Respiratory Therapist/Lead Pulmonary Tech

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist/Lead Pulmonary Technician functions as a supervisory member of the patient care team within the Pulmonary Function Laboratory and delivers respiratory therapy services to the Pulmonary ALS Clinic. In close collaboration with fellow team members, this position consistently upholds a patient- and family-centered care philosophy in all communications with patients, families, and hospital staff, maintaining a strong focus on understanding and addressing the needs of those served.

Requirements

Graduates of an CoARC approved respiratory care program with a minimum of an Associate’s degree.
Valid MA respiratory care license in good standing.
Registered respiratory therapists (RRT) through the NBRC.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and promote interdisciplinary collaborative teamwork, including in emergent situations.
Effective working relations and communication with department and other hospital personnel.
Strong analytical and organizational abilities necessary to perform multiple diagnostic tasks.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Ability to adapt to changing pace within the department.
Ability to promote a customer/patient-oriented philosophy among all staff within the area.
Independent judgment and initiative in a variety of situations when assisting with patient procedures.
Ability to work under stressful conditions.
Ability to understand and operate required equipment and information systems.
Physically capable of lifting (linen, supplies, patients, etc).
Awareness of hazards within the department; adherence to safety standards established by the Hospital and other regulatory agencies.
Ability to work with adult, elderly patients, and critically ill patients.
Ability to work productively in emergency situations.
Ability to effectively train and evaluate individuals.
High standard of professionalism.
Proficiency in all technical and interpersonal competencies as determined by PFT lab and Pulmonary leadership.
Ability to walk distances and push medical equipment weighing less than 100 pounds.
May also be required to stand immobile for long periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
Basic Life Support [BLS Certification] - Data Conversion - Various Issuers preferred
Neonatal Resuscitation Certification [NRP] - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) preferred
Respiratory Care Practitioner [State License] - Generic - HR Only preferred

Responsibilities

Supervises technical training, competency assessments, and equipment troubleshooting in coordination with the Lab Manager and Medical Director.
Performs diagnostic pulmonary procedures, including spirometry, body plethysmography, DLCO, muscle force measurement, oximetry (at rest and during exercise), bronchial provocation testing, nitric oxide analysis, phlebotomy (arterial, venous, finger stick), and blood sample analysis.
Oversees maintenance and calibration of pulmonary function testing equipment.
Observes, verifies, and documents both initial and annual competencies for technical skills.
Acts as the primary contact for troubleshooting equipment and coordinates with external vendors when needed.
Monitors PAR levels for disposable supplies and accessories.
Ensures a clean and safe testing environment by following proper cleaning, disinfection, and infection control protocols.
Supports early detection of neuromuscular weakness through forced vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure, and peak cough flow measurements, as well as ongoing disease monitoring.
Assists with initiation and troubleshooting of non-invasive ventilation therapies.
Provides patient education regarding the use of home ventilators and PAP devices for both invasive and non-invasive ventilation.
Aids with mask fitting for non-invasive ventilation.
Educates patients on the operation of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) devices and portable suction equipment for airway clearance.
Instructs patients in tracheostomy care and management of tracheostomy tubes.
Provides guidance on oxygen concentrator usage and nebulized medication administration via mask-based or machine-based systems.
Assists in the collection, download, and interpretation of home ventilation and positive airway pressure therapy data, utilizing remote monitoring technologies.
Coordinates with Respiratory Therapists from durable medical equipment providers to support home ventilation needs.