Respiratory Therapy Tech. I

Western Massachusetts Hospital, operated by the Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking an energetic Respiratory Therapist to provide care to patients in an acute, long term care hospital.  We are a specialty care hospital providing in-patient services to individuals in need of ventilator/respiratory, end of life care, neuromuscular, Alzheimer’s, and chronic care.

The selected candidate participates in the respiratory needs of adult and geriatric patients on an inpatient unit following standards of care.  Administers medication, provides ventilator support in accordance with standard practices, policy and protocols. Maintains accurate records for related treatment plans and respiratory care.  Provides professional expertise and knowledge in carrying out emergency functions, all codes, and unexpected emergencies.

Please Note: This position is 40 hours per week, 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM shift and will share weekend/holiday coverage and other shifts as operationally needed.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

·         Performs direct hands-on respiratory care using established hospital policies and procedures along with respiratory standards of care to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.

·         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.

·         Provide invasive mechanical ventilation via a tracheostomy tube. Monitors vital signs and tolerance of ventilator settings.

·         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.

·         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.

·         Maintains personal and professional growth by attending in-services and keeping current with respiratory practices.

Required Qualifications

·         Applicants must have a current and valid license as a Respiratory Therapist issued by the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care.

About Western Massachusetts Hospital:

The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured citizens residing in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as:

• Cardiac and pulmonary disease
• Chronic neurological disorders
• Complications of strokes
• Dementia with major behavioral issues
• End stage terminal illnesses of various diagnoses

Consider joining our dynamic team of health care professionals in a work environment that provides high staff to patient ratio and delivers high quality care to all patients on all units.  Enjoy the opportunity to provide quality services in a long-term care setting where familiar faces are the norm rather than the exception. 

More information: https://www.mass.gov/locations/western-massachusetts-hospital

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
 
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

Pre-Offer 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. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. # 4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

Applicants must have a current and valid license as a Respiratory Therapist issued by the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care.  

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment. 

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. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.