Respiratory Therapist I

Respiratory Therapist

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical, or cognitive impairment. In addition, this role focuses on performing various respiratory therapy duties: evaluating patients and helping them improve physical and mental conditions through treating cardiopulmonary-related dysfunction. This is a professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower-level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation, or delivery of processes, programs, and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. This is an entry-level role that applies broad theoretical job knowledge typically obtained through advanced education.

Job Overview

This position is responsible for respiratory care for patients of all age groups who are diagnosed with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. It involves setting up various types of equipment to administer prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs. The role includes administering all types of respiratory therapy treatments including oxygen delivery, mechanical ventilator management, and diagnostic procedures (e.g., blood gas sampling and analysis, bedside pulmonary function testing, pulse oximetry, EKGs, BCLS, function and troubleshooting of respiratory therapy equipment). The therapist works cooperatively within the department and other services to create a system of quality health care.

Job Description

• Initiates patients on invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; routinely checks and maintains proper function of ventilator in conjunction with the physician order.
• Abides by infection control guidelines for invasive and non-invasive equipment per departmental policy. Changes and adjusts ventilator parameters based on clinical assessment and blood gas analysis in accordance with physician orders.
• Weans patients from mechanical ventilation and other therapies through patient assessment and adjusting parameters within prescribed protocols.
• Administers inhaled medications in accordance with institutional guidelines derived from the department of respiratory care and pharmacy.
• Administers oxygen using low flow, high flow, open, and closed circuits.
• Embodies patient and family-centered care. Explains procedures to patients and family.
• Provides services to analyze blood specimens for blood gases, glucose, and electrolytes in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.
• 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.
• Routinely assists in the transport of patients requiring life support to and from referral hospitals.
• Provides in-house transport of mechanically ventilated and other high-risk patients.
• Provides non-traditional therapies, e.g., Nitric Oxide gas administration, as ordered.
• Provides resuscitation and support services at all high-risk deliveries.
• 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.
• Analyzes inspired oxygen concentration using various oxygen analyzers.
• Calibrates monitors and maintains Transcutaneous Oxygen Monitors, End Tidal CO2, and pulse oximetry monitors.
• Assists in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation as part of the Code Team primarily providing airway management and manual resuscitation. Commonly administers drugs via the endotracheal tube during cardiopulmonary rescue (e.g., Lidocaine, Atropine Sulfate, and Epinephrine).
• Documents therapy, patient assessment, interventions performed, and test results in the progress notes of the medical record in a concise, accurate, and thorough manner.
• Transcribes a detailed shift note for all patients cared for during the shift.
• Responsible for acknowledging the proper assembly of all respiratory therapy equipment prior to and during patient use.
• Performs daily rounds and fairly bills patients for services rendered. Attends rounds daily with the intensive care unit critical care team and is an active participant in the patient's care.
• Assists with the development of in-service programs for departmental personnel.
• Assists the Associate Director with the orientation of new employees; acts as a preceptor for new employees and is utilized as a clinical instructor for students enrolled in local universities.

Requirements

• Associate's degree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.
• Licensed by the state of Massachusetts to provide respiratory care.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). If employed at TMC, must be RRT.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.
• One (1) year of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

Physical Requirements

• Able to walk and stand for approximately 90% of the time.
• Able to transport respiratory therapy equipment (up to 100 lbs.) using carts or wheels on the equipment to and from patient areas.
• Able to communicate with and assess the patient needs of different age populations.
• Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard and/or respiratory equipment.
• Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of medical terminology, physiology of the cardiopulmonary system, and respiratory science.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all professional staff as well as all patients.
• Ability to assess patient status and develop treatment plans.
• Ability to perform all required duties under emergency and stressful situations.

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth—one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range

$42.00 - $43.49