UPMC Passavant is hiring a Casual Senior Respiratory Therapist. This position requires working 36 hours over a 6-week period.

Purpose

Under physician direction, the Senior Respiratory Therapist provides advanced respiratory therapy and life-support services to patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. This role demonstrates advanced clinical expertise and performs all duties of a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) across all patient populations and care areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of high-risk respiratory modalities, including Nitric Oxide (NO) and Tracheal Gas Insufflation (TGI).

• Provides respiratory care in both traditional and non-traditional settings, including OR, ED, Cath Lab, Lung Center, Recovery Areas, and Transport.

• Performs advanced procedures and testing, including bronchoscopy, ABG lab troubleshooting, pulmonary function testing, breath alcohol testing, EEG, EKG, stress testing, and Holter monitoring as needed.

• Monitors patient responses to therapy by assessing vital signs, arterial blood gases, and lab values; identifies and reports adverse reactions.

• Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patients with breathing exercises.

• Maintains accurate patient documentation and orders equipment repairs as needed.

• Assists with transport of mechanically ventilated patients and responds to all code situations.

• Evaluates medical orders and interprets clinical data to optimize patient outcomes.

• Sets up, operates, monitors, and troubleshoots respiratory therapy equipment, including ventilators and aerosol delivery systems.

• Ensures respiratory equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.

• Provides education and demonstrations to trainees and healthcare staff; supervises students during clinical training.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Functions as Lead/Charge Respiratory Therapist when needed in the absence of a Supervisor or Manager.

• Serves as a senior clinical resource to staff by supporting problem-solving, training, and skill development.