Respiratory Therapist- Adult Critical Care- (36hrs/wk, Rotating) Sign-on Bonus Available

Overview Company description: It takes a lot of very smart, hard-working and talented people to provide the level of care that we give to our patients. Tufts Medical Center is an internationally respected academic medical center and we pride ourselves not only on the sophistication of the care we deliver, but the compassionate way in which we provide it. And that starts with our employees. Job Description This position is responsible for respiratory care for patients of all age groups diagnosed with cardio-pulmonary dysfunction. Services are provided throughout Tufts Medical Center, including the ICUs, in-patient rooms, Emergency Room, and outpatient clinics. A request for service originates from the medical staff of Tufts Medical Center and may be written or verbal; it can be communicated to the therapist by direct telephone conversation and/or beeper page. The patient's nurse or unit secretary conveys the order. All patients are assessed for their needs initially and on an ongoing basis until no longer required. Documentation of services provided is recorded in the Respiratory Therapy Progress Notes on the department flow sheet and a copy filed in the patient Medical Record. Responsibilities and scope include clinical practice guidelines, 24/7 service availability, and adherence to policies and procedures. Opportunities for growth and career expansion include participation in neonatal and pediatric transport, ECMO training, orientation of new employees, and involvement in quality, safety, and research initiatives. Respiratory Therapists work under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director of Respiratory Care and provide services in accordance with departmental policies and Medical Directors’ guidelines. Responsibilities Neonatal and pediatric training Advanced certifications: ACLS, NRP, PALS Incentive career ladder supporting expanded skillsets Participation in neonatal and pediatric transport program ECMO training Orientation of new employees; primary preceptor opportunities Quality and Safety initiatives: develop and maintain clinical practice guidelines and protocols Participation in departmental and critical care research opportunities Initiates patients on invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; verify ventilator function with physician orders Infection control compliance for invasive/non-invasive equipment; adjust ventilator parameters per clinical assessment and blood gas analysis Wean patients from mechanical ventilation and other therapies per prescribed protocols Administer inhaled medications per institutional guidelines Administer oxygen using various delivery systems Provide patient and family centered care; explain procedures Analyze blood specimens for blood gases, glucose and electrolytes in neonatal and pediatric ICUs Administer positive pressure therapies (CPAP/BiPAP) Assist in transport of high-risk patients and provide in-house transport as needed Provide non-traditional therapies (e.g., nitric oxide) as ordered Resuscitation support at high-risk deliveries Monitor therapy effectiveness with non-invasive and invasive monitoring Calibrate monitors and maintain transcutaneous O2, ETCO2, and pulse oximetry Assist with Code Team airway management and resuscitation; administer certain medications as needed Document therapy, assessments, interventions, and test results Transcribe detailed shift notes; ensure proper assembly of respiratory therapy equipment Participate in daily rounds and contribute to patient care Assist with in-service programs and new employee orientation; act as clinical instructor for students Administer therapeutic agents (e.g., Heliox, Surfactant, Tobramycin, Ribavirin, Pentamidine) per procedures Support new clinical programs as research protocols are developed Qualifications JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Ability to walk and stand for approximately 90% of the time Ability to transport respiratory therapy equipment up to 100 lbs Ability to communicate with and assess patient needs across age groups; documented in shift notes and evaluated in performance appraisals Ability to perform duties under emergency and high-stress situations Cross-training in neonatal/pediatric services with NRP and PALS certification Annual competency demonstration, including computer-based training in adult, pediatric, and neonatal ventilators Education Bachelor’s degree preferred in health professions, science, or equivalent Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy required Must possess the RRT credential Knowledge of medical terminology and cardiopulmonary physiology Experience One to two years in acute and critical care Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted Licenses, etc. Current licensure in good standing with the Massachusetts Licensure Board Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with NBRC Age Specific Competencies Ability to provide care across the life span with consideration of aging, development, and culture. Knowledge of growth and development Ability to interpret age-specific data and responses to care Provide age-specific communication Working Conditions/Physical Demands Work on patient floors, ER, clinics, and RT workrooms Exposure to infectious patients, blood products, contaminated equipment Work with high-pressure gas systems and potentially toxic aerosols Frequent contact with patients, families, and staff At Tufts Medicine, we value the skills and experience individuals bring and offer a competitive total rewards package to support health, financial security, and career growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tufts Medical Center