Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC West Shore

Purpose

Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, provides respiratory therapy services and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Defined responsibilities are performed in all patient populations and in all patient service areas.

Responsibilities

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

Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients. Responds to all code situations.

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.

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.

Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.

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.

• Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license.
• Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required

Respiratory therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Effective 11/1/2025, those practicing in New York with valid NY Respiratory Therapist license must also hold valid RRT certification.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran