Respiratory Therapist CRT/RRT

$12,000 - $15,000/Yr

UPMC - Pittsburgh Medical Center - Altoona, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Altoona, PA

About the position

The Respiratory Therapist CRT/RRT position is a full-time role focused on providing respiratory care to patients in various settings, including the Emergency Department, Nursery, and ICU. The role involves performing critical procedures such as arterial punctures, administering medical gases, and conducting pulmonary function tests. The therapist will work three 12-hour night shifts with rotating weekends and is expected to maintain high standards of patient care and safety while collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Performs arterial puncture using both the radial and brachial arteries, and may use femoral artery with a doctor's order.
• Conducts capillary punctures on newborn infants and small children using heel or finger sticks.
• Administers bedside pulmonary function tests and prepares required reports and patient records.
• Administers medical gases using various equipment such as cannula, tent, mask, and aerosol mask.
• Efficiently employs available equipment and supplies, ensuring proper maintenance and care.
• Administers IPPV, IPPB, aerosol, nebulizer, and incentive spirometry treatments.
• Responsible for operating, maintenance, calibration, and performance of blood gas analyzers.
• Consults with and advises Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) regarding equipment use and patient management.
• Takes an active role in inservice education and orientation of new staff members.
• Serves as a preceptor for CRT staff during competency reviews and assesses their skills and knowledge.
• Assists with planning, coordination, and supervision of technical staff activities during shifts.
• Assists in evaluating equipment for departmental purchases and participates in quality assurance programs.
• Maintains knowledge of current trends and departmental procedures, participating in inservice programs.
• Initiates and maintains mechanical pulmonary ventilation equipment in various settings.
• Maintains adequate laboratory supplies for the Blood Gas laboratory and adjusts staff as needed.

Requirements

• Must provide a copy of current temporary practice permit or current certificate to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the Commonwealth.
• Graduate of an AMA accredited school of respiratory therapy and successfully pass the registry exam.
• CPR certification required based on AHA standards within 30 days of hire.
• Completion of Neonatal Resuscitation Program within one year of hire date.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a clinical setting is preferred but not mandatory.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus of $12,000 for 0-1 year of experience with a 2-year commitment.
• Sign-on bonus of $15,000 for 1+ years of experience with a 2-year commitment.