Respiratory Therapist

Under supervision and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Respiratory Therapist evaluates, delivers, and monitors the cardiopulmonary needs of pediatric and adult patients seen at the Institute.

The Respiratory Therapist is involved in pulmonary diagnostic testing, outpatient care, patient and family education, continuing care for needs within the home environment, and staff education. The Therapist incorporates age-related, cultural, and religious considerations into all aspects of care delivery.

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.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides comprehensive respiratory therapy services across the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute main campus (Boston) and Chestnut Hill campus. Ensures timely, safe, and patient-centered care in accordance with department and organizational standards.
• Applies scientific and clinical principles to assess, identify, prevent, and help remediate pulmonary and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Uses appropriate interventions and monitoring to optimize patient respiratory status.
• Provides and coordinates the delivery of medical gases and related respiratory therapies. Administers aerosolized medications and evaluates patient response, escalating concerns per protocol.
• Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to maintain and manage natural and artificial airways. Responds to emergencies and participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation as part of the code team.
• Performs diagnostic cardiopulmonary testing, including pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, MIPS/MEPS, and pre/post bronchodilator testing). Conducts exercise oximetry testing and ensure accurate data collection and reporting.
• Educates patients and families on respiratory care procedures and respiratory-related conditions. Provides consultation and education to other providers as needed to support coordinated, evidence-based care.
• Maintains testing equipment readiness and compliance requirements. Performs routine maintenance, daily calibration, and quality control on complex pulmonary function testing equipment, and document all care and patient responses in the electronic medical record. Maintains departmental records, including competencies and certifications.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated mastery of core clinical skills, including respiratory assessment and protocol-driven therapies.
• Knowledge of infection prevention practices and safe respiratory care delivery with a strong patient safety mindset.
• Demonstrated analytical ability and sound judgment in the interpretation of data, formulation of treatment plans, communication and implementation of care, and documentation of patient information.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills and appropriate temperament to interact with providers, multidisciplinary teams, and patients in high-acuity and stressful environments.
• Actively seeks to improve clinical knowledge and technical skills.
• Demonstrated advanced problem-solving skills and consistently orientates to the best possible outcome in complex situations.
• Ability to respond to clinical and operational challenges with speed, confidence, flexibility, and professionalism.
• Ability to consistently produce complete, accurate, and high-quality work.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in Respiratory Care or Pulmonary required. Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Care preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of respiratory therapy experience required.

License/Certification/Registration:

• Current license by the Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care required.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.
• CPFT or RPFT - Certification/Registration by the NBRC preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Patient Contact: Yes, direct, in-person contact with adult and pediatric patients.

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 open 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.