Respiratory Therapist CRT/RRT

UPMC•Altoona, PA

About The Position

UPMC Altoona is hiring a casual Respiratory Therapist. The position requires work across all shifts. The final candidate will be hired into the appropriate title and pay level based on qualifications. Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, the Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory therapy services and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities. Responsibilities are performed across patient populations and patient service areas. Candidates must graduate from a CoARC-approved respiratory program, or may begin employment as a student with a temporary license with Human Resources approval and official transcripts. CRT candidates must obtain the Certified Respiratory Therapist Technician (CRTT) credential from the NBRC before their temporary practice permit expires. The posting lists separate certification and clearance requirements for CRT and RRT candidates.

Requirements

Graduate of a CoARC-approved respiratory program, or student with a temporary license, Human Resources approval, and official transcripts.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), as applicable.
CRT candidates: Certified Respiratory Therapist Technician (CRTT) credential from the NBRC before expiration of the temporary practice permit.
Respiratory therapists receiving their CRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 must maintain certification according to NBRC requirements.
CPR meeting AHA standards, including didactic and skills demonstration components, within 30 days of hire.
Applicable respiratory care licensure or credential: Osteopathic Respiratory Care or Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP) for CRT; Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and RCP for RRT.
RRT candidates must complete the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within one year of hire.
Act 33, Act 34, and Act 73 FBI clearances, with renewal as required.

Responsibilities

Evaluate medical orders and interpret clinical data to support patient treatment objectives.
Set up and operate respiratory therapy devices, including mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
Operate and adjust equipment to deliver prescribed treatment parameters, medicinal gases, and aerosol drugs; inspect and test equipment for safe and efficient function.
Assist with transporting mechanically ventilated patients and respond to code situations.
Maintain patient charts with identification and therapy information, and arrange equipment repairs when needed.
Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel, and supervise students during training.
Review prescriptions and patient information, measure arterial blood gases, and assess treatment type, duration, and medication requirements.
Determine appropriate inhalant administration methods, precautions, and modifications compatible with physician orders.
Monitor physiological responses to therapy, including vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist patients with breathing exercises.
Perform pulmonary function tests for physician diagnosis and consult with physicians about adverse reactions.