Respiratory Therapist

Summary :

The Department of Respiratory Therapy provides respiratory care under the medical direction of the Pulmonary department.

Inpatient and Emergency procedures are available at Cambridge and Everett campuses with outpatient testing available at Somerville and Everett.

Under the general direction of the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services and within established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, administers prescribed therapeutic respiratory services to our patients.

Essential job functions are focused on customer satisfaction, effective use of resources, teamwork, innovation and continuous quality improvement.

Responsibilities :

• Administers therapeutic gasses such as oxygen, compressed air and various mixtures.
• Draws and analyzes arterial blood gasses (ABG’s).
• Airway management, intubates when appropriate (Everett campus only following competency completion).
• Administers aerosolized therapy, Incentive Spirometry (IS), and Chest Physical Therapy (CPT), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
• Performs Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT’s). (Departmental training required)

Performs cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• Tracheostomy care.
• Sets up and adjusts diagnostic and therapeutic equipment and mechanical ventilators, non-invasive ventilators, high flow nasal cannula systems, using some independent judgment if clinically warranted.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of treatments, drugs, supplies consumed and charges. Records pertinent information in patient charts or other records as required.
• Continuously keeps abreast of new techniques. Performs in-service instruction as assigned and instructs nursing personnel in the routines and precautions of treatment.
• Assists in scheduling workload and assumes supervisory responsibilities as required.
• Maintains quality assurance and quality control. Monitors operation of equipment to assure proper function.

Performs cleaning, disinfection, routine maintenance, inspection and storage of respiratory therapy equipment.

• Adjusts to new, different, or urgent work situations.
• Answers emergency calls.
• Communicates effectively and works as part of a team.
• Displays ability to get along with co-workers, other departments and the public.
• Observes and promotes hospital policies.
• Follow prescribed safety rules and regulations.
• Participates in assigned committees.
• Consistently supports the department’s team approach to provision of quality service to its customers.
• Reports on time for scheduled shifts prepared and ready to work.
• Maintains confidentiality of information at all times.
• Performs other related or similar duties as assigned or as responsibilities necessitate.
• Sets up and adjusts therapeutic PAP equipment for patients with OSA.
• Sets up and adjusts Non-Invasive bi-level ventilation equipment. (Bi-Pap)
• Completes the department In-Service Education Program.
• Provides educational materials and documents instruction to patients, families and significant others as designated at the patient’s discretion.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Other information : RRT Required

RRT Required

Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Current Massachusetts Licenses as a Respiratory Therapist

Current Basic Life Support C

ACLS certification preferred

AARC / NBRC membership preferred

In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) policy forbids employees and associates to discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunity.

We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in the recruitment, hiring, termination, promotion, salary treatment or any other condition of employment or career development.

Furthermore, we will not tolerate the use of discriminatory slurs, or other remarks, jokes or conduct, that in the judgment of CHA, encourage or permit an offensive or hostile work environment.

Cambridge Health Alliance brings Care to the People - including your neighbors, friends and family. Our local hospitals and care centers serve our vibrant, diverse communities, and play an integral role in improving health.

As passionate advocates for the underserved, we actively partner with our communities to take on challenging public health issues, and conduct important research to help reduce barriers to care.

We believe that everyone deserves access to high quality, convenient health care. This is why our employees believe in where they work and why many build long, rewarding careers at CHA.

Healthcare is changing rapidly. CHA has a strategic plan that charts a proactive course for our future. It is built on a vision of equity and excellence for everyone, every time.

It also recognizes that our workforce is our most valuable asset and prioritizes competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities for employees.

The strategic plan is changing the way we provide care and improving the health and experience of our patients; we are looking for smart, committed, compassionate people who want to be part of making our vision of better health and equity a reality.

At CHA, you can believe in where you work and go home every day knowing you made a difference. Join our team and help us bring Care to the People.