Clinical Extern, Respiratory Therapy - Professional Practice - PTT (J0426-0838)

North York General is one of Canada’s leading community academic hospitals with a vision to deliver World-Class Care, 24/7. Affiliated with the University of Toronto, our multi-site campus supports our diverse community through every stage and life-defining moment by providing a wide range of acute care, ambulatory and long-term care services.

What defines North York General goes beyond exceptional quality care. Our superpower is how we deliver that care – the unparalleled compassion we bring to every encounter, during the moments that matter. Through partnerships, collaboration and academic endeavours, we seek to set new standards for People-Centred Care—a cornerstone of our culture and central to our Mission: People-Centred Care for a healthier community.

North York General is a member of the North York Toronto Health Partners, an Ontario Health Team that integrates local care with patients, primary care and community partners.

We are proud to be a place where the best people come to learn, grow and innovate. Join North York General to accelerate your career!

Position Summary

Clinical extern – Respiratory Therapy, Professional Practice
Your goal in this position is to work in the capacity as an unregulated care provider. Clinical Respiratory Therapy (RT) externs will work in collaboration with a unit team to provide holistic, high quality, and safe care to patients, under the direct and/or indirect supervision of a designated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Graduate Respiratory Therapist (GRT) and extern coordinator. You will practice in a manner consistent with the professional standards of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) evidence-based practices and the standards set by North York General Hospital. You will not perform or be delegated any Controlled Acts authorized to RTs (e.g. – oxygen therapy, IV insertion, intubation, nasal suctioning, etc.) while in this extern capacity. You demonstrate excellent problem-solving, decision making and critical thinking skills. You also demonstrate excellent organizational and time-management skills. You participate as an interprofessional team member. This position supports the hospital’s academic mandate by advancing care through teaching and learning and/or transforming care through research and innovation. This position contributes to the shared responsibility of ensuring health and safety policies are followed to provide for a healthy environment for patients, staff, physicians, learners, volunteers and families.

On a practical level, you will

• Practice under the direct and/or indirect supervision of the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Graduate Respiratory Therapist (GRT) assigned to them on the unit and in a manner consistent with North York General Hospital’s policies standards, while taking into account CRTO guidance for unregulated care providers.
  
• Work with unit RT and extern coordinators to ensure you have the knowledge, skills and judgment needed to perform all expected actions/duties.
  
• Provides assistance with:
  •Proning and supinating with the exception of management of the airway;
  •Routine head turns and repositioning of the patient and ventilator/circuit;
  •Equipment set up and disassembling of respiratory therapy procedures including:
  •Bronchoscopy: assemble necessary equipment (bronchoscope, resuscitation bag, suction, sputum traps, normal saline, etc.); ensure proper functioning of equipment; cleaning and disposal of equipment post procedure; transport of bronchoscope for cleaning. The Extern will not send specimen samples.
  •Intubation equipment set up;
  •Routine tracheostomy tube change equipment setup (obtain new tracheostomy tube, adjunct equipment, breathing circuit);
  •Equipment set up for ICU respiratory patient admission i.e. mechanical ventilator, BiPAP ventilator, high flow therapy device patient room set up;
  •Arterial line insertion set up including priming line;
  •Patient transport setup (portable ventilator, oxygen cylinder, emergency transport equipment, placing equipment on patient bed, and removal/ disassembling equipment upon patient return from transport);
  
• Percutaneous insertion equipment set up (bronchoscopy tower preparation, video laryngoscope, resuscitation bag, suction, etc.) and disassembling equipment.
  
• Runner during respiratory therapy procedures;
  
• Disassembles and removes soiled ventilator/noninvasive devices (e.g. BiPAP, high flow) and equipment. Clean devices with appropriate cleaning solutions/ wipes. Circuit devices with new equipment. Perform appropriate safety functionality testing as needed.
  
• Participates in performing routine vital signs;
  
• Contributes to discharge planning related to notification of Vendor (e.g. ProResp) to arrange for home oxygen and/or respiratory equipment and supplies;
  
• Assists with lifting, turning, transferring, transporting and ambulating as required
  
• Assists with comfort measures and patient safety by ensuring the environment is clean and tidy and free of hazards.
  
• Request assistance with assigned duties whenever in need.
  
• Assists with stocking supply of RT equipment in the clinical areas within the hospital including but not limited to: Labour & Delivery, Emergency Department, Inpatient Units, NICU, CrCU
  
• Performs routine safety checks of ventilators, respiratory medical devices and other respiratory equipment to ensure they are reprocessed and functioning for patient use.
  
• Responds to calls regarding the troubleshooting of respiratory equipment.
  
• Responds to calls regarding assisting the RRT with RT equipment.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program and the 2nd or 3rd clinical year within Ontario
  
• Demonstrated evidence of excellent academic standing
  
• Completion of mandatory/required certifications provided via North York General corporate orientation, including extern orientation, and as defined by unit. (e.g. Fit Test, WHIMS, AODA, IP&C)
  
• Demonstrated knowledge and competency in appropriate and applicable basic infection prevention and control practices
  
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills

What We Offer

Working at NYGH means working with a dynamic team of fellow healthcare providers, staff, and volunteers in one of Canada’s leading hospitals. These are Part Time Temporary Positions (March 3st 2027), with 8 and 12 hour shifts, day shifts, evening shift, night shifts, including weekends within Professional Practice. We offer a highly competitive total compensation package which includes pay in lieu of benefits, vacation pay and the opportunity to join the Hospital Pension Plan.
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