This position is responsible for respiratory care for patients of all age groups, who are diagnosed with cardio-pulmonary dysfunction. Sets up various types of equipment to administer prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs. Administers all types of respiratory therapy treatments including, oxygen delivery, mechanical ventilator management, diagnostic procedures (e.g., blood gas sampling and analysis, pulse oximetry, BCLS, function and troubleshooting of respiratory therapy equipment).Works cooperatively within department and other services to create a system of quality health care.

Minimum Qualifications

1.Associate’s degree from an accredited Respiratory Care program.

2. Licensed by the state of Massachusetts to provide respiratory care.

3. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

4. One (1) year of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

5. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

6. ACLS & NRP Certification required within one (1) year of hire

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listedbelow are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Initiates patients on invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; routinely checks and maintains proper function of ventilator in conjunction with the physician order.

2. Abides with infection control guideline for invasive and non-invasive equipment per departmental policy. Changes and adjusts ventilator parameters based on clinical assessment and blood gas analysis in accordance with physician orders.

3. Weans patients from mechanical ventilation and other therapies through patient assessment and adjusting parameters within prescribed protocols.

4. Administer inhaled medications in accordance with institutional guidelines derived from the department of respiratory care and pharmacy.

5. Administers oxygen using low flow, high flow, open and closed circuits.

6. Embodies patient and family centered care. Explains procedures to patients and family.

8. Administers Positive Pressure Breathing, (e.g. CPAP or BiPAP), which consists of the application of positive pressure to the upper airway to promote better lung inflation and aerosol distribution.

10. Provides in-house transport of mechanically ventilated and other high-risk patients.

11. Provides non-traditional therapies, e.g. Veletri administration, as ordered.

12. Provides resuscitation and support services at all high-risk deliveries.

13. Monitors effectiveness of therapy using non-invasive techniques such as pulse oximetry, end tidal CO2 in addition to invasive techniques such as arterial blood gas sampling.

16 Assists in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation as part of Code Team primarily providing airway management and manual resuscitation.

17. Documents therapy, patient assessment, and interventions performed and test results in the progress notes of the medical record in a concise, accurate, and thorough manner.

18. Transcribe a detailed shift note for all patient’s cared for during the shift.

19. Responsible for acknowledging the proper assembly of all respiratory therapy equipment prior to and during patient use.

20. Performs daily rounds and fairly bills patients for services rendered. Attend rounds daily with the intensive care unit critical care team and is an active participant in the patient’s care.

21. Assists with development of in-service programs for departmental personnel.

22. Assists the clinical educator with orientation of new employees.

About Lowell General

For more than 125 years, Lowell General has served the Greater Lowell community with pride. We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a three-time Magnet®-recognized community hospital. As a member of our team, you’ll join over 3,000 dedicated care providers to offer complete, connected care, when and where patients need it most.

Magnet Designation
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) honored Lowell General Hospital with Magnet Recognition for excellence in nursing care, our fourth designation achieved in March 2025! The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations dedicated to nursing excellence, professionalism, and patient-focused care. It is the highest level of recognition an organization can receive for providing the very best quality in patient care. Only nine percent of hospitals in the United States have achieved Magnet status and fewer than one percent of hospitals have achieved a fourth consecutive Magnet designation.