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.

GENERAL SUMMARY 

Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital

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 tests 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. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Performs patient assessment, delivers basic Oxygen and aerosolized medication therapy.  

• Performs CPR, Whole Blood analysis, Sputum induction, and other basic diagnostic tests, as assigned.  

• Distributes respiratory supplies. Washes, cleans and disinfects soiled medical equipment. Tests and assembles various life-support, diagnostic, monitoring and therapy equipment.  

• Adequately documents delivered patient care and all other assigned tasks.  

• Functions as a team member in the care of patients. 

• Communicates with coworkers, and other professionals, including physicians and nurses as needed to assist with quality patient care.  

• Maintains high standards of clinical excellence, according to Departmental policies.  

• Maintains clinical productivity standards.  

• Maintains technical clinical expertise through educational activities.  

• Maintains awareness of patient safety issues within the clinic and in the use of equipment. 

• Maintains patient confidentiality according to HFHS HIPAA policies. 

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.