staff educational needs, orientates new staff, acts as the gatekeeper of all education provided to outside departments.
• The Quality Coordinator responsibilities include, but are not limited to, identifying opportunities to improve patient care, utilizing evidence-based medicine, and leading process improvement initiatives.
• Leads multidisciplinary groups to collect and analyze data. Is a representative of VCU Respiratory Care Services to other areas of the organization and works closely with staff, leaders and physicians.
• Works clinically in times of high acuity.
• Remains flexible to work varying shifts to meet the needs of staff and department.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager or Director of Respiratory Care and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and department. Provides assistance to team members. Accepts alternate assignments as required.

Patient Population:

Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Patient Population: Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infants (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older)

 

Employment Qualifications:

Required Education:   
Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Health Administration, Public Health, Education, or health related field from an accredited program.  A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the Bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Health Sciences, Health Administration, Public Health, Education or health related field from an accredited program

Licensure/Certification Required:

Commonwealth of Virginia license as Respiratory Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for, Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Licensure/Certification Preferred:  N/A

Minimum Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
Minimum of three (3) years of experience functioning as a Respiratory Therapist including one (1) year of supervisory and/or teaching experience. 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of critical and acute respiratory care
• Policy and procedure development skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, including with medical staff
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Working knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office programs.

Cultural Responsiveness:   
Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: N/A

Working Conditions:

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• General office environment.
• May be required to use physical restraints.
• Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*
• May have periods of constant interruptions.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements:

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-100 lbs.), Push/Pull (1-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel Squat, Climb, Balance, Bending

Work Position:  Sitting, Walking, Standing

 

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards:

Physical Requirements:

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder,

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Hazards:

Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure

Mental/Sensory - Emotional:

Mental/Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.