Respiratory Therapist, RRT, Expert

Respiratory TherapistUPMC Northwest Hospital Seneca, PA Status: Full Time (typically 36 hours/weeks) Shift: typically, 5:30pm - 6:00am including every 3rd weekend a holidaysWe're excited to offer sign-on bonuses for qualified Respiratory Therapists who join our team:$15,000 for therapists with 0–1 year of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment$20,000 for therapists with 1+ years of experience with a 2-year full-time commitmentFinal candidates will be selected for a job title within the career ladder that reflects level of education, experience, and manager discretion at time of offer.Responsibilities:Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators. Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients. Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment functions safely and efficiently.Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients. Responds to all code situations.Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information. Orders repairs when needed. Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel. Supervises students during training.Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication dosages. Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician's orders.Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes. Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises. Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case. Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.Exhibit and practice service excellence by actively seeking, listening and responding to the needs of patients, their families, physicians, staff and others.Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.Performs flutter valve therapy.Performs incertive spirometry.Assist in the orientation of staff technicians and therapists and other health care personnel.Obtain necessary CEU's as required by state licensure.Performs PEP therapy.Performs Holter and Event monitor placement.Performs arterial puncture and arterial blood gas analysis.Assist with Bronchoscopies.Performs resting, titration excerise and nocturnal oximetry studies.Performs Electrocardiograms.Evaluate and set up patients for home oxygen.Evaluates and perform tracheostomy care and changing of patient's trach as prescribed by physician.Attend and participate in department meetings, conferences and inservices. Upgrading your knowledge of respiratory care related fields accepted as department standard.Qualifications:Graduate of a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Care program required.Candidates with a temporary practice permit may begin employment with HR approval and official transcripts.BLS/CPR required.Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT/CRTT) credential required before expiration of temporary permit.Therapists credentialed after July 1, 2002, must maintain NBRC certification requirements.Licensure, Certifications & ClearancesCurrent RCP license or eligibility required.BLS/CPR (AHA standards) required within 30 days of hire.ACLS and PALS preferred; required certifications must be obtained within 1 year of hire/transfer.Required clearances: Act 33, Act 34, Act 73 FBI, OAPSA (if applicable)UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran