About this role
UPMC Somerset is seeking a dedicated Respiratory Therapist to join our team. This full-time position works rotating 12-hour shifts—7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM—and includes weekend and holiday rotations. As part of a compassionate, community-focused hospital, you'll deliver high-quality care across all patient populations and service areas. Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, the Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory therapy services and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities.
Sign-On Bonus Eligible:
- $12,000 for candidates with 0–1 year of experience
- $20,000 for candidates with 1+ years of experience
Responsibilities:
- Assess patient condition by reviewing prescriptions, arterial blood gases, and clinical data to determine therapy needs.
- Select and administer appropriate respiratory treatments, ensuring alignment with physician orders.
- Set up and operate mechanical ventilators, aerosol generators, and therapeutic gas systems.
- Monitor and adjust equipment to maintain optimal treatment parameters and patient safety.
- Evaluate medical orders and interpret clinical data to support patient care goals.
- Track patient responses to therapy, including vital signs and blood chemistry changes.
- Perform pulmonary function tests and assist with bronchopulmonary drainage and breathing exercises.
- Respond to emergency code situations and assist in transporting ventilated patients.
- Maintain accurate patient records and coordinate equipment repairs as needed.
- Supervise and train students and staff in respiratory care procedures.
- Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 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:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
- 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
Other facts
About UPMC
UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide nearly $2 billion annually in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across more than 40 hospitals and 800 outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers more than 4 million members, providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.
What you'll do
- The Respiratory Therapist assesses patient conditions and administers appropriate respiratory treatments under physician direction. They also monitor patient responses to therapy and maintain accurate patient records.
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