Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Harrisburg

UPMC; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus 0–1 year: $15,000

Sign-on bonus 1+ years: $20,000

Job summary

UPMC in Harrisburg is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to provide respiratory therapy services under physician supervision in a wide range of patient settings. The role requires prescribing-based therapy and cardiovascular support, with a focus on patient safety and quality of care.

Responsibilities include reviewing prescriptions, measuring arterial blood gases, determining therapy type and duration, assisting with ventilated patient transport, maintaining charts, and operating respiratory

Responsibilities

• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment.
• Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients and responds to code situations.
• Maintains patient charts with therapy information; demonstrates procedures to trainees and supervises students.
• Sets up and operates devices like mechanical ventilators and aerosol generators; ensures parameters and safety of therapy.
• Evaluates medical orders and interprets clinical data to optimize patient outcomes.
• Monitors patient responses to therapy, performs pulmonary function tests, and consults with physicians for adverse reactions.

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:

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 of the Respiratory Therapist:

• 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 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. The Respiratory Therapist, RRT 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.
• The Respiratory Therapist 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. The RRT consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.