Respiratory Therapist, RRT

Respiratory Therapist

We're excited to offer sign-on bonuses for qualified Respiratory Therapists who join our team:

$15,000 for therapists with 01 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 commitment

Plus, a limited-time incentive to earn an additional $10,000 upon completion of your third year of employment.

Sign-on bonuses are also available for part-time positions and will be prorated based on commitment.

Purpose of the Respiratory Therapist:

Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, provides respiratory therapy services and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Defined responsibilities are performed in all patient populations and in all patient service areas.

Responsibilities of the Respiratory Therapist:

• 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
• The Respiratory Therapist 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.
• 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. The Respiratory Therapist 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.
• Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.
• The Respiratory Therapist 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. The Respiratory Therapist consults with physicians in the event of adverse reactions.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required
• Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required
• Respiratory therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran