Clinical Specialist - Respiratory Therapy - Adult

Position Overview

Under the general supervision of the Manager (or designate), the incumbent:

1. Provides expert consultation and guidance to respiratory therapy staff and the client care team within the designated service areas and programs through clinical leadership, mentoring, supervision, education, evaluation, and research.
2. Provides quality respiratory therapy services including assessment, intervention, program planning and implementation, discharge planning and follow-up.
3. Contributes to the delivery of quality respiratory therapy services by examining, developing, refining and evaluating the body of knowledge and clinical practices and assists the Manager in program planning and development.
4. Identifies non-compliance to service standards to the manager.
5. Serves as a regional resource in the specialty area and provides educational programs to students, other health care professionals, patients and families .
6. Promotes good interpersonal relationships by modelling professional behaviour and practice.

Experience

• Minimum of four years recent, clinical experience of which at least one year must be in the service specialty area.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Entry-to-practice academic credential in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited Canadian program or a MARRT approved equivalent, if internationally educated, is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or another field of study with a relevant major is preferred.

SPECIAL TRAINING:

• Successful completion of additional educational preparation and/or relevant professional education in the designated service area(s) required.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Current registration with the MARRT is required.
• BCLS Instructor level is required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated leadership, coaching and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to initiate and support change.
• General knowledge of the regulations and scope of practice documents that guide the practice of Respiratory therapy.
• Ability to critically evaluate and apply relevant knowledge to practice.
• Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and role-modelling skills.
• Good organizational, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to function creatively and with minimal direction.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice.
• Working knowledge of research/program evaluation methodology.
• Ability to function within a computerized environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the position including manual dexterity and visual acuity are required.
• Ability to stand and walk and perform manual ventilation with one or both hands for prolonged periods.
• Ability to run to emergencies.
• Ability to lift heavy medical equipment including measuring devices, monitors, D and E size gas cylinders and other equipment (weighing up to15 pounds/6.8 kg).
• Ability to push wheeled medical equipment.
• Ability to move H and M size gas cylinders (weighing 66 to 100 pounds/30 to 45.5 kg).
• Ability to assist with the positioning of clients.
• May be required to occasionally work extended hours, voluntarily.
• May be required to work a variety of shifts including weekends.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases, blood and body fluids, radiation, toxic materials, noise, allergens, physical and emotional stress etc.
• May encounter aggressive and/or agitated clients/staff/visitors.