Respiratory Therapist, CRT/RRT - Casual - Cole

UPMC Cole is seeking a Casual Respiratory Therapist, RRT/CRT! This role will work Days & Nights, 16 hours (consisting of eight- or 12-hours) per four-week period. Additionally, one major holiday per year is required. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate eager to gain experience, this could be your opportunity! 

Applicants will be considered at all levels of the respiratory therapist career ladder. Final candidates will be selected for a job title within the career ladder that reflects the level of education, experience, and manager discretion at the time of offer.

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 all patient service areas.

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. Observe equipment function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results for therapy. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment functions safely and efficiently.
• Assists the transport of mechanically ventilated patients. Responds to all code situations.
• Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
• 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 the most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications that may be needed that will be compatible with the physician's orders.
• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes. Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists the patient in performing breathing exercises. Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case. Consult with the physician in the event of adverse reactions.