Description
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Summary:
- A Respiratory Therapist Level 2 (RT2) is a member of the healthcare team who provides expertise in managing patients of all ages with respiratory diseases or acute conditions impacting their ability to breathe. The RT2 provides respiratory care in general, critical care, and emergency room environments. This position is part of an internal HUP clinical advancement program and requires at least one year of experience after graduation from an accredited respiratory care program.
Responsibilities:
- Perform physical assessments of a patient’s pulmonary status and recommend appropriate respiratory care.
- Administer oxygen using various standard and specialized delivery devices, including heated high flow devices and hyperbaric chambers.
- Administer aerosolized medications via nebulizer, MDI, DPI, or other devices.
- Administer prescribed inhaled nitric oxide or aerosolized prostacyclin.
- Evaluate and maintain artificial airways of various sizes.
- Set up, adjust, maintain, and clean various mechanical ventilators.
- Perform advanced procedures on patients with severe hypoxemia, such as prone positioning and lung recruitment maneuvers.
- Set up, adjust, maintain, and clean non-invasive BiPAP & CPAP devices.
- Transport critically ill patients on respiratory modalities.
- Respond to hospital emergencies, including rapid response and code calls.
- Utilize approved RT protocols.
- Perform ABG and other diagnostic tests to evaluate disease extent or treatment effectiveness.
- Perform EKG testing, phlebotomy, IV insertion, and other roles based on departmental needs.
- Document patient care activities and enter charges into the electronic data system.
- Complete annual competencies and continuing education as required.
- Maintain active RT credentials and PA state RT license.
Credentials:
- Respiratory Therapist (Required)
- State of Pennsylvania Respiratory Care License, registered by NBRC, must be active and maintained.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (recommended for critical care primary RT).
- NRP certification required within 6 months of hire (for ICN staff).
Education or Equivalent Experience:
- Associate of Arts or Science (Required)
- Graduate of CoARC-accredited Respiratory Care program or equivalent experience with at least 1+ years clinical experience.
- Bachelor of Arts or Science (required for HUP employees as of 1/1/16).