Respiratory Therapist (M/W) - SEIU

Tufts Medicine is Looking for Qualified Respiratory Therapists!

Melrose/Wakefield Hospital, part of the Tufts Medicine system, has been offering the highest quality and accessible healthcare to the local community for over 130 years.  With two hospital campuses, Level III Trauma Center, Level III Special Care Nursery, Breast Health Center, Cardiovascular Center and over 20 locations and 50 specialties, Melrose/Wakefield Hospital offers many opportunities to grow your career.  

Job Overview 

Respiratory Therapist sets up various types of equipment to administer prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs.  Administers all types of therapy including gas therapy, aerosol therapy, ventilatory assistance, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. 

Minimum Qualifications

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

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

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

4. Two (2) years of experience as a 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. Responsible for assessing and delivering therapeutic and diagnostic pulmonary care to patients of all ages in the inpatient, outpatient, and sub-acute settings. 

2. Administers and documents all procedures in accordance to department policy and procedure.  The therapist is able to suggest appropriate therapy and communicates those suggestions effectively to physicians and nurses. 

3. Complies fully with department policy and procedure in maintenance and operation of the blood gas machines and in the drawing and analyzing of samples. 

4. Administers adult and geriatric ventilator care, aerosol therapy, medical gas therapy and bronchial hygiene therapy to all age groups in accordance with physicians order and departmental policy. 

5. Performs oral, nasoltracheal, endotracheal and tracheal suctioning as needed, in accordance with departmental policy. 

6. In Special Care Nursery administers and documents all procedures in accordance with department policy and procedure.  The therapist is able to suggest appropriate therapy and communicates those suggestions effectively to physicians and nurses. 

7. Performs oximetry according to policy and is able to recognize inaccurate results. 

8. Sets priorities by planning and organizing time effectively.  Assumes additional responsibility and responds with appropriate behavior to stabilize a crisis situation. 

9. Checks equipment and materials prior to work day insuring proper working order and sufficient level of supplies. 

10. Formulates care plan with input from patient and families, when appropriate. 

11. Establishes measurement goals and communicates this information to members of the health care team. 

12. Documents all therapies accurately and completely in the medical record. 

13. Uses good judgment when interfacing with other staff and is able to exercise tactful communication skills. 

14. Uses strong decision making skills based on clinical observations and protocol.  Seeks appropriate advice when situation is unclear or in question. 

15. Assesses potential discharge needs during hospitalization. 

16. Recognizes that patient and family teaching are an integral part of professional care and carries this out routinely and with appropriate documentation. 

17. Accepts and utilizes direction and supervision positively without a negative response.  Demonstrates flexibility in being cross-trained within the department. 

18. Completes forms, records, cardexes accurately and on time. 

19. Informs supervisor of pertinent activities and problems, passing on job related information. 

20. Rotates on day, evening and night tours of duty. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Frequent sitting, occasional standing & walking, and lifting of 5-10 lbs.  

2. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard and or respiratory equipment. 

3. Requires ability to see computer screen and reports. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Knowledge of Medical terminology. 

2. Ability to communicate effectively with all professional staff as well as all patients. 

3. Ability to assess patient status and develop treatment plans. 

About Melrose/Wakefield Hospital

Melrose/Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford are two campuses with one community in mind: the people of north suburban Boston.  Melrose/Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital are distinguished by the range of high-quality clinical care and services. Our teams welcome everyone with hospitality and humanity. We focus on reducing health disparities through 40+ local health programs across a system of hospitals, urgent care locations, outpatient services, and community physicians.

Core to our values, Melrose/Wakefield Hospital’s commitment to community is demonstrated by our many local health programs throughout our service area and participation in partnerships with community agencies and events, and education programs in more than 10 communities to support the wellness and health of our residents.