Respiratory Therapist

Echn - Longmeadow, MA

Full-time

Longmeadow, MA

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Respiratory Therapist position involves performing safe respiratory therapy modalities as ordered by physicians, developing care plans based on assessments, and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team. The role includes setting up and monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, and ensuring the proper operation and cleanliness of respiratory equipment. The therapist will also perform various suctioning techniques, analyze blood gases, and document all patient therapies and concerns during shifts.

Responsibilities

• Perform safe respiratory therapy modalities as ordered by physician.
• Develop a plan of care based on assessment data and standards of care.
• Set up, maintain, and monitor mechanical ventilation according to policy and procedure.
• Administer medications demonstrating thorough knowledge of policy and procedure.
• Assemble, select, and operate respiratory equipment for proper operation and cleanliness.
• Perform tracheal, endotracheal, and nasopharyngeal suctioning including instillation of pharmacologic agents.
• Draw and analyze blood gases by arterial stick according to policy and procedure.
• Interpret arterial blood gas and oximetry results.
• Differentiate between patient and equipment problems and intervene appropriately.
• Document and communicate all patient therapies including concerns during shift.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved Respiratory Care program.
• Credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) from the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Current license from the State of Connecticut to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Minimum of one year of skilled respiratory experience within the last two years.
• Ability to work well with others in a multi-task, fast-paced patient care environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.

Nice-to-haves

• Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program Provider (NRP) or Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) certification.

Benefits

• $10,000 sign-on bonus.