Respiratory Therapist

This position reports directly to the Manager of Respiratory Therapy and receives day to day oversight from the Respiratory Supervisors. The Respiratory Therapist - Registered performs respiratory care related duties to all age groups. The Respiratory Therapist - Registered is responsible for direct patient care within their scope of services in accordance with state licensure, and the Registration Board of Respiratory Care. The Respiratory Therapist - Registered works under physician orders, follows departmental and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center policies. The Respiratory Therapist - Registered utilizes a high level of critical thinking skills, must have the ability to apply the appropriate best-practice, be objective and receptive to others’ points of view with regard to patient care issues. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities including but not limited to: 
 
-   Provides direct patient care under physician orders and within the scope of services and licensure laws 
-   Works collaboratively with providers 
-   Reviews current orders in area of responsibility and ensures patients receive treatments as ordered 
-   Administers medications via hand held nebulizer, MDI and new modes of delivery as established 
-  Assesses patients throughout the treatment and interventions cycle 
-   Completes and updates plans of care      
-    Ensures ventilator parameters are set according to physician orders 
-    Enters set and actual patient settings on flow sheets 
-  Checks and documents alarm parameters 
-   Completes documentation legibly 
-    Assesses and performs daily spontaneous breathing trial   
-  Calibrates inhaled nitric oxide system 
-   Administers inhaled nitric oxide in cardiac catherization laboratory, through ventilator and assists   with administration of nitric oxide in the operating room. 
-  Administers helium-oxygen therapy 
- Sets up BIPAP and adjusts parameters per augmentation order set 
-   Sets up patients on Non Invasive Ventilation 
-   Performs non bronchial alveolar lavage procedures 
-    Assists during procedures 
-    Assists ventilated patients during transport 
-    Assists to transition ventilator patients on EMS portable ventilators until transfer occurs      
-    Responds to MET calls, codes blue, trauma calls and other emergencies 
-    Performs CPR as needed 
-   Participates with collaborative research projects 
-    Draws arterial blood gases and sends to laboratory for analysis 
-    Performs bedside spirometry, negative inspiratory force and vital capacity measurements 
-    Takes initiative to review equipment and procedures to remain proficient  
-    Assists and responds to nurses regarding questions on respiratory related issues 
-    Participates on committees or task forces 
-    Demonstrates flexibility to accept assignments  
-    Develops proficiency in new respiratory practices and initiatives  
-    Completes patient charges, daily events, equipment set up and testing inclusive of sticker check off 
-    Ensures frequent visibility when covering critical care areas; attends provider rounds 
-    Organizes and manages time and workflow effectively 
-    Maintains a patient focused and centric approach 

Professional Growth: 
-   Maintain strict adherence to the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Confidentiality policy. 
-    Incorporate Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Standards of Behavior and Guiding Principles into daily activities 
-    Comply with all Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Policies. 
-   Comply with behavioral expectations of the department and Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. 
-   Maintain courteous and effective interactions with colleagues and patients. 
-   Demonstrate an understanding of the job description, performance expectations, and competency assessment. 
-   Demonstrate a commitment toward meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers and consistently adheres to Customer Service standards. 
-    Participate in departmental and/or interdepartmental quality improvement activities.   
-    Participate in and successfully completes Mandatory Education.  
-   Perform all other duties as needed or directed to meet the needs of the department 

Organizational Requirements 
-    Maintain strict adherence to the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Confidentiality policy. 
-    Incorporate Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Standards of Behavior and Guiding Principles into daily activities 
-    Comply with all Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Policies. 
-    Comply with behavioral expectations of the department and Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. 
-    Maintain courteous and effective interactions with colleagues and patients. 
-   Demonstrate an understanding of the job description, performance expectations, and competency assessment. 
-    Demonstrate a commitment toward meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers and consistently adheres to Customer Service standards. 
-    Participate in departmental and/or interdepartmental quality improvement activities.   
-    Participate in and successfully completes Mandatory Education.  
-    Perform all other duties as needed or directed to meet the needs of the department. 
  

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education:  
Associates degree in Respiratory Therapy from an Accredited School of Respiratory Therapy. 
 
Licensure, Certification, Registration:  
- Massachusetts License 
-   Certified Respiratory Therapist – Registered Respiratory Therapist Preferred 
-   Current BLS & ACLS certification Required. Must obtain ACLS certification within 6 months of start date 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:   

-Excellent interpersonal skills  

-Working knowlegde of PC’s.  

-Excellent Oral and Written Communication skills. 

-Ability to impart specialized clinical and medical information to members of the health care team; physician, nurses 

Experience:   
-Experience as a Staff Respiratory Therapist with a focus on critical care preferred