Respiratory Therapist II, Full-Time Days, Respiratory Therapy

Join The BILH Team

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you're making a difference in people's lives.

Job Summary

The Respiratory Care Department at BIDMC has approximately 60 registered respiratory therapists on our staff. Our therapists are assigned to one of 9 adult ICUs and are primarily focused on management of mechanical ventilation of the critically ill. They also provide coverage to an active emergency department, cath lab and acute care floors. We have several therapists trained as ECMO specialists and will be training more in the near future. This is a new program at BIDMC and we are very excited about the opportunity for our members to be part of the team. BIDMCs affiliation with the Harvard School of Medicine requires our respiratory therapists to be intimately involved in the mentorship of physicians in training and the delivery of state of the art respiratory care. Our therapists play an integral role in several studies that are currently underway in our intensive care units.

The hours of this position are 7am-7pm.

Job Description

Assesses patient condition based on medical history, observation, examination, physician's diagnosis, laboratory findings and the results of specific tests or respiratory function and other appropriate diagnostic procedures. Develops or modifies the respiratory care plan and makes specific recommendations to physicians regarding indicated therapy.

Administers appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate responses to therapy, including: arterial blood gas sampling and interpretation of the results; oxygen saturation by direct measurement and pulse oximetry; end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement; pulmonary mechanics; spirometry; metabolic testing; and may assist the physician with special procedures such as bronchoscopy.

Develops a specific patient care plan according to the patient's clinical presentation at the time of the reassessment. Responds to respiratory and other defined emergencies such as high risk deliveries, cardiopulmonary arrest and trauma team activations.

Maintains artificial airways and provides manual or mechanical ventilation when mechanically ventilated patients are transported from critical care areas to other locations for tests and procedures.

Evaluates the patient's home care equipment needs and makes referrals and recommendations upon request. Initiates patient and caregiver teaching as appropriate. Completes necessary documentation of all pertinent observations related to patient care treatments, response to treatments, and all recommendations for modifications in the treatment plan.

Required Qualifications

Associate's degree in respiratory care/cardiopulmonary science required.

License respiratory therapist license required, and registration reg respiratory therapist required, and certificate 1 basic life support required.

0-1 years related work experience required.

Experience with computer systems required, including web based applications and some Microsoft Office applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access.

Competencies

Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation. May make recommendations for solving problems of moderate complexity and importance.

Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are varied, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation using direct observation, knowledge and skills based on general precedents.

Independence of Action: Ability to follow precedents and procedures. May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines. Seeks assistance when confronted with difficult and/or unpredictable situations. Work progress is monitored by supervisor/manager.

Written Communications: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English with internal and external customers.

Oral Communications: Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff, patients, families and external customers.

Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations.

Team Work: Ability to act as a team leader for small projects or work groups, creating a collaborative and respectful team environment and improving workflows. Results may impact the operations of one or more departments.

Customer Service: Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem solving. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Age based Competencies: Employees in this job must be competent to provide patient care to the following age groups: neonatal: birth to 6 months, youth: 6 months to 16 years, young adult: 16-30 years, middle age: 30 - 60 years, elderly: 60 -. Physical Nature of the Job: Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Job is physical in nature and employee needs to stand and/or move around through the majority of their shift.

Vaccination Requirements

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Learn more about this requirement.

Join Our Team

More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled