Respiratory Therapist/Lead Pulmonary Tech

About the role

The Respiratory Therapist/Lead Pulmonary Technician functions as a supervisory member of the patient care team within the Pulmonary Function Laboratory and delivers respiratory therapy services to the Pulmonary ALS Clinic. In close collaboration with fellow team members, this position consistently upholds a patient- and family-centered care philosophy in all communications with patients, families, and hospital staff, maintaining a strong focus on understanding and addressing the needs of those served.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a supervisory member of the patient care team within the Pulmonary Function Laboratory and delivers respiratory therapy services to the Pulmonary ALS Clinic.
• Supervises technical training, competency assessments, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Performs diagnostic pulmonary procedures, including spirometry, body plethysmography, DLCO, muscle force measurement, oximetry (at rest and during exercise), bronchial provocation testing, nitric oxide analysis, phlebotomy (arterial, venous, finger stick), and blood sample analysis.
• Oversees maintenance and calibration of pulmonary function testing equipment.
• Observes, verifies, and documents both initial and annual competencies for technical skills.
• Acts as the primary contact for troubleshooting equipment and coordinates with external vendors when needed.
• Maintains a clean and safe testing environment by following proper cleaning, disinfection, and infection control protocols.
• Supports early detection of neuromuscular weakness through forced vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure, and peak cough flow measurements, as well as ongoing disease monitoring.
• Assists with initiation and troubleshooting of non-invasive ventilation therapies.
• Provides patient education regarding the use of home ventilators and PAP devices for both invasive and non-invasive ventilation.
• Aids with mask fitting for non-invasive ventilation.
• Educates patients on the operation of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) devices and portable suction equipment for airway clearance.
• Instructs patients in tracheostomy care and management of tracheostomy tubes.
• Provides guidance on oxygen concentrator usage and nebulized medication administration via mask-based or machine-based systems.
• Aids in the collection, download, and interpretation of home ventilation and positive airway pressure therapy data, utilizing remote monitoring technologies.
• Collaborates with Respiratory Therapists from durable medical equipment providers to support home ventilation needs.

Qualifications

• Pulmonary Lab Responsibilities:
• In coordination with the Lab Manager and Medical Director, the Respiratory Therapist/Lead Pulmonary Technician supervises technical training, competency assessments, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Performs diagnostic pulmonary procedures, including spirometry, body plethysmography, DLCO, muscle force measurement, oximetry (at rest and during exercise), bronchial provocation testing, nitric oxide analysis, phlebotomy (arterial, venous, finger stick), and blood sample analysis.
• Oversees maintenance and calibration of pulmonary function testing equipment.
• Observes, verifies, and documents both initial and annual competencies for technical skills.
• Acts as the primary contact for troubleshooting equipment and coordinates with external vendors when needed.
• Maintains a clean and safe testing environment by following proper cleaning, disinfection, and infection control protocols.
• Pulmonary ALS Clinic Responsibilities:
• Supports early detection of neuromuscular weakness through forced vital capacity, maximum inspiratory pressure, and peak cough flow measurements, as well as ongoing disease monitoring.
• Assists with initiation and troubleshooting of non-invasive ventilation therapies.
• Provides patient education regarding the use of home ventilators and PAP devices for both invasive and non-invasive ventilation.
• Aids with mask fitting for non-invasive ventilation.
• Educates patients on the operation of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) devices and portable suction equipment for airway clearance.
• Instructs patients in tracheostomy care and management of tracheostomy tubes.
• Provides guidance on oxygen concentrator usage and nebulized medication administration via mask-based or machine-based systems.
• Aids in the collection, download, and interpretation of home ventilation and positive airway pressure therapy data, utilizing remote monitoring technologies.
• Collaborates with Respiratory Therapists from durable medical equipment providers to support home ventilation needs.

Education

• Qualified candidates must be graduates of an accredited respiratory care program with a minimum of an Associate’s degree - Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.

Licenses and Credentials

• Qualified candidates must have a valid MA respiratory care license in good standing.
• Candidates must be registered respiratory therapists (RRT) through the NBRC.

Experience

• Respiratory Care: 0-1 year preferred

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and promote interdisciplinary collaborative teamwork, including in emergent situations.
• Maintains effective working relations and communication with department and other hospital personnel.
• Maintains strong analytical and organizational abilities necessary to perform multiple diagnostic tasks.
• Prioritizes multiple responsibilities encompassed within the position.
• Adapts to changing pace within the department.
• Promotes a customer/patient-oriented philosophy among all staff within the area.
• Uses independent judgment and initiative in a variety of situations when assisting with patient procedures.
• Works under stressful conditions.
• Understands and operates required equipment and information systems.
• Physically capable of lifting (linen, supplies, patients, etc).
• Aware of hazards within the department; adheres to safety standards established by the Hospital and other regulatory agencies.
• Able to work with adult, elderly patients, and critically ill patients.
• Able to work productively in emergency situations.
• Able to effectively train and evaluate individuals.
• Maintains a high standard of professionalism.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all technical and interpersonal competencies as determined by PFT lab and Pulmonary leadership.

Additional Job Details (if Applicable)

• Remote Type: Onsite
• Work Location: 100 Blossom Street
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• Employee Type: Regular
• Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

• $31.98 - $47.85/Hourly

Grade

• Grade 5