Job ProfileSummary
This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental,physicalor cognitive impairment.In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Respiratory Therapy duties: Evaluates patients and helps them improve physical and mental conditions through treating cardiopulmonary related dysfunction.A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of otherlower levelprofessionals or manage processes and programs.The majority oftime is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typicallyacquiredthrough advanced education.An experienced level role that applies practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience.Works independently with general supervision, problems faced are difficult but typically not complex, and may influence others within the job area through explanation of facts,policiesand practices.
Job Overview
Thispositionisresponsible forrespiratory care for patients of all age groups, who are diagnosed with cardio-pulmonary dysfunction.Sets upvarious typesof equipment to administer prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs.Administers all types ofrespiratory therapytreatments including, oxygen delivery, mechanical ventilator management, diagnostic procedures (e.g., blood gas sampling and analysis, bedside pulmonary function testing, pulse oximetry, EKG's, BCLS, function and troubleshooting of respiratory therapy equipment).Workscooperatively within departmentandother services to create a system of quality health care.
Job Description
Minimum Qualifications:
1.Associate’sdegree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.
2.Licensed by the state of Massachusetts toproviderespiratory care.
3.Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
4.One(1) year of experience as aRegisteredRespiratory Therapist.
5. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
1.Bachelor’sdegree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.
2. Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Duties and Responsibilities: Theduties and responsibilities listedbeloware intended to describe the general nature of workandare not intended to be an all-inclusive list.Other dutiesand responsibilitiesmay be assigned.
1.Initiates patients on invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; routinely checks and maintains proper function of ventilator in conjunction with the physician order.
2.Abides with infection controlguidelinefor invasive and non-invasive equipment per departmental policy.Changes and adjusts ventilator parameters based on clinical assessment and blood gas analysisin accordance withphysician orders.
3.Weans patients from mechanical ventilation and other therapies through patient assessment and adjusting parameters within prescribed protocols.
4.Administer inhaled medicationsin accordance withinstitutional guidelines derived from the department of respiratory care and pharmacy.
5.Administers oxygen using low flow, high flow, open and closed circuits.
6.Embodies patient and family centered care. Explains procedures to patients and family.
7.Providesservices to analyze blood specimens for blood gases,glucoseand electrolytes in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.
8.Administers Positive Pressure Breathing, (e.g.CPAP or BiPAP), which consists of the application of positive pressure to the upper airway to promote better lung inflation and aerosol distribution.
9.Routinelyassistsin the transport of patients requiring life-support to and from referral hospitals.
10.Providesin-house transportofmechanically ventilated and other high-risk patients.
11.Providesnon-traditional therapies,e.g.Nitric Oxide gas administration, as ordered.
12.Providesresuscitation and support services at all high-risk deliveries.
13.Monitors effectiveness of therapy using non-invasive techniques such as pulse oximetry, end tidal CO2 and transcutaneous PO2/PCO2, in addition to invasive techniques such as arterial blood gas sampling.
14.Analyzes inspired oxygen concentration using various oxygen analyzers.
15.Calibratesmonitorsand maintains Transcutaneous Oxygen Monitors, End TidalCO2and pulse Oximetry monitors.
16Assists in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation as part of Code Team primarilyprovidingairway management and manual resuscitation.Commonly administers drugs via the endotracheal tube during cardiopulmonary rescuee.g.Lidocaine, Atropine Sulfate and Epinephrine.
17.Documents therapy, patient assessment, and interventions performed and test results in the progress notes of the medical record in a concise,accurate, and thorough manner.
18.Transcribe a detailed shift note for allpatient’scared for during the shift.
19.Responsible for acknowledging the proper assembly of all respiratory therapy equipment prior to and during patient use.
20.Performs daily rounds and fairly bills patients for servicesrendered. Attend rounds daily with the intensive care unit critical care team and is an active participant in the patient’s care.
21.Assists with development of in-service programs for departmental personnel.
22.Assists the Associate Director with the orientation of new employees; acts as a preceptor for new employees and isutilizedas a clinical instructor for students enrolled in local universities.
Physical Requirements:
1.Ableto walk andstand forapproximately 90% of the time.
2.Ableto transport respiratory therapy equipment (up to 100lbs.) using carts or wheels on the equipment to and from patient areas.
3.Ableto communicate with and assess the patient needs of different age populations.
4.Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation tooperatecomputer keyboard and orrespiratory equipment.
5.Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.
Skills & Abilities:
1.Knowledge of medical terminology, physiology of the cardiopulmonary system, and Respiratory Science.
2.Ability to communicate effectively with all professional staff as well as all patients.
3.Ability to assess patient status and develop treatment plans.
4. Ability to perform all required dutiesunderemergency and stressful situations.
Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us .