Respiratory Therapist at Lowell General Hospital

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community health care to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, Melrose/Wakefield Healthcare, an expansive home care network and a large clinically integrated physician network, Tufts Medicine has more than 15,000 dedicated employees and caregivers.

Job Overview

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, bedside pulmonary function testing, pulse oximetry, EKG's, BCLS, function and troubleshooting of respiratory therapy equipment). Works cooperatively within department and other services to create a system of quality health care.

Why Join Us? At Tufts Medicine - Lowell General Hospital, we’re more than a health system – we’re a community of the brightest minds and the biggest hearts in healthcare. We combine academic innovation with compassion and community. If that excites you, then you belong with us.

What We Offer

Competitive salaries & benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits that start on day one.

403(b) retirement plans with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Free on-campus parking

Professional Growth opportunities

Location: Lowell General Hospital - 295 Varnum Avenue - Lowell, MA

Hours/Shift: 24 hrs - Days

Job Overview

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, bedside pulmonary function testing, pulse oximetry, EKG's, 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below 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. Weans patients from mechanical ventilation and other therapies through patient assessment and adjusting parameters within prescribed protocols.

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

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

5. Provides services to analyze blood specimens for blood gases, glucose and electrolytes in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.

6. 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.

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

8. Provides non-traditional therapies, e.g. Nitric Oxide gas administration, as ordered.

9. Monitors effectiveness of therapy using non-invasive techniques such as pulse oximetry, end tidal CO2 and transcutaneous PO2/PCO2, in addition to invasive techniques such as arterial blood gas sampling.

10. Analyzes inspired oxygen concentration using various oxygen analyzers.

11. Calibrates monitors and maintains Transcutaneous Oxygen Monitors, End Tidal CO2 and pulse Oximetry monitors.

12 Assists in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation as part of Code Team primarily providing airway management and manual resuscitation. Commonly administers drugs via the endotracheal tube during cardiopulmonary rescue e.g. Lidocaine, Atropine Sulfate and Epinephrine.

13. Responsible for acknowledging the proper assembly of all respiratory therapy equipment.

14. Assists the Associate Director with the orientation of new employees; acts as a preceptor for new employees and is utilized as a clinical instructor for students enrolled in local universities.

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.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at