UPMC
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
The Senior Respiratory Therapist acts as a clinical expert, delivering advanced cardiopulmonary care across diverse settings, including administering complex therapies like Nitric Oxide and Tracheal Gas Insufflation. This role also involves mentoring staff, supporting trainees, and leading departmental operations as needed.
Candidates must be a graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory program and possess a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, requiring two years of total respiratory care experience with at least one year in critical care. A Pennsylvania Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license and current CPR certification are also mandatory.
Demonstrates advanced level of knowledge in high risk modalities specific to the business entity. Effectively administers all therapies such as Nitric Oxide (NO) administration and Tracheal Gas Insufflation (TGI). Performs advanced functions in non-traditional settings: OR, ED, Cath Lab, Lung Center, Recovery areas, Transport, etc. Performs bronchoscopy, Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) lab troubleshooting, completes pulmonary function tests, breath alcohol testing, EEG, EKG, Stress Testing, and 24-hour halter monitoring hook-up and scanning as needed. 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. Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions. 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. Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients. Responds to all code situations. Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives. Performs the duties of a Respiratory Therapist, RRT 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. 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. Functions as a Lead Respiratory Therapist (i.e., Charge Duty) as needed in the absence of the Supervisor or Manager based on department need. Functions as a senior level resource to other staff to facilitate problem solving, provide training, and demonstrate techniques.
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Research Associate
Patient Care Technician - Neuro - UPMC West Shore
Professional Staff Nurse - 9E Cardiology/Thoracic Surgical Acute Care
Phlebotomist
Patient Care Technician Senior - Peri Anesthesia (Harrisburg Hospital)
Registered Nurse Oncology/Med-Surg
Family Nurse Practitioner
Certified Residential Medication Aide/Personal Support Specialist (CRMA/PSS)
Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselor
State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)
Wellness LPN or LVN Nurse
Research Associate