Respiratory Therapist Nicu

$10,000 Sign-On Bonus for external hires! 

Responsible for assessing, planning, organizing and administering Respiratory Care procedures in accordance with physician's treatment plan including mechanical ventilation and airway care; respiratory treatment; emergency respiratory maneuvers; transport and maintenance of critically ill patients for special tests and procedures.  Performs and interprets test and procedures to assess and manage patient care in concurrence with physician.  Oversees work of technical Respiratory Care personnel.  Attends and participates in hospital educational programs and patient care rounds.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.       Provides professional Respiratory Care including initiation and maintenance of mechanical ventilation. Utilizes neonatal conventional ventilators, High Frequency Oscillators, High Frequency Jet Ventilators, and INO ventilators for administration of Nitric Oxide.

2.       Attends high-risk deliveries to assist physicians with intubation/NRP, surfactant administration, and transport of intubated patients.  Responds to pediatric/neonatal emergencies (including CPR/NRP); establishes and maintains patient airway, providing appropriate oxygen therapy.

3.       Performs intubations or assists in insertion, stabilization and maintenance of all artificial airways; and administration of Respiratory Care modalities.  Applies use of prong and nasopharangeal CPAP devices, and oxygen delivery devices, nasal prongs and oxyhoods appropriately.   

4.       Attends daily bedside rounds and administers Respiratory modalities and medications including bronchodilator therapy, surfactant, oxygen, and nitric oxide.  Assesses patients' conditions, progress and reaction to the therapy.  Modifies treatment care plan accordingly.

5.   Performs moderate complexity point of care (POC) testing for Blood Gas Analysis.  Requires an Associate or Bachelors degree in chemical, physical, or biological science or medical laboratory technology or other qualifications as described in the Federal Register, 42 CFR, Subpart M 493.1403 - 1495. 

6.   Uses professional judgment regarding appropriateness of therapy; modifies treatment and/or informs physicians with recommendations for change.  Administers appropriate tests and procedures as ordered including; oximetry, hyperoxia tests utilizing transcutaneous O2 monitoring, radial arterial blood gases. 

7.  Completes necessary documentation of all pertinent observations related to patient care and treatment administered with patients' responses to treatment. Reports to NICU Respiratory Therapy Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor and physicians.  Maintains appropriate department records.  Ensures proper and current physician orders with physician approval.

8.   Participates in education of students, physicians, and staff.    Explain and demonstrates respiratory techniques to house officers, medical students, nurses, and other hospital personnel.  Provides guidance and constructive criticism to demonstrate appropriate methods as necessary to correct deviations from established standards. 

9.   Clinically supervises respiratory therapy students in patient areas.  Assists and instructs students in performance of Respiratory Care procedures and maintenance of equipment.

10. Instructs patients' families in respiratory techniques and the use of equipment in the home necessary to continue patient care and rehabilitation.

11. Attends and participates in internal and external educational meetings to maintain and enhance clinical competencies including daily patient-care reports, staff meetings, and conferences as scheduled.  The individual in the position must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the neonate.  In addition, she/he must possess the ability to assess patient data relative to specific needs and provide care as described in the department's policy and procedures.

12. Assists in departmental research projects.

13. Maintains continuing education relating to cultural competency.  The individual in this position must demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding of the diversity of any patient population to include but not limited to age, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, income, position, sexual orientation, gender or background.

1.       A.S/B.S. in Respiratory Therapy

2.       Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the N.B.R.C. within three (3) months of hire

3.       Currently licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Respiratory Therapist.

4.       1-2 year NICU training preferred or 2-3 years' minimum critical care training

5.       NPS credential preferred

6.       Work requires a minimum of ten weeks of orientation to acquire necessary familiarity with department policies and procedures.

7.       Maintain NRP/BLS certification at all times.