Respiratory Therapist, CRT/RRT

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

CRT Education and Formal Training Required:

In accordance with Act 60, State Board of Medicine, and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, must provide the Hospital with a copy of his/her current temporary practice permit or current certificate to practice in the Commonwealth as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. In addition, must be a graduate of an AMA accredited school for respiratory therapy and successfully completed the NBRC Certification Exam.

Experience Required: None.

Specific Abilities:

• Works under the general supervision of the Advanced Respiratory Therapist/Clinical Coordinator and Administrative Director of Respiratory Care.
• Performs regular functions without direct supervision.
• Consults the Advanced Respiratory Therapist/Clinical Coordinator, Administrative Director, and Medical Director as required.
  
  CRT Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Must complete Neonatal Resuscitation Program within one year of Hire Date or transfer.
  
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances for RRT:

• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
Must complete Neonatal Resuscitation Program within one year of Hire Date

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran