Respiratory Care Intern - UPMC Memorial

UPMC•York, PA

About The Position

Respiratory Care Interns are students who develop additional clinical experience and knowledge before completing their education in a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)-approved Respiratory Care program and subsequently earning credentials as a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP). The intern works under the direct supervision of the Educational Coordinator, Respiratory Supervisor, or designee, and is assigned to an RCP at all times. Interns provide diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care in general medical/surgical units while observing necessary precautions to prevent adverse effects. They are also responsible for equipment care, economical use of supplies and utilities, and maintaining cleanliness in the department and work areas. The intern performs assigned respiratory care procedures and therapies, documents patient care, maintains records and charges, supports patient transport and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and helps maintain respiratory equipment. The intern must provide age-appropriate care, follow hospital and department policies, complete required competencies, and participate in department education and meetings as able.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a CoARC-approved school of Respiratory Care.
Must have completed one semester of clinical rotations at a CoARC-approved school of Respiratory Care.
Certified in CPR.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting, with renewal.
Act 33, with renewal.
Act 34, with renewal.
Act 73 FBI Clearance, with renewal.
Ability to provide care appropriate to the patients served and understand principles of growth and development across the lifespan.
Ability to assess and interpret patient data to identify age-specific patient needs.

Responsibilities

Participate in clinical research projects as required.
Maintain accurate records in accordance with department standards.
Communicate with healthcare personnel regarding patient care.
Perform chest physiotherapy, flutter valve therapy, incentive spirometry, and PEP therapy according to department standards.
Assist with transporting patients who require respiratory support.
Administer prescribed therapeutic gases, including oxygen, and replace oxygen and other compressed gas cylinders; monitor and change cylinder banks when indicated.
Document patient interactions and care in the medical record and/or hospital information system.
Perform radial and brachial arterial punctures and analyze samples while maintaining asepsis and quality standards.
Administer prescribed IPPB, BiPAP/CPAP, humidification, nebulization, and aerosolized drug therapies in accordance with department procedures.
Perform simple bedside pulmonary function testing and calculations, and resting, titration, exercise, and nocturnal oximetry studies.
Transport and change respiratory equipment on general patient units and maintain associated records in an organized and legible manner.
Clean, disinfect, sterilize, disassemble, and prepare respiratory equipment for cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization.
Complete mandatory and hospital competencies.
Provide service excellence by seeking, listening, and responding to the needs of patients, families, physicians, staff, and others; utilize Customer Relations principles.
Evaluate therapy objectives to determine patient needs.
Provide equipment for therapies and perform minor repairs, maintenance, and calibration according to department standards.
Participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including airway establishment, ventilatory support, and external cardiac massage.
Attend and participate in department meetings, conferences, and in-services as able to maintain knowledge in respiratory and related fields.
Ensure patient charges are entered daily.
Maintain personal cleanliness and courtesy.
Follow hospital and department policies and procedures.