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Under the general direction of a physician and by prescription, provides respiratory therapy services to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Defined responsibilities are performed in all patient populations and in all patient service areas.

Responsibilities:

Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information.

Sets up and operates devices, such as 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.

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. Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.

Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information. *Orders repairs when needed.

Responds to all code situations.

*Performs other duties as assigned.

*Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

• Completion of a Practical Nursing Program approved by the State Board of Nursing.

• In order to perform any IV therapy, must have successfully completed the IV therapy curriculum. If graduated in 2012 to present day, IV therapy curriculum is included in the PA State Board Approved Programs. If graduated prior to 2012, the LPN will need to provide official proof of completion of IV therapy approved program. LPNs without this training will not be permitted to perform IV therapy.

• The individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the ages of the patients served by his/her assigned unit as specified below.

• They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.

• Ability to identify process improvement opportunities to improve patient care and encompasses collaboration with the health care team and the patients and families to achieve desired patient outcomes.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families.

• Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment.

• Mobility and visual manual dexterity. Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting and positioning of patients.

• Computer skills required to utilize the electronic health record.Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• LPN must maintain state licensure where they are practicing or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement with the state where the facility is located.

• In order to perform IV therapy, and if graduated prior to 2012, the LPN will need to provide official proof of completion of IV therapy approved program.

• Basic Life Support OR Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal

• Act 33 with renewal

• Act 34

• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

*Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran