Graduate Respiratory Therapist, CRT/RRT - UPMC Presbyterian

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

5h•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Presbyterian is seeking new graduate Respiratory Therapists to join their team. As a leading academic medical center and Level I Regional Resource Trauma Center, the facility offers exposure to diverse, high-acuity patient populations, including transplant, neurosurgery, cardiology, and critical care. The environment prioritizes mentorship, teamwork, and hands-on learning. The campus is expanding with the Kamin Tower, featuring private patient rooms and advanced specialty operating rooms. UPMC Presbyterian also has an on-site Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) chamber, providing unique learning opportunities. The role involves joining a collaborative team committed to professional development, with structured orientation, experienced preceptors, and ongoing clinical growth. This position is ideal for new graduates looking to build confidence, expand skills, and make a meaningful impact.

Requirements

Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required.
Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required.
Basic Life Support or Cardiopulmonary 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

Responsibilities

Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients.
Responds to all code situations.
Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders.
Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.
Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
Orders repairs when needed.
Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
Supervises students during training.
Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case.
Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.
Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication dosages.
Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician's orders.
Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.
Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment functions safely and efficiently.