Respiratory Therapist Reg II

Under the direction of the Director - Respiratory Care Services and Supervisor - Respiratory Care Services, the Registered Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system, under the supervision of a physician and by prescription.

Responsibilities:

• Interviews patient and family members to obtain information about home environment, family relationships, health and psychosocial history.

• Reads prescriptions, reviews patient information, and assesses patient condition, to administer respiratory therapy without posing a threat to self and others.

• Observes, inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.

• Adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.

• Orders repairs when needed.

• Cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes equipment used in administration of respiratory therapy.

• 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.

• 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.

• Assists in C-sections and Bronchoscopies.

• Responds to Rapid Response, Code Blue, and Trauma's in the ER.

• Assists in Percutaneous Tracheotomies and Bedside Bronchoscopies.

• Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.

• Maintains patient's charts that contain pertinent identifications and therapy information.

• Demonstrates respiratory care procedure to trainees and other health care personnel.

• Demonstrates ability in the care and handling of patients in all age groups including, but not limited to, consideration of the special needs and behavior of each respective group.

• Resolves any conflict or situation that needs immediate attention and records the details for the Director and supervisor.

• Communicates with the Director and Supervisor any personnel issues that need immediate attention, as it pertains to quality of work or standards of care.

• Assumes responsibility as Lead when necessary.

• Delegates the workload ensuring no compromise to patient care.

• Assesses productivity during the shift with the authority to flex up or down as workload determines need.

• Performs electrocardiography studies

• Performs overnight pulse oximetry studies

• Collects, analyzes and reports arterial blood gases and other relevant chemistry panels Monitoring, ordering and procuring necessary respiratory therapy equipment/ supplies

• Associate degree from accredited Respiratory Therapy training program.

• Registered Respiratory Therapist from the National Board of Respiratory Care.

• Current license as a Respiratory Therapist from the State of Ohio.

• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently as part of the care delivery team.Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• BLS for Healthcare Provider (HCP) within 30 days of hire.

• Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT) OR Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran