Respiratory Therapist RRT in Lawrence, Massachusetts at Merrimack Health

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Director of Respiratory Therapy, it provides basic respiratory care to newborns through geriatrics in generally predictable, although critical situations. Respiratory Therapists will be responsible for the delivery of quality patient care and basic quality assurance data retrieval specific instructions/guidelines, which are provided.

Reports to the Director of Respiratory Therapy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
• Provides emergency care, which may include artificial ventilation and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, assistance with intubation and operation of mechanical ventilators for a variety of patients ranging in age from neonatal to geriatric.
• Provides general care, including but not limited to: medication administration, bronchial hygiene techniques and diagnostic assessments for a variety of patients ranging in age from neonatal to geriatric.
• Monitors the patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consults with a physician if adverse reactions occur.
• Educates patients and their families about their conditions and teaches appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
• Documents in the patient's medical record appropriately and completely.
• Maintains all Respiratory Therapy equipment as department policies outline.
• Maintains compliance with regulating agencies including but not limited to: TJC, CAP, DPH and OSHA.

EDUCATION AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Graduate from a two or four-year Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Certified or Registered through the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Licensed by the state of Massachusetts.
• Complies with state requirements for continuing education in Respiratory Therapy.
• Maintains current certification in BCLS, ACLS and NRP.

Preferred:

• Two years of experience in the field of Respiratory Therapy