Experienced Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Mercy

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Benefits package

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

UPMC Mercy is seeking Experienced Respiratory Therapists (CRT/RRT) to practice at the top of their license in a high-acuity, Level I Trauma Center. You will work within a collaborative team and have access to a robust career ladder, leadership pathways, and advanced clinical opportunities.

The role offers sign-on bonuses of $15,000–$20,000 for qualified therapists, comprehensive benefits, and extensive PTO.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an ARC-approved respiratory program or eligible with transcripts and HR approval.
• Current NBRC CRT/RRT credentials or equivalent per state requirements.
• BLS/CPR certification required prior to expiration of temporary permit.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate orders and interpret data to optimize patient care.
• Set up and operate ventilators and related therapy equipment.
• Monitor patients and adjust therapy based on responses and physician orders.
• Maintain patient charts with accurate therapy documentation.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-acuity care.

Skills

CRRT/RRT credential

Ventilator management

BLS/CPR certified

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

ARC-approved respiratory program

Tools

Ventilators

Aerosol generators

Job description

Bring your respiratory therapy experience to a place where your skills make an immediate impact. UPMC Mercy is seeking Experienced Respiratory Therapists (CRT/RRT) who are ready to practice at the top of their license while continuing to grow professionally. UPMC Mercy is a large, acute‑care Level I Trauma Center with a strong community feel. Mercy is western Pennsylvania’s only hospital with a Level I Regional Resource Trauma Center and a comprehensive Burn Center under one roof, and a hub for the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, delivering specialized care for traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke patients. As an experienced RT at UPMC Mercy, you’ll care for complex, high‑acuity patient populations, collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, and have access to a robust career ladder, leadership pathways, and advanced clinical opportunities. Mercy’s respiratory team is known for supporting one another as much as their patients—creating an environment where experienced clinicians are valued, trusted, and empowered. If you’re looking for meaningful work, clinical challenge, and long‑term growth within a close‑knit, mission‑driven team, we invite you to continue your respiratory career at UPMC Mercy. We’re excited to offer sign‑on bonuses for qualified Respiratory Therapists who join our team:

• $15,000 for therapists with 0–1 year of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment
• $20,000 for therapists with 1+ years of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment

The final candidate will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary structure based on education, certification, and experience. As a Respiratory Therapist with UPMC, you’ll also have access to:

• Take the Registered Respiratory Therapist exam at no cost to you as a Certified Respiratory Therapist
• A comprehensive benefits package designed to support your total well‑being – physically, financially, and emotionally
• Up to 5 weeks of paid time off, plus seven paid holidays
• An enhanced Respiratory Therapy career ladder designed to help you get where you want to be
• Flexible schedule options to make your career work for you, including casual opportunities, nights, or weekends
• $6,000 in tuition reimbursement each year, plus a partnership with the Community College of Allegheny County to help you advance your education and grow your career

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:

• 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.
• Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required OR students who have received a temporary license are permitted to begin employment with approval from the Human Resources department along with their official transcripts.
• Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required prior to expiration of temporary practice permit.
• Respiratory therapists who receive their CRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)
• Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran