Respiratory Care Intern - UPMC Presbyterian

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Respiratory Care Intern at UPMC Presbyterian gains hands-on clinical experience while working with the respiratory care team in a fast-paced, high-acuity academic medical center. The internship supports respiratory therapy students as they build foundational skills, apply classroom knowledge in clinical settings, and prepare for professional practice. Interns receive structured learning, mentorship, and exposure to varied patient populations and advanced therapies. Interns develop clinical experience and knowledge before completing their education in a CoARC-approved Respiratory Care program and subsequent credentialing as a licensed respiratory care practitioner. They work under the direct supervision of the Educational Coordinator, a Respiratory Supervisor, or a designee, and are assigned to a respiratory care practitioner at all times. Interns administer diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care in general medical/surgical units, taking precautions to prevent adverse effects. They are also responsible for equipment care, economical use of supplies and utilities, and cleanliness in the department and work areas.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a CoARC-approved school of Respiratory Care.
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 34 clearance.
Ability to provide care appropriate to the patient population served and knowledge 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 according to department standards.
Communicate with other healthcare personnel regarding patient care.
Perform chest physiotherapy, flutter valve therapy, incentive spirometry, and PEP therapy according to department standards.
Assist in transporting patients who require respiratory support.
Administer therapeutic gases, including oxygen, as prescribed or according to departmental procedures.
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 IPPB therapy as prescribed or according to departmental procedures.
Perform simple bedside pulmonary function testing and calculations.
Transport and change respiratory equipment on general patient units and maintain associated records.
Clean, disinfect, sterilize, disassemble, and prepare respiratory equipment for processing.
Complete mandatory and hospital competencies.
Provide service excellence by seeking, listening, and responding to the needs of patients, families, physicians, staff, and others.
Administer BiPAP/CPAP as prescribed or according to department policy and procedure.
Prepare and administer humidification and nebulization therapy under controlled temperature and saturation levels.
Evaluate therapy objectives to determine patient needs.
Provide equipment for respiratory 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.
Prepare and administer prescribed aerosolized drugs and drug mixtures.
Follow hospital and department policies and procedures.
Attend and participate in department meetings, conferences, and in-services as able to maintain knowledge of respiratory and related fields.
Ensure patient charges are entered daily.
Perform resting, titration, exercise, and nocturnal oximetry studies.
Replace oxygen and other compressed gas cylinders used in patient care, and monitor and change compressed gas cylinder banks when indicated.
Maintain personal cleanliness and courtesy.