Sr. Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center

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.

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.

• 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. 
• Bachelor's degree is preferred. 
• 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.
  
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
   
• 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

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran