Sr. Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center

Company: UPMC - Pittsburgh Medical Center
Location: Erie
Posted on: March 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description UPMC’s Comprehensive Lung Center is seeking an experienced Sr. Respiratory Therapist, RRT to join a highly specialized team delivering advanced cardiopulmonary care across diverse clinical settings. This role offers the opportunity to practice at the top of your license, utilizing cutting-edge modalities while supporting patients across all populations and service areas. The Sr. Respiratory Therapist serves as a clinical expert and senior resource, collaborating closely with physicians and the care team to optimize patient outcomes. In addition to providing complex respiratory therapies, this position plays a key role in mentoring staff, supporting trainees, and leading departmental operations as needed. If you are a skilled RRT looking to make a meaningful impact in a comprehensive, innovative lung center, we invite you to apply. This full-time position will work Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Experience with epic, PFT, six-minute walks, and education are preferred. Eligible candidates may qualify for a sign-on bonus up to $20,000 with a 2-year commitment to service with UPMC. Responsibilities: - Demonstrates advanced level of knowledge in high risk modalities specific to the business entity. - Effectively administers all therapies such as Nitric Oxide (NO) administration and Tracheal Gas Insufflation (TGI). - Performs advanced functions in non-traditional settings: OR, ED, Cath Lab, Lung Center, Recovery areas, Transport, etc. - Performs bronchoscopy, Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) lab troubleshooting, completes pulmonary function tests, breath alcohol testing, EEG, EKG, Stress Testing, and 24-hour halter monitoring hook-up and scanning as needed. - 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. - Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions. - 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. - Assists to transport mechanically ventilated patients. - Responds to all code situations. - Evaluates the appropriateness of medical orders. - Interprets clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives. - Performs the duties of a Respiratory Therapist, RRT - 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. - 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. - 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. - Functions as a Lead Respiratory Therapist (i.e., Charge Duty) as needed in the absence of the Supervisor or Manager based on department need. - Functions as a senior level resource to other staff to facilitate problem solving, provide training, and demonstrate techniques. - Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required. - In lieu of an Associate's degree, must have 5 to 7 years of experience or have an NBRC Certification - Respiratory Therapists who receive their RRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements. - Bachelor's degree is preferred. - Two (2) years of total respiratory care experience with a minimum of one (1) year in critical care is required. - Must successfully complete one (1) approved project from the department's project list during each annual performance review period. - Project approved within 3 months of hire. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: - CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. - Employees practicing in Pennsylvania: Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required. - Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required. - Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP) - Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Act 34 UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Keywords: UPMC - Pittsburgh Medical Center, West Seneca , Sr. Respiratory Therapist, RRT - UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center, Healthcare , Erie, New York