Respiratory Care Intern - UPMC Shadyside

UPMC Shadyside is an ANCC Magnet recognized hospital since 2012, located at the center of Pittsburgh’s young professional neighborhood. It is a recognized leader in oncology, a renowned teaching hospital, and a center for ongoing cutting-edge research.

About the role

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, and will be assigned to an RCP at all times.

Responsibilities

• Administer diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of Respiratory Care in the general medical/surgical units, observing all necessary precautions to prevent adverse effects.
• Maintain accurate records as required by department standards.
• Communicate with all other healthcare personnel regarding patient care.
• 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.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients served, including 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 while maintaining asepsis and quality as per department standards.
• Administer IPPB therapy as prescribed or according to departmental procedures.
• Perform simple bedside pulmonary function testing and calculations.
• Assess and interpret patient data to identify age-specific needs.
• Transport and change respiratory equipment on general patient units and maintain associated records.
• 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 families, 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 patient needs.
• Provide equipment for therapy and perform minor repairs, maintenance, and calibration as per department standards.
• Participate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including establishing 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 (e.g., bronchodilators, antibiotics, antibacterials, wetting agents, enzymes, steroids).
• Follow hospital and department policies and procedures.
• Attend and participate in department meetings, conferences, and in-services to upgrade knowledge of respiratory and related fields.
• Ensure all patient charges are entered daily.
• Perform resting, titration, exercise, and nocturnal oximetry studies.
• Replace oxygen and other compressed gas cylinders used for respiratory care and monitor/change compressed gas cylinder banks when indicated.
• Disassemble and prepare respiratory equipment for cleaning, disinfection, and/or sterilization.
• Participate in clinical research projects as required.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a CoARC approved school of Respiratory Care.
• Must have completed one semester of clinical rotations at a CoARC approved school of Respiratory Care.
• Must register for the Internship/Preceptorship each semester/quarter.

Qualifications

• Act 34 clearance.
• Certified in CPR.