Sr. Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center

UPMC•Erie, PA

About The Position

UPMC’s Comprehensive Lung Center is seeking an experienced Sr. Respiratory Therapist, RRT to join a highly specialized team delivering advanced cardiopulmonary care across diverse clinical settings. This role offers the opportunity to practice at the top of your license, utilizing cutting-edge modalities while supporting patients across all populations and service areas. The Sr. Respiratory Therapist serves as a clinical expert and senior resource, collaborating closely with physicians and the care team to optimize patient outcomes. In addition to providing complex respiratory therapies, this position plays a key role in mentoring staff, supporting trainees, and leading departmental operations as needed. If you are a skilled RRT looking to make a meaningful impact in a comprehensive, innovative lung center, we invite you to apply. This full-time position will work Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Experience with epic, PFT, six-minute walks, and education are preferred. Eligible candidates may qualify for a sign-on bonus up to $20,000 with a 2-year commitment to service with UPMC.

Requirements

Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required.
In lieu of an Associate's degree, must have 5 to 7 years of experience or have an NBRC Certification
Respiratory Therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements.
Two (2) years of total respiratory care experience with a minimum of one (1) year in critical care is required.
Must successfully complete one (1) approved project from the department's project list during each annual performance review period.
Project approved within 3 months of hire.
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
Employees practicing in Pennsylvania: Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Act 34

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree is preferred.
Experience with epic, PFT, six-minute walks, and education are preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates advanced level of knowledge in high risk modalities specific to the business entity.
Effectively administers all therapies such as Nitric Oxide (NO) administration and Tracheal Gas Insufflation (TGI).
Performs advanced functions in non-traditional settings: OR, ED, Cath Lab, Lung Center, Recovery areas, Transport, etc.
Performs bronchoscopy, Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) lab troubleshooting, completes pulmonary function tests, breath alcohol testing, EEG, EKG, Stress Testing, and 24-hour halter monitoring hook-up and scanning as needed.
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.
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.
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.
Performs the duties of a Respiratory Therapist, RRT
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.
Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders.
Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.
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.
Functions as a Lead Respiratory Therapist (i.e., Charge Duty) as needed in the absence of the Supervisor or Manager based on department need.
Functions as a senior level resource to other staff to facilitate problem solving, provide training, and demonstrate techniques.