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UPMC's Comprehensive Lung Center is seeking an experienced Sr. Respiratory Therapist, RRT to join a highly specialized team delivering advanced cardiopulmonary care across diverse clinical settings. This role offers the opportunity to practice at the top of your license, utilizing cutting-edge modalities while supporting patients across all populations and service areas. The Sr. Respiratory Therapist serves as a clinical expert and senior resource, collaborating closely with physicians and the care team to optimize patient outcomes. In addition to providing complex respiratory therapies, this position plays a key role in mentoring staff, supporting trainees, and leading departmental operations as needed. If you are a skilled RRT looking to make a meaningful impact in a comprehensive, innovative lung center, we invite you to apply.

This full-time position will work Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Experience with epic, PFT, six-minute walks, and education are preferred.

Eligible candidates may qualify for a sign-on bonus up to $20,000 with a 2-year commitment to service with UPMC.

Responsibilities:

+ Demonstrates advanced level of knowledge in high risk modalities specific to the business entity.

+ Effectively administers all therapies such as Nitric Oxide (NO) administration and Tracheal Gas Insufflation (TGI).

+ Performs advanced functions in non-traditional settings: OR, ED, Cath Lab, Lung Center, Recovery areas, Transport, etc.

+ Performs bronchoscopy, Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) lab troubleshooting, completes pulmonary function tests, breath alcohol testing, EEG, EKG, Stress Testing, and 24-hour halter monitoring hook-up and scanning as needed.

+ 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.

+ 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.

+ Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients.

+ Responds to all code situations.

+ Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders.

+ Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.

+ Performs the duties of a Respiratory Therapist, RRT

+ 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.

+ 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.

+ Functions as a Lead Respiratory Therapist (i.e., Charge Duty) as needed in the absence of the Supervisor or Manager based on department need.

+ Functions as a senior level resource to other staff to facilitate problem solving, provide training, and demonstrate techniques.

+ Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required.

+ In lieu of an Associate's degree, must have 5 to 7 years of experience or have an NBRC Certification

+ Respiratory Therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements.

+ Bachelor's degree is preferred.

+ Two (2) years of total respiratory care experience with a minimum of one (1) year in critical care is required.

+ Must successfully complete one (1) approved project from the department's project list during each annual performance review period.

+ Project approved within 3 months of hire.Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

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

+ Employees practicing in Pennsylvania: Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required.

+ Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.

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

+ Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)

+ Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

+ Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran