Respiratory Therapist, 36hr Nights

UMass Memorial Health•Leominster, MA

2d•$31 - $55

About The Position

This position provides all aspects of respiratory therapy in accordance with Respiratory Care Department policies and procedures. Working with considerable independence, the respiratory therapist performs routine and complex patient care in assigned areas and delivers evidence-based, patient-focused care in a collaborative environment. The role includes assessing patients, providing respiratory treatments and emergency care, recommending appropriate therapies in consultation with physicians, monitoring responses to treatment, and operating and maintaining respiratory equipment. The therapist also supports and guides new staff and students, maintains patient and department records, participates in quality assurance, and keeps current with developments in respiratory care. The position is scheduled for 36 hours per week, with 12-hour night shifts from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.; the schedule includes weekdays and weekends.

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.
Current Basic Life Support certification.
Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification, required within 3 months of employment.
Current Neonatal Resuscitation Provider certification, required within 3 months of employment.
Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification, required within 3 months of employment.
Ability to assess patients and make appropriate therapeutic recommendations across the continuum of care, from admission to discharge, including respiratory care from floor therapies to mechanical ventilation and blood gas interpretation.
Ability to read, write, and speak clearly in English.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science or higher.
NBRC specialty credential: ACCS, SDS, NPS, or RPFT.
Current AE-C (Certified Asthma Educator) certification.
Minimum two 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 forms of therapy and make recommendations consistent with physician orders; communicate recommendations to appropriate healthcare team members.
Monitor patients’ physiological responses to therapy and consult physicians if adverse reactions occur.
Provide emergency care, including assisting with intubation, Rapid Response Team, High Risk Delivery, and Code Team activities.
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 according to department policy and procedures.
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.
Maintain current knowledge of respiratory care techniques, developments, and issues through educational meetings, lectures, and conferences.
Provide verbal reports covering diagnosis, relevant medical history, reason for admission, treatment goals and plans, patient response, and suggestions to optimize treatment.
Set up and operate a body plethysmograph according to department policy 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, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment.
Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance and perform other related duties as required or directed.