Respiratory Therapist

Overview

At Tufts Medical Center, Respiratory Therapists are at the heart of innovation, teamwork, and growth. We’re proud to offer a career path with flexibility, advanced training, and opportunities you won’t find elsewhere in the city.

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical, or cognitive impairment. It also involves respiratory therapy duties including evaluation and treatment of cardiopulmonary dysfunction, and may involve directing other professionals or managing processes and programs.

This position is responsible for respiratory care for patients of all age groups with cardio-pulmonary dysfunction. Set up equipment to administer prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs. Administer respiratory therapies including oxygen delivery, mechanical ventilation management, and diagnostic procedures. Work collaboratively within the department and with other services to ensure quality healthcare.

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.
• Licensed by the state of Massachusetts to provide respiratory care.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT); if employed at TMC, must be RRT.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.
• One year of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

• Initiates patients on invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; routinely checks and maintains proper function of ventilator in conjunction with the physician order.
• Abides by infection control guidelines for invasive and non-invasive equipment; adjusts ventilator parameters based on clinical assessment and blood gas analysis.
• Weans patients from mechanical ventilation and other therapies based on patient assessment.
• Administers inhaled medications per institutional guidelines.
• Administers oxygen using various delivery methods.
• Explains procedures to patients and families; provides patient- and family-centered care.
• Analyzes blood specimens for blood gases, glucose, and electrolytes in neonatal and pediatric ICUs.
• Administers Positive Pressure Breathing (CPAP/BiPAP) as ordered.
• Assists in the transport of high-risk patients requiring life-support to and from referral hospitals; provides in-house transport as needed.
• Provides non-traditional therapies (e.g., Nitric Oxide) as ordered.
• Provides resuscitation and support during high-risk deliveries.
• Monitors therapy effectiveness using non-invasive and invasive techniques as indicated.
• Calibrates monitors and maintains related equipment.
• Documents therapy, patient assessments, and interventions in the medical record; participates in rounds with ICU teams.
• Assists with the orientation of new employees and may serve as a preceptor or clinical instructor for students.

• Able to walk and stand for approximately 90% of the time.
• Able to transport respiratory therapy equipment up to 100 lbs. as needed.
• Able to communicate with and assess the needs of patients across age groups.
• Manual dexterity to operate keyboards and respiratory equipment.
• Able to view computer screens and reports.

• Knowledge of medical terminology and cardiopulmonary physiology.
• Effective communication with professional staff and patients.
• Ability to assess patient status and develop treatment plans.
• Ability to operate under emergency and stressful conditions.