Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Under supervision and in accordance with established policy and procedure statements, the Respiratory Therapist evaluates, delivers, and monitors the cardiopulmonary needs of pediatric and adult patients seen at the Institute. At time of hire, the therapist is required to review the policies and procedures of the department. During the process of orientation, the Respiratory Therapist is prepared to work autonomously in assessing, coordinating, and delivering the required care to meet the patient’s cardiopulmonary needs. The Therapist is involved with diagnostic testing, outpatient care, patient education, education, continuing care in the home environment and staff education. The Therapist takes into consideration the age related, cultural and religious diversity of each patient when providing care.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Provides a variety of Respiratory Care Services to Dana Farber Cancer Institute main campus (Boston) and Chestnut Hill campus
• Applies scientific principles for the identification, prevention, and remediation of pulmonary and cardiopulmonary dysfunction
• Provides and coordinates the delivery of medical gases
• Administers aerosolized medications
• Works with a multidisciplinary team to maintain natural and artificial airways
• Participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation as part of a multidisciplinary code team
• Performs pulmonary function testing (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, MIPS/MEPS, pre/post bronchodilator testing)
• Performs exercise oximetry testing
• Provides education of respiratory care procedures and respiratory related issues to patients and families
• Provides consultation services and teaching of respiratory related issues to other providers as needed
• Performs routine maintenance, daily calibration, and quality control procedures on complex pulmonary function testing equipment
• Completes documentation of all necessary information related to patient care, treatments administered, and responses to treatment in the electronic medical record
• Maintains appropriate department records (competencies, certifications etc.)
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director of the Respiratory Care Department

Qualifications

Required:

• Current license by the MA Board of Respiratory Care
• RRT - Registration by the N.B.R.C.
• ACLS course completion (Required during 1st 3-6 months of orientation)
• 2 years of respiratory therapy experience

Preferred:

• A.S. / B.S. in Respiratory Care
• CPFT / RPFT - Certification / Registration by the N.B.R.C

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Fully competent in all aspects of their job description; Successfully completed the Respiratory Care Department competencies and the designated probationary period.

• Demonstrated mastery of most clinical skills and ability to focus on improving other skills as necessary; skills include assessment skills and the active assessment of respiratory therapies needed and procedures according to the respiratory protocols.

PATIENT CONTACT:

Yes

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

· Works in patient care environments.

· May be required to stand immobile for long periods of time.

· Frequent exposure to communicable diseases.

· Frequent exposure to secretions/excretions, unpleasant odors.

· Frequent exposure to aerosolized medications

· Works a variety of shifts to include all hours when patients are in the Institute. Generally, working hours include day/evening variable (including weekends)

· Works any Holiday for which the Institute is opened for patient care.

· Holiday and weekend staffing rotation is determined by the Respiratory Coordinator.

· Holiday and weekend on-call rotation is determined by the Respiratory Coordinator.

· All scheduling is the responsibility of the Respiratory Coordinator.

· Work may require prolonged walking, standing, and occasional running.

· Work may include transport of heavy equipment and gas cylinders.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.