Respiratory Care Intern

UPMC Altoona is looking for a Respiratory Student who has completed one semester of clinical rotations to work casual hours while attending college! The shift for this position will work around the need of the department and the student's schedule.

Responsibilities :

Participate in clinical research projects as required

Maintain accurate records as required by department standards

Communicate with all other healthcare personnel regarding the care of the patient

Perform chest physiotherapy according to department standards

Assist in the transport of patients requiring respiratory support

Administer therapeutic gases such as oxygen as prescribed or according to departmental procedures

The 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 standards

Document interactions with and care given to the patient in the medical record and / or hospital information system

Perform arterial punctures (radial and brachial arteries only) and analyze samples maintaining asepsis and quality as per department standards

Personal cleanliness and courtesy is a must at all times.

Administer IPPB therapy as prescribed or according to departmental procedures

Perform simple bedside pulmonary function testing and calculation

The 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 equipment

Complete all mandatory and hospital competencies

Exhibit and practice service excellence by actively seeking, listening and responding to the needs of patients, their family, physicians, staff and others

Administer BiPAP / CPAP as prescribed or according to department policy / procedure

Utilize Customer Relations principles

Prepare and administer humidification and nebulization therapy under controlled temperature and saturation levels

Perform evaluation of therapy objectives to determine the patient's needs

Provide equipment for the therapy mentioned above and perform minor repairs, maintenance and calibration as per department standards

Participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to include the establishment of an airway, ventilatory support and external cardiac massage

Perform incentive spirometry according to department standards

Perform PEP therapy according to department standards

Prepare 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 procedures

Attend 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 standard

Ensure that all patient charges are entered daily

Perform resting, titration, exercise and nocturnal oximetry studies

Replace oxygen and other compressed gas cylinders used for the respiratory care of patients and monitor and change the compressed gas cylinder banks when indicated

Disassemble and prepare respiratory equipment for cleaning, disinfection and / or sterilization

Currently 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 renewal

Act 33 with renewal

Act 34 with renewal

Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran