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Respiratory Therapist, RRT (day shift) - UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC
Career Insights for Respiratory Therapist
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Based on Pennsylvania data
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What they do
A Respiratory Therapist assists patients who have trouble breathing because of a chronic respiratory illness, trauma, or other conditions. Administers tests to diagnose breathing problems, performs treatments to help patients breathe easier, or sets up breathing equipment such as ventilators. Works closely with physicians and other healthcare workers, and may also assist in providing emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Works in hospitals; may also provide care and counseling to patients in their homes.
$77,957 / year median in Pennsylvania
+11% projected growth
Job Description
We're excited to offer sign-on bonuses for qualified Respiratory Therapists who join our team:
• $15,000 for therapists with 0-1 year of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment
• $20,000 for therapists with 1+ years of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment Purpose of 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 in all patient service areas. Responsibilities of the
Respiratory Therapist:
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 The Respiratory Therapist assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients. Responds to all code situations. 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. 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. The Respiratory Therapist 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. Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives. The Respiratory Therapist, RRT 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. The Respiratory Therapist consults with physicians in the event of adverse reactions.