Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Harrisburg

UPMC; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $15,000

Sign-on bonus $20,000

Job summary

UPMC is seeking an experienced Respiratory Therapist to provide airway management and life support under physician supervision. The role includes reading prescriptions, calculating ABG values, selecting treatment methods, and operating ventilators and related equipment.

The position requires NBRC RRT credential, BLS/CPR, and ARCF accreditation, with sign-on bonuses of $15,000 for 0–1 year experience or $20,000 for 1+ year experience, and a two-year full-time commitment. Harrisburg, PA campus.

Qualifications

• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess treatment needs.
• Determines suitable delivery method and duration of therapy in line with physician orders.
• Operates ventilators and related devices to deliver prescribed therapy.
• Maintains patient charts and participates in teaching trainees.

Responsibilities

• Reads prescription, measures ABG values, and determines therapy requirements.
• Assists transport of mechanically ventilated patients and responds to codes.
• Maintains charts and supervises trainees during respiratory care procedures.
• Operates ventilation and aerosol equipment, monitors parameters, and adjusts as needed.
• Interprets clinical data to optimize patient objectives and monitors responses.

Skills

ABG analysis

Ventilator setup

Code response

Patient charting

Inhalation therapy

Equipment setup

Data interpretation

Teaching trainees

Supervising students

CPR/BLS provider

Education

CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program

Job description

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

Purpose of the Respiratory Therapist, RRT:

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:

• 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

• 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.

• The Respiratory Therapist, RRT 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.

• Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives.

• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes. The Respiratory Therapist, RRT 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

• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license.

• Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required.

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required

• Respiratory therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirementsLicensure, Certifications, and Clearances:CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Effective 11/1/2025, those practicing in New York with valid NY Respiratory Therapist license must also hold valid RRT certification.

• 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