Duties and Responsibilities
- Under the direction of a physician, has exclusive control of ordered mechancial ventilation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the weaning process.
- Actively participate with physicians and other healthcare team members in the development of care plans by serving as consultants in regard to respiratory therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.
- Evaluate and assess residents, recommend appropriate therapy when indicated, identify physicians' orders and determine if there are any contraindications to therapy.
- Evaluate effectiveness of respiratory care to inclue: initial assessment and reassessment of resident response to therapy, treatment effectiveness, monitoring of vital signs. This inlcudes recognizing changes from norm for the age specific population served.
- Perform diagnostic studies on residents to inlcude: ABG acquisition and interpretation, nocturnal pulse oximetry, pulse oximetry with exercise and standard pulse oximetry.
- Provide all forms of airway care to include: tracheostomy tube changes and trach care, suctioning, insertion of nasal and oral pharyngeal airways and evaluation of residents for artificial airway discontinuance.
- Perform as a member of the cardiac arrest team to include Basic Life Support. Relates appropriate emergency protocols and maintains basic life support as necessary for appropriate resident population.
- Support ventilation as needed during transports between rooms, to and from therapy or activitries and to other hospitals or medical offices.
- Administer all treatment modalities to include: facial/nasal CPAP, Bipap, chest physiotherapy, aerosol administration, inexsufflation and all forms of low and high flow oxygen therapies.
- Assist in the education of all respiratory rehab residents and their families regarding respiratory and pulmonary disease management.
- Provide daily maintenance, cleaning and monitoring of ventilators and adjunctive equipment to ensure that equipment is operable and in safe working condition.
Qualifications:
- Must be a graduate of an accredited AMA program for Respiratory Therapy.
- Must hold a current license as a Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts.
- Credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care.
- Certified in CPR (Basic Life Support).
- Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
- Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
- Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, and be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level in which they are currently functioning.
- Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
- Must be able to move and assist with lifting and transport of residents.
Salary Range: $35 - $40 per hour based on experience
