Respiratory Care Intern

UPMC

Aug 1

Applications are closed

Internship
Full-time
Placement Program
Pittsburgh

Requirements

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.
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

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

FAQs

What is the role of a Respiratory Care Intern?

The Respiratory Care Intern role provides hands-on experience for respiratory students, allowing them to gain clinical knowledge and skills under supervision while still completing their education.

What are the responsibilities of a Respiratory Care Intern?

Responsibilities include administering diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, participating in clinical research, maintaining accurate records, performing therapies such as chest physiotherapy and BiPAP/CPAP, and documenting interactions with patients.

Are there any education requirements for the Respiratory Care Intern position?

Yes, candidates must be currently enrolled in a CoARC approved school of Respiratory Care and have completed one semester of clinical rotations.

What certifications are required for this internship?

Required certifications include Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and various Act clearances, such as Act 31, Act 33, Act 34, and Act 73 FBI Clearance.

Is prior experience in respiratory care necessary for this internship?

No prior experience is necessary; however, candidates must have completed at least one semester of clinical rotations as part of their respiratory care education.

Will the intern work independently with patients?

No, the intern will always be under the direct supervision of a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) and will be assigned to work with an RCP at all times.

Can the work schedule for this internship be flexible?

Yes, the work schedule is flexible and designed to accommodate the intern's class schedule.

What types of therapies will the intern be responsible for administering?

The intern may administer therapies such as oxygen therapy, IPPB, nebulization, incentive spirometry, and perform various pulmonary function tests as per department procedures.

Is there an opportunity for training during the internship?

Yes, the intern is expected to attend and participate in department meetings, conferences, and in-services to upgrade their knowledge in respiratory care and related fields.

What does the hospital expect regarding personal cleanliness and conduct?

The hospital expects personal cleanliness and courtesy at all times to ensure a professional environment for patient care.

How does the position support professional development for interns?

The internship allows for active participation in clinical research, exposure to various respiratory care procedures, and opportunities to attend educational meetings, which contributes to their overall professional development.

Is UPMC an equal opportunity employer?

Yes, UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides consideration for Disability and Veteran status.

UPMC

Life Changing Medicine.

Science & Healthcare

Industry

10,001+

Employees

Mission & Purpose

A $23 billion health care provider and insurer, Pittsburgh-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centered, cost-effective, accountable care. The largest nongovernmental employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC integrates 92,000 employees, 40 hospitals, 700 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites, and a 4 million-member Insurance Services Division, the largest medical insurer in western Pennsylvania. In the most recent fiscal year, UPMC contributed $1.4 billion in benefits to its communities, including more care to the region’s most vulnerable citizens than any other health care institution, and paid more than $800 million in federal, state, and local taxes. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial, and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialization arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside among the nation’s best hospitals in many specialties and ranks UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on its Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.