Respiratory Therapist CRT/RRT

UPMC • Altoona, PA

1d

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist administers medical gases and respiratory treatments, supports pulmonary ventilation and blood gas testing, maintains equipment and records, and contributes to staff education and quality assurance. The final candidate will be hired into the appropriate CRT or RRT title and pay level based on qualifications.

This is a full-time night-shift position consisting of three 12-hour shifts from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., with every other weekend and holiday rotation. The role may be part of the Night Shift Night Program. Program participants must work the maximum number of budgeted shifts for their FTE status in off-shift hours. Eligible participants receive an additional $2 per hour for program night hours, in addition to the hospital’s off-shift differential. The additional differential does not apply to day shifts or paid time off. Participants’ PTO requests require advance approval. The number of program participants is determined by business unit leaders based on operational needs.

The position works under the general supervision of the Advanced Respiratory Therapist/Clinical Coordinator and Administrative Director of Respiratory Care. Regular functions are performed without direct supervision, with consultation from those roles and the Medical Director as needed. Experience is not required. The role requires graduation from an AMA-accredited respiratory therapy school and successful completion of the NBRC Certification Exam, along with the applicable practice permit or license and certifications and clearances listed for the CRT or RRT track.

Requirements

• Graduate of an AMA-accredited school for respiratory therapy.
• Successful completion of the NBRC Certification Exam.
• Provide the hospital with a current temporary practice permit or current certificate to practice in the Commonwealth as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, in accordance with Act 60 and applicable state boards.
• CPR meeting AHA standards, including didactic and skills demonstration components, within 30 days of hire.
• Complete the Neonatal Resuscitation Program within one year of hire or transfer.
• Meet the applicable CRT or RRT licensure, certification, and clearance requirements, including Act 33, Act 34, and Act 73 FBI clearance, with renewals as required.
• Perform regular functions without direct supervision and consult the appropriate clinical and administrative leaders as needed.

Responsibilities

• Administer medical gases using equipment such as cannulas, tents, croupettes, masks, aerosol masks, HFNC, and trach collars.
• Administer IPPV, IPPB, aerosol, nebulizer, and incentive spirometry treatments, and administer aerosols for sputum induction.
• Initiate and maintain mechanical pulmonary ventilation equipment in emergency department, nursery, and ICU settings.
• Perform arterial punctures using radial and brachial arteries, and femoral arteries with a physician’s order; perform capillary punctures on newborn infants and small children.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate blood gas analyzers and ensure their performance.
• Administer bedside pulmonary function tests and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory materials for the Blood Gas laboratory.
• Prepare and maintain required reports and patient records.
• Stay current with developments and department procedures, participate in in-service programs, and comply with occupational exposure policies.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and supervising technical staff activities during shifts as needed.
• Consult with CRTs and RRTs regarding equipment use and management of difficult patients.
• Assist in evaluating equipment being considered for purchase.
• Participate in staff in-service education, orientation of new department employees, and the department quality assurance program.
• Adapt clinical treatment and instruction to patients at all life stages and with varying health and disease conditions.
• Use available equipment and supplies efficiently and maintain them appropriately.
• Be available for staff adjustments to help ensure qualified staffing for patient needs and unusual occurrences or increased patient acuity.
• Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors and complete other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus of up to $20,000; amount varies based on experience and commitment length.
• Eligible Night Shift Night Program participants receive an additional $2 per hour for program night hours, on top of the hospital’s off-shift differential.
• Night Shift Night Program participants receive new, market-competitive shift differentials.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed