Respiratory Therapist - Palmer

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

Respiratory Therapist

Second Respiratory Therapist on Duty

Location: Baystate Wing Hospital
Schedule: Full Time, 36 hours/week, Day Shift (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
 

Summary

The Respiratory Therapist performs respiratory care procedures under the general supervision of a physician and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team. This role evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients with disorders affecting breathing and the cardiopulmonary system across adult, pediatric, and neonatal populations.

At Baystate Wing Hospital, this position functions as the second Respiratory Therapist on duty during the day shift, providing additional respiratory care coverage throughout the hospital. The role supports patient care needs, emergency response, and respiratory therapy services while collaborating closely with the primary RT and clinical care teams.

Respiratory Therapists perform diagnostic cardiopulmonary evaluations and therapeutic interventions designed to treat patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies and dysfunction. Responsibilities include acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting clinical data obtained through diagnostic testing and patient assessment.

Role Highlights – Second RT Coverage

• Serve as the second Respiratory Therapist on duty supporting hospital-wide respiratory care needs

• Assist with patient coverage, emergency response, and high-acuity respiratory cases

• Collaborate with the primary RT and interdisciplinary team to ensure safe and effective respiratory therapy services

• Provide additional support during Rapid Response and Code Blue events

• Help maintain consistent respiratory therapy coverage across the hospital

Key Responsibilities

Diagnostic Assessment and Data Collection

Under supervision, performs and assists with the collection of diagnostic information, including:

• Pulmonary function testing

• Interventional diagnostics

• Sleep studies

• Noninvasive and invasive diagnostic procedures

• Blood gas sampling and analysis

• Other cardiopulmonary laboratory diagnostics

Therapeutic Respiratory Care

Provides respiratory therapies and interventions including:

• Medical gas therapy

• Humidity therapy

• Aerosol therapy

• Artificial airway management and care

• Airway clearance techniques

• Invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation

• Vascular catheter insertion, management, and care

• Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS), as applicable

Patient Assessment and Monitoring

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments including physical examination and review of diagnostic data

• Evaluate effectiveness of therapies and modify respiratory treatments based on patient response and laboratory results in accordance with protocols

• Conduct routine patient rounds to observe patient status, monitor equipment, and make necessary adjustments

• Provide recommendations regarding respiratory therapy to physicians and care teams

• Discontinue therapy as ordered and ensure equipment removal and proper cleaning per infection control guidelines

• Perform oxygen rounds and titrate oxygen therapy as indicated

Disease Management

• Support management of patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases

• Assist with cardiopulmonary and hemodynamic support as part of the care team

Care Coordination

• Participate in discharge planning and case management activities as appropriate

• Provide respiratory support during patient transport (land or air when applicable)

Emergency and Critical Care

• Respond to Rapid Response and Code Blue events and provide respiratory support as required

• Deliver respiratory care across emergency, acute, critical, and post-acute settings

Safety and Equipment Management

• Follow departmental policies, quality assurance standards, and infection prevention protocols

• Assist with the maintenance, troubleshooting, and inventory of respiratory therapy equipment and supplies

• Coordinate maintenance and repair of equipment and document all service needs

• Notify leadership of equipment malfunctions

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program (required)

Licensure & Certification

• Current Massachusetts Respiratory Care Practitioner license

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential

• ACLS and PALS certifications

• Prior acute care respiratory therapy experience

Why Join Baystate Wing Hospital

• Community hospital environment with strong team collaboration

• Opportunity to care for adult, pediatric, and neonatal populations

• Supportive clinical leadership and professional growth opportunities

Education:

Certifications:

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