Respiratory Care Intern - UPMC Community

The Respiratory Care Intern role provides a wonderful opportunity for respiratory students to gain hands-on experience in the field, with a flexible work schedule that is set around classes. Shifts are 4 hours, 4 days per week, and the hourly pay rate is $18.17/hour.Purpose:Respiratory Care Interns (students) will develop the ability to gain additional clinical experience and knowledge prior to the completion of their education in a CoARC approved Respiratory Care program and their subsequent credentialing as a licensed RCP. The Intern will be under the direct supervision of the Educational Coordinator, Respiratory Supervisor or their designee. The Intern will be assigned to a RCP at all times. The procedures that an Intern can perform while assigned to a RCP will be outlined below. Responsible for the administration of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of Respiratory Care in the general medical/surgical units observing all necessary precautions during therapy in order to prevent any adverse effects from occurring. Responsible for the care of equipment, economical use of supplies and utilities and cleanliness in the department and work areas.Responsibilities:Participate in clinical research projects as requiredMaintain accurate records as required by department standardsCommunicate with all other healthcare personnel regarding the care of the patientPerform chest physiotherapy according to department standardsAssist in the transport of patients requiring respiratory supportAdminister therapeutic gases such as oxygen as prescribed or according to departmental proceduresThe intern must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the area of the patients served and know the principles of growth and development over their lifespan. Perform flutter valve therapy according to department standardsDocument interactions with and care given to the patient in the medical record and/or hospital information systemPerform arterial punctures (radial and brachial arteries only) and analyze samples maintaining asepsis and quality as per department standardsPersonal cleanliness and courtesy is a must at all times. Administer IPPB therapy as prescribed or according to departmental proceduresPerform simple bedside pulmonary function testing and calculationThe intern must possess the ability to assess and interpret patient data needed to identify each patient's requirements related to his or her age specific needs. Transport and change respiratory equipment on the general patient units throughout the hospital and maintain associated records in an organized and legible manner. Clean, disinfect and/or sterilize all respiratory equipmentComplete all mandatory and hospital competenciesExhibit and practice service excellence by actively seeking, listening and responding to the needs of patients, their family, physicians, staff and othersAdminister BiPAP/CPAP as prescribed or according to department policy/procedureUtilize Customer Relations principlesPrepare and administer humidification and nebulization therapy under controlled temperature and saturation levelsPerform evaluation of therapy objectives to determine the patient's needsProvide equipment for the therapy mentioned above and perform minor repairs, maintenance and calibration as per department standardsParticipate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to include the establishment of an airway, ventilatory support and external cardiac massagePerform incentive spirometry according to department standardsPerform PEP therapy according to department standardsPrepare and administer aerosolized drugs and drug mixtures as prescribed (i.e. bronchodilator, antibiotics, antibacterials, wetting agents, enzymes, steroids, etc.)Must be familiar with and follow the hospital and department policies and proceduresAttend and participate in department meetings, conferences and inservices as able upgrading your knowledge of respiratory and/or related fields to a level as acceptable as department standardEnsure that all patient charges are entered dailyPerform resting, titration, exercise and nocturnal oximetry studiesReplace oxygen and other compressed gas cylinders used for the respiratory care of patients and monitor and change the compressed gas cylinder banks when indicatedDisassemble and prepare respiratory equipment for cleaning, disinfection and/or sterilizationCurrently enrolled in a CoARC approved school of Respiratory Care. The intern must have completed one semester of clinical rotations at a CoARC approved school of Respiratory Care. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:Certified in CPR. Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewalAct 33 with renewalAct 34 with renewalAct 73 FBI Clearance with renewalUPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran