Respiratory Therapist

About the role

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, operated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking an energetic Respiratory Therapist to provide care to patients in an acute, long term care hospital.

Responsibilities

• Administers pharmacologic, diagnostic and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures necessary to implement a treatment, disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, or a diagnostic regimen prescribed by a physician.
• Observes and monitors signs and symptoms, general behavior, general physical response to respiratory care treatment and diagnostic testing, to determine whether abnormal characteristics are exhibited.
• In collaboration with the healthcare team, develops and implements an appropriate care plan based on patient assessment by utilizing standards of care to optimize patient outcomes.
• Promotes continuous learning and expands expertise by engaging in and seeking opportunities to develop self and others as a member of a self-directed team.
• Works efficiently as a team member both within and across clinical settings to provide quality service to hospital units through communication, cooperation and collaboration.
• Demonstrates competence, including knowledge and behaviors, to meet age specific patient needs in a specialty area.
• Maintain accurate prescribed patient records and documentation such as progress, quarterly and annual notes and META records.
• Provide information to appropriate personnel during meetings and shift changes, to ensure consistency of care and stay informed on changes to an individual’s treatment, recovery and plan of care.
• Participate in and attend training sessions, staff meetings and educational seminars to obtain and exchange information, to enhance job skills and overall knowledge, and to stay abreast of new procedures, techniques and guidelines in the medical field.

Requirements

• A current and valid license as a Respiratory Therapist issued by the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care.
• Possesses knowledge of respiratory care principles and practices.
• Communicates effectively with staff and patients to ensure quality care.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and handles moderately complex issues.
• Understands emergency medical procedures and their application.
• Remains calm, acts quickly, and exercises sound judgment in emergencies.
• Gathers information through interaction and examination of records.
• Establishes rapport and communicates effectively with diverse groups.
• Utilizes a computer to enter and record patient data accurately.
• Responds sensitively to patient needs and treatment responses.

Qualifications

• Experience with delivering care to complex patient populations including patients suffering from acute chronic conditions, behavioral and mental health illnesses, and inmates.

Skills

• Knowledge of respiratory care principles and practices.
• Effective communication skills.
• Critical thinking and handling of complex issues.
• Understanding of emergency medical procedures.
• Ability to remain calm and handle emergencies.
• Ability to gather and communicate information.
• Computer proficiency in entering and recording patient data.
• Sensitivity to patient needs and treatment responses.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits are offered to employees, including those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza.

Pay

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Schedule

12-hour shifts, days off to be assigned; weekend coverage required (every 3rd weekend).

About the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a fully Joint Commission accredited teaching facility that provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care to patients referred by public agencies and private sector providers. Shattuck Hospital’s services help economically and socially disadvantaged patients to get high quality, cost-effective care from a staff that respects their dignity.

Pre-Hire Process

• A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired.
• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Relocation Information

Learn more about: what it’s like to work as a DPH nurse
Learn more about Shattuck Hospital: https://www.mass.gov/locations/lemuel-shattuck-hospital

Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.