Respiratory Therapy Extern

Company Description

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.

Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.

Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

Job Description

Location: Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit Main Campus

Schedule: Contingent

Shift: Rotating 

General Summary:

A Respiratory Therapy Extern is defined as a person who is a full-time student in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program, preferably affiliated with HFHS, and works at the hospital in addition to their clinical studies. Under supervision of Registered Respiratory Therapists, the extern performs basic tasks, which have been learned in class and practiced in the School Laboratory setting. These tasks have also been practiced with demonstrated competency during clinical rotations at area hospitals. The extern follows all HFH Departmental Policies and Procedures and performs tasks only after successful passing of theoretical and practical competencies, administered by HFH Departmental leadership. As the externs progress in knowledge and experience, their job scope widens, as they demonstrate more skills and proficiencies. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute fundamental respiratory therapy procedures under direct clinical supervision, including comprehensive patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, and oxygen therapy administration in accordance with established protocols
• Prepare, maintain, and sterilize respiratory therapy equipment to ensure optimal functionality, compliance with departmental standards, and adherence to infection control guidelines
• Provide clinical support in airway management, patient suctioning, and aerosol therapy delivery as authorized by demonstrated competency level and departmental approval
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate documentation of all patient care activities and clinical interventions in accordance with Henry Ford Health System policies and applicable regulatory requirements
• Communicate professionally and collaboratively with the interdisciplinary clinical team, including nursing staff, physicians, and senior respiratory therapists, to ensure coordinated and effective patient care
• Strictly adhere to all infection control protocols, occupational safety procedures, and HIPAA regulations to maintain a secure and compliant patient care environment
• Participate in formal competency assessments and skills validation as mandated by departmental leadership to ensure clinical proficiency and professional development
• Contribute to patient and family education initiatives regarding respiratory care management and disease prevention under appropriate clinical supervision
• Demonstrate exemplary professional conduct, reliability, and commitment to continuous clinical learning and professional advancement

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 

• Full-time student in good standing in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program, preferably affiliated with HFHS. Extending their expected graduation date, due to failing grades or dropping out of a Respiratory Therapy program is a condition for automatic termination as a Respiratory Therapy Extern. 
• After graduation, the extern may apply for employment as a respiratory therapist and may be hired, based on meeting the educational and experience criteria, as well as availability of position openings for the Registered Respiratory Therapist job description. In either case, their employment as a Respiratory Extern will cease after graduation. 
• Successful completion of academic and clinical HFH competencies, specific for each task.