Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 – 2025 and Greater Toronto's Top Employers for 2026. Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Position Overview:

SHN is currently hiring students in their second last or final year of schooling of the Respiratory Therapy program. This is a temporary position with the aim to provide student with relevant on-the-job experience with patient care while working in a collaborative team environment. As a non-registered student you will respectively participates in patient care activities under the direction of a supervising registered team-leader.

The primary role of the Clinical Extern allows a non-registered students to develop skills in providing direct and indirect patient care in a collaborative care model supporting team environment. The Clinical extern collaborates with the team to provide excellent patient centred care.

Responsibilities For RT Students in their 2nd or final year of study for the following:

• Responsible for monitoring and ensuring adequate supply levels.

• Checking and maintaining equipment in respiratory airway carts (e.g. difficult airway carts).

• Responsible ensuring equipment is sent to and received/picked up from the sterilization processing unit.

• Cleaning/re-circuiting of all invasive and non-invasive ventilators and preparation and calibration of other respiratory therapy equipment for patient use.

• Required to participate in other RT related/administrative duties specific to the RT Department as required.

• Participation in clinical observership, with limited independent interaction with patients under the direct supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist for some therapeutic procedures.

• Engage in additional skills via delegation as approved by unit leadership (and as applicable)

Requirements:

• Respiratory Therapy Students enrolled in a training program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Respiratory Therapy Education administered by the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists

• Evidence of good academic standing

• Evidence of successful learning experiences in recent clinical placements in a hospital setting, acute care hospital setting preferred

• Completion of Basic Life Support (B.L.S.) required

• Willingness to work with a mixed aggregation of patients

• Demonstrated assessment skills within the appropriate Regulatory scope of practice

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal

• Demonstrates excellent problem-solving, decision making and critical thinking skills

• Demonstrates excellent organizational and time-management skills

• Flexible and adaptable regarding assignment locations

• Proven strong patient assessment and observation skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment

• Demonstrates excellent team building skills

• Demonstrates a positive attitude and the willingness to work effectively in a team.

• Demonstrated commitment to on-going learning and professional development.

• Demonstrates values consistent with The Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Code of Conduct and is committed to fostering a healthy and positive work environment in accordance with Health & Safety policy and legislation.

• Utilize protective equipment provided and identify and reports hazards

• Work is moderately heavy involving lifting, considerable walking, and standing, bending, pushing and pulling of equipment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of infection control practices

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike. 

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values. 

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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