Pittsburgh, PA30+ days ago
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 patients 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 physicians orders • Monitors patients 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. 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.