• Respiratory Therapist

    UPMC (Somerset, PA)


    Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, the Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory therapy services and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies. This full-time position supports the Sleep Lab at UPMC Somerset and works rotating 12-hour shifts, including every other weekend.

    Sign-On Bonus Eligible:

    + $12,000 for candidates with 0-1 year of experience

    + $20,000 for candidates with 1+ years of experience

    Responsibilities:

    + Evaluate the appropriateness of medical orders and interpret clinical data to optimize patient outcomes.

    + Set up and operate respiratory equipment including mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas systems, aerosol generators, and environmental control systems.

    + Monitor and adjust equipment to ensure optimal therapy delivery, including parameters such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature.

    + Administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs, and observe equipment function for safety and efficiency.

    + Assist in the transport of mechanically ventilated patients and respond to all code situations.

    + Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient charts with therapy information.

    + Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and supervise students during clinical training.

    + Assess patient condition through prescription review, arterial blood gas measurement, and clinical evaluation to determine therapy requirements.

    + Determine appropriate methods for administering inhalants and make necessary modifications in line with physician orders.

    + Monitor physiological responses to therapy, including vital signs, blood gases, and chemistry changes.

    + Perform bronchopulmonary drainage, assist with breathing exercises, and conduct pulmonary function tests.

    + Consult with physicians regarding adverse reactions or therapy adjustments.

     

    Why Join UPMC Somerset?

     

    + Supportive team environment with opportunities for growth.

    + Work in a specialized setting supporting sleep medicine.

    + Competitive compensation and generous sign-on bonuses.

    + Comprehensive benefits package.

    + 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:

    + Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

    + CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

    + 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 renewalUPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran