Respiratory Therapist - CONTINUOUS

Respiratory Therapist - Continuous

This is an open and continuous posting for part-time, 24 & 36 hour positions working 12-hour shifts for day and night schedules. The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking an energetic Respiratory Therapist to provide care to patients in an acute, long term care hospital. The selected candidate participates in the respiratory needs of adult patients on an inpatient unit following standards of care. Administers medication, provides ventilator support in accordance with standard practices, policy and protocols. Maintains accurate records for related treatment plans and respiratory care. Provides professional expertise and knowledge in carrying out emergency functions, all codes, and unexpected emergencies. Schedule: 12-hour shifts, days off to be assigned; weekend coverage required (every 3rd weekend)

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): Administers pharmacologic, diagnostic and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures necessary to implement a treatment, disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, or a diagnostic regimen prescribed by a physician. Observes and monitors signs and symptoms, general behavior, general physical response to respiratory care treatment and diagnostic testing, to determine whether abnormal characteristics are exhibited. In collaboration with the healthcare team, develops and implements an appropriate care plan based on patient assessment by utilizing standards of care to optimize patient outcomes. Promotes continuous learning and expands expertise by engaging in and seeking opportunities to develop self and others as a member of a self-directed team Works efficiently as a team member both within and across clinical settings to provide quality service to hospital units through communication, cooperation and collaboration. Demonstrates competence, including knowledge and behaviors, to meet age specific patient needs in a specialty area. Maintain accurate prescribed patient records and documentation such as progress, quarterly and annual notes and META records. Provide information to appropriate personnel during meetings and shift changes, to ensure consistency of care and stay informed on changes to an individual's treatment, recovery and plan of care. Participate in and attend training sessions, staff meetings and educational seminars to obtain and exchange information, to enhance job skills and overall knowledge, and to stay abreast of new procedures, techniques and guidelines in the medical field.

Required Qualifications: A current and valid license as a Respiratory Therapist issued by the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care. Possesses knowledge of respiratory care principles and practices Communicates effectively with staff and patients to ensure quality care Demonstrates critical thinking and handles moderately complex issues Understands emergency medical procedures and their application Remains calm, acts quickly, and exercises sound judgment in emergencies Gathers information through interaction and examination of records Establishes rapport and communicates effectively with diverse groups Utilizes a computer to enter and record patient data accurately Responds sensitively to patient needs and treatment responses

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with delivering care to complex patient populations including patients suffering from acute chronic conditions, behavioral and mental health illnesses, and inmates.

About the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital: Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a fully Joint Commission accredited teaching facility that provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care to patients referred by public agencies and private sector providers. Shattuck Hospital's services help economically and socially disadvantaged patients to get high quality, cost-effective care from a staff that respects their dignity. Located in the heart of Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, the Shattuck Hospital includes 248 inpatient beds including 95 Psychiatric beds and 29 Correctional Health beds. In addition, the Shattuck has a full outpatient clinic with many specialties that offers treatment to patients of the Department of Mental Health as well as Department of Correction and House of Correction inmates and community patients. The Shattuck hospital is on the forefront of substance use disorder treatment including a Suboxone clinic serving 200 patients. In addition to direct medical services LSH hosts and supports an array of services located on the campus, serving patients struggling with addictions and homelessness.

Northern Essex Community College