Respiratory Therapist

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community health care to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, Melrose/Wakefield Healthcare, an expansive home care network and a large clinically integrated physician network, Tufts Medicine has more than 15,000 dedicated employees and caregivers.

Job Overview

This position is responsible for respiratory care for patients of all age groups, who are diagnosed with cardio-pulmonary dysfunction. Sets up various types of equipment to administer prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs. Administers all types of respiratory therapy treatments including, oxygen delivery, mechanical ventilator management, diagnostic procedures (e.g., blood gas sampling and analysis, bedside pulmonary function testing, pulse oximetry, EKG's, BCLS, function and troubleshooting of respiratory therapy equipment). Works cooperatively within department and other services to create a system of quality health care.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Associate's degree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.

2. Licensed by the state of Massachusetts to provide respiratory care.

3. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

4. One (1) year of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

5. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Initiates patients on invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; routinely checks and maintains proper function of ventilator in conjunction with the physician order.

2. Weans patients from mechanical ventilation and other therapies through patient assessment and adjusting parameters within prescribed protocols.

3. Administer inhaled medications in accordance with institutional guidelines derived from the department of respiratory care and pharmacy.

4. Provides services to analyze blood specimens for blood gases, glucose and electrolytes in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.

5. Administers Positive Pressure Breathing, (e.g. CPAP or BiPAP), which consists of the application of positive pressure to the upper airway to promote better lung inflation and aerosol distribution.

6. Provides non-traditional therapies, e.g. Nitric Oxide gas administration, as ordered.

7. Monitors effectiveness of therapy using non-invasive techniques such as pulse oximetry, end tidal CO2 and transcutaneous PO2/PCO2, in addition to invasive techniques such as arterial blood gas sampling.

8. Analyzes inspired oxygen concentration using various oxygen analyzers.

9. Calibrates monitors and maintains Transcutaneous Oxygen Monitors, End Tidal CO2 and pulse Oximetry monitors.

10 Assists in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation as part of Code Team primarily providing airway management and manual resuscitation. Commonly administers drugs via the endotracheal tube during cardiopulmonary rescue e.g. Lidocaine, Atropine Sulfate and Epinephrine.

11. Responsible for acknowledging the proper assembly of all respiratory therapy equipment prior to and during patient use.

About Lowell General
For more than 125 years, Lowell General has served the Greater Lowell community with pride. We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a three-time Magnet-recognized community hospital. As a member of our team, you'll join over 3,000 dedicated care providers to offer complete, connected care, when and where patients need it most.