Respiratory Therapist, CRT/RRT

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center•Pittsburgh, PA

39d•$24 - $27

About The Position

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional responsible for assessing patients with respiratory disorders, conducting diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, and administering respiratory therapy. They work under the direction of doctors and treat a range of patients. Here are the key responsibilities and qualifications for this role:

Requirements

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
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 34

Responsibilities

Assessment and Diagnosis:
Interview patients to gather relevant medical history and assess respiratory conditions.
Conduct diagnostic tests, including measuring lung capacity and blood acidity/alkalinity.
Collaborate with physicians and nurses to develop personalized treatment plans.
Treatment Administration:
Administer respiratory treatments based on patient conditions, such as oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, and chest physiotherapy.
Set up and operate medical devices, including mechanical ventilators.
Connect patients who require ventilator support.
Educate patients on equipment usage and medication.
Monitoring and Emergency Care:
Regularly check on patients and equipment.
Monitor patient responses to therapy, including vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
Provide emergency care during code situations.
Documentation and Communication:
Maintain accurate patient charts with relevant identification and therapy information.
Collaborate with healthcare team members, including demonstrating respiratory care procedures to trainees and supervising students during training.