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UPMC Altoona is looking for a casual Respiratory Therapist to work as needed. Must be able to work all shifts. 8-hour and 12-hour shifts

*final candidate will be hired into correct title and pay per qualifications

Responsibilities:

+ Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.

+ 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.

Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required OR students who have received a temporary license are permitted to begin employment with approval from the Human Resources department along with their official transcripts.

Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required prior to expiration of temporary practice permit.

Respiratory therapists who receive their CRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

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)

+ Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)

+ Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)

+ Act 33 with renewal

+ Act 34 with renewal

+ Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran