Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary:

Respiratory Therapist FT 40 Hours Nights -Sign On Bonus Eligible

Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Respiratory Care Medical Director and the Manager, Non-Invasive Services, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing Respiratory Care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, department policies and procedures.

Essential Functions: Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery devices; troubleshoots and assesses possible side effects. Administers respiratory therapy procedures; understands the indications, contraindications, and possible side effects associated with each. Mechanical Ventilation/BIPAP- Calibrates, sets-up, monitors, troubleshoots, and operates equipment safely. Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure. EKGs – Performs, calibrates, sets-up, monitors, troubleshoots, and operates equipment safely and performs administrative responsibilities associated with procedure. Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate. Assesses and reassesses clients when administering prescribed medications and medical gases. Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in therapy - makes appropriate physician contact for intervention. Always maintains standard precautions. Ensures all respiratory equipment is functioning efficiently, effectively and safely. Makes clinical assessment of patients, including, but not limited to breath sounds, vital signs, and electronic monitoring. Documents clinical assessment findings in electronic record. Follows protocol when patient is not tolerating a respiratory procedure. Follows protocol and procedure to draw arterial blood gases. Applies BIPAP and CPAP. Understands the different settings on a ventilator. Follows protocol and procedure when exposed to blood or body fluids. Is able to administers nebulizer therapy and MDI therapy. Demonstrates correct placement of electrodes for a 12 lead EKG. Demonstrates safety procedures for the transportation and storage of oxygen cylinders. Follows protocol and procedure for reporting malfunctioning/defective equipment. Able to demonstrate and provide the correct procedure for chest PT. Demonstrates competence in reporting victims of abuse according to established facility standards and state and local laws. Describe how a plan of care is developed? Implemented? Evaluated? Revised? Demonstrates knowledge of restraint procedures within scope of practice. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the set-up and use of the following equipment: Ventilators, EKG, PFT Machine, ABG Machine, handheld nebulizer, venture mask, partial rebreathing mask, simple oxygen mask, nasal cannula, pulse oximeter, oxygen tanks, cleaning, disinfecting of equipment, performs daily instrumentation calibration, performs monthly quality control testing. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of performing the following procedures: Ventilator settings, ventilator adjustments, oxygen administration, high-humidity aerosol, bronchial drainage, incentive spirometry, oral nasal tracheal suctioning without an artificial airway. Endotracheal suctioning with artificial airway and on mechanical ventilation: Adult, pediatric (via BLS and Annual Competency). Pulse oximetry, newborn resuscitation (via BLS and Annual Competency), pediatric resuscitation (via BLS and Annual Competency), adult resuscitation, medication /MAR administration, patient-assisted coughing, postural drainage. Demonstrates competency in the knowledge of the delivery of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Demonstrates the knowledge of proper identification and reporting of medical/health care errors. Protects the patient in the event of a medical/health care error and, as appropriate, assists in medical/health care error resolution.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduate or Currently Enrolled in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program Experience Certification/Licensure: Massachusetts State License, including 261 CMR Continuing Education Requirement. (Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), or Licensed Respiratory Therapist (LRT)); Current BLS from AHA or Red Cross. Software/Hardware: Meditech, Proficient with Microsoft Office

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