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Across UPMC, our guiding principle is to always prioritize the safety of our employees, patients, and members. UPMC believes that vaccination is important, helps protect all, and advocates that everyone who can be vaccinated should be vaccinated.

UPMC complies with all governmental requirements related to local, state, and federal COVID-19 vaccination for employment. The Jan. 13 Supreme Court of the United States decision that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate will move forward requires UPMC to ensure employees either get vaccinated or receive a requested medical or religious exemption.

If you are not yet vaccinated, we urge you to get a vaccine now. You can schedule your COVID-19 vaccination through UPMC or visit a non-UPMC provider or UPMC Urgent Care location.

Proof of vaccination is not required upon hire; however, employees will be responsible for ensuring post-hire compliance by getting vaccinated or requesting a medical or religious exemption.

For more information about UPMC’s response to COVID-19, please visit UPMC.com/coronavirus.

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Lead Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Mercy

  • Job ID: 094207745
  • Status: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • Hours:
  • Shift: Variable
  • Facility: UPMC Mercy
  • Department: Respirtory Therapy
  • Location: 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh PA 15219
  • Union Position: No
  • Salary Range: $30.06 to $50.63 / hour

Description

UPMC Mercy is seeking a Lead Respiratory Therapist to support our facility! This position will work variable shifts and will cover all areas including Intensive Care, Progressive Care, Emergency Room, and Rehabs. This is a great opportunity for leadership and growth!

SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE!! external/eligible candidates 

  • 0-1 years of experience = $12,000 – with a 2-year commitment
  • 1+ years of experience = $15,000 – with a 2-year commitment

As a Respiratory Therapist with UPMC, you’ll also have access to:

  • 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
  • Flexible schedule options to make your career work for you, including casual opportunities, nights, or weekends
  • $6,000 in tuition reimbursement each year, plus a partnership with the Community College of Allegheny County to help you advance your education and grow your career

Purpose:
In addition to performing duties and responsibilities of a Sr Respiratory Therapist, RRT and under indirect supervision, coordinates diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures to best meet the needs of the patient, physician, department and hospital during the assigned shift. Defined responsibilities are performed in all patient populations and in all patient service areas.

Responsibilities:

  • Must successfully complete 2 approved projects from the department's Project List during each annual performance review period.
  • Coordinates scheduling needs and directs shift assignments; resolves problems, completes all records and reports and ensures hospital and department policies and procedures are followed.
  • Functions as a Supervisor based on department needs. Coaches new Respiratory Therapists and students during their orientation and training.
  • Assists with the evaluation process for staff and students.
  • May participate in quality improvement activities and initiatives.
  • May assist with a special project and may assist with the planning and implementation of clinical research activities and initiatives.
  • Performs the duties of a Sr. Respiratory Therapist:a.
  • 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 the physician's orders.
  • 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 adjust equipment to obtain optimum results for therapy.
  • Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment functions safely and efficiently.
  • Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes. Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patients 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.d.Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
  • Orders repairs when needed and demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
  • Supervises students during training.
  • Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients and responds to all code situations.
  • Under indirect supervision, is responsible for the utilization of departmental resources.
  • Participates in the evaluation and purchase of new equipment, coordinates major equipment repair and preventive maintenance, and maintains records and reports of equipment maintenance.

Qualifications

  • Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required
  • Associate's degree is required; Bachelor's degree is preferred
  • 4 years of total respiratory care experience with a minimum of 2 years in critical care is required
  • Must successfully complete 2 approved projects from the department's Project List during each annual performance review period
  • A respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the practicing state is required. 
  • Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required Respiratory therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

  • CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
  • Act 33 with renewal
  • Act 34 with renewal
  • Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Individuals hired into this role must comply with UPMC’s COVID vaccination requirements upon beginning employment with UPMC. Refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Information section at the top of this page to learn more.

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