Respiratory Therapist, 36hr Days

UMass Memorial Health•Clinton, MA

7d•$31 - $55

About The Position

This position provides all aspects of respiratory therapy in accordance with Respiratory Care Department policies and procedures. The Respiratory Therapist works with considerable independence to deliver routine and complex patient care in assigned areas, providing evidence-based, patient-focused care in a collaborative environment. The role includes administering therapies and medications, assessing patients and their responses to treatment, operating respiratory care equipment, supporting emergency care, and communicating with physicians and other members of the healthcare team. The therapist also maintains patient and department records, contributes to quality assurance, and supports the education and guidance of staff, students, patients, and families. The position is scheduled for 36 hours per week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on a day shift. Weekend and holiday coverage is every third weekend and every third holiday. A signing bonus may be available; eligibility will be confirmed by the Recruitment Team during the interview process.

Requirements

Associate of Science in Respiratory Care.
Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Current Massachusetts State Respiratory Care License.
Basic Life Support certification.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification, required within three months of employment.
Neonatal Resuscitation Provider certification, required within three months of employment.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification, required within three months of employment.
Valid and unrestricted driver’s license recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
At least two years of acute care experience.
Ability to assess patients and make appropriate therapeutic recommendations across the continuum of care, from admission to discharge, including respiratory therapies, mechanical ventilation, and blood gas interpretation.
Ability to read, write, and speak clearly in English.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree or higher.
NBRC specialty credential: ACCS, SDS, NPS, or RPFT.
AE-C certification.
Five years of acute care experience.

Responsibilities

Work as part of a team to ensure optimal patient care.
Review patients’ electronic medical records for relevant history, reason for admission, laboratory and radiological data, and current orders.
Administer aerosolized medications.
Draw and analyze arterial blood gases and report critical values according to hospital policy.
Consult with physicians about effective therapy options and make recommendations compatible with physician orders; communicate recommendations to the healthcare team.
Monitor patients’ physiological responses to therapy and consult with physicians about adverse reactions.
Provide emergency care, including assistance with intubation, Rapid Response Team calls, High Risk Delivery, and Code Team events.
Inspect, test, clean, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment according to department policy.
Demonstrate and teach respiratory care procedures to new staff, healthcare personnel, patients, and patients’ families.
Provide clinical and general guidance to new, agency, per-diem, and student therapy personnel.
Directly supervise respiratory therapy students.
Set up and operate basic oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilators, CPAP/Bi-level support, NIPPV, and high-flow oxygen therapy devices.
Maintain required patient and department records in the electronic medical record and medical administration record, and follow medication-administration policies and procedures.
Participate in departmental quality assurance programs.
Keep current with respiratory care techniques, developments, and issues through educational meetings, lectures, and conferences.
Provide verbal reports covering diagnoses, significant medical history, reasons for admission, treatment goals and plans, treatment responses, and suggestions to optimize treatment plans.
Set up and operate body plethysmographs according to department policies and procedures.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, and health and safety requirements.
Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed; apply quality improvement in daily operations.
Demonstrate respect for diverse views and contribute to a professional, civil, and accepting environment.
Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance and perform other similar duties as required or directed.