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