Cardiopulmonary Respiratory Therapist
Gardner, MA
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
3x12 hrs

Respiratory Therapist (Cardiopulmonary) - Heywood Hospital, Gardner, MA

Employment Type: Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Qualifications

• Graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory Therapy program
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T.) credential by the National Board for Respiratory Care (or eligible)
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts
• ACLS certification obtained within 6 months of hire
• NRP certification required or obtained within 6 months of hire
• PALS certification required or obtained within 6 months of hire
• Prior respiratory therapy experience required
• Basic computer skills required

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally exerts 20 to 50 pounds of force
• Frequently exerts 10 to 25 pounds of force
• Constantly exerts up to 10 pounds of force
• Frequent reaching and handling with hands
• Occasional stooping and crouching

Key Responsibilities

• Gather and evaluate patient information from interviews and records
• Develop and modify patient care plans based on assessments
• Identify and act on variations from expected patient findings
• Assess patient learning needs and provide appropriate education
• Involve family/significant others in patient education when appropriate
• Provide patient teaching and evaluate understanding of condition and treatment
• Inform patients about care plans, discharge, and follow-up instructions
• Coordinate care with other healthcare providers and delegate as appropriate
• Document care plans, treatments, and any adverse events
• Administer medications and respiratory therapy treatments, including oxygen therapy
• Obtain arterial blood gases (ABGs) per hospital policy
• Perform pulse oximetry, pulmonary function tests (following ATS standards), and EKGs
• Assist with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy
• Set up and assess mechanical ventilators, BIPAP, and CPAP units, ensuring safe operation
• Assess cardiopulmonary status and recommend changes to care plans
• Provide instruction on proper use of cardiopulmonary medications and equipment
• Distribute age- and culturally-appropriate patient education materials
• Implement components of the VAP (Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia) bundle consistently and alert supervisors of deviations

Additional Notes

• Job duties may extend beyond those listed as needed to meet patient care requirements