Respiratory Care Assistant

Respiratory Therapy Deptartment

Part-time (20 hours/week)

Compensation:

Starting Wage $17.00 + years of experience; Shift differentials eligible

Summary

Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) provide important patient care within the Respiratory Department. Under the direction of the respiratory therapist (RT) and after successful competency validation, this non-licensed team member will assist

with patient care and other department activities. Also be responsible for communicating effectively with the RT responsible for each patient. Work performed by each respiratory care assistant must support the mission, vision, and values of Mary Free Bed.

Essential Job Responsibilities

-Staff will provide patient care and services following competency validation, certification or registration and as required by law and regulation.

-Provide direct patient care, as delegated by the Respiratory Therapist and in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Patient care performed by a RCA includes, but is not limited to, the following:

-Patient Testing

• Set up continuous pulse oximeters
• Perform downloads of patient's information including CPAP and pulse ox downloads and enters the reports into the patient's electronic medical record
• Perform EKG
• Home sleep test set up
• Perform NIF (Negative Inspiratory Force) and/or FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) measurements on non-vented patients

-Obtain and record vital signs using appropriate equipment and technique

-Perform basic trach care

• Changing or cleaning inner cannula
• Trach Tie change
• Stoma care (cleaning and dressing changes)
• Assure appropriate spare trach, resuscitation bag, and Go-bag are at the bedside
• Sterile suctioning

-Document all care and testing via electronic medical record according to department policies, including content and timeliness of documentation

-Provide input to the RRT for use in an individualized plan of care for each patient

-Equipment

• Assist the respiratory therapist with tracking and cleaning of equipment.
• Communicate any equipment malfunctions to the respiratory therapist, labels the equipment, and removes equipment from patient care area.
• Assist with collection and entering of quality data, as assigned by respiratory leadership.

-Respiratory supplies and equipment

• Stocking and preparing respiratory supplies
• Cleaning respiratory equipment per department guidelines
• Assist in tracking respiratory equipment and updating tracking board

- Always communicate in a timely, professional, and respectful manner with leadership, team members, and patients and family members

- Demonstrate excellent customer service standards and behaviors in all interactions with team members, patients, family members, physicians, and other customers

- Responsible to complete all required training and competency assessments prior to the posted deadlines

- Responsible to demonstrate knowledge of and performance in accordance with hospital and department safety and infection control policies and procedures

- Document patient chargeable items according to department policies, avoid duplication and waste of supplies

- Arrive to work on time and works throughout the shift, unless taking a designated break. If the respiratory care assistant does not have work to do, asks a RRT for work to avoid downtime. Avoids overtime, and if overtime is expected, communicates this in advance with the nursing supervisor so that alternatives can be explored.

Quality Pillar of Excellence

• Patient Care

• Communication

Service Pillar of Excellence

• Customer Service

People Pillar of Excellence

• Employee communication

• Employee training and competency assessments

• Performance evaluations

• Safety policies

Customer Service Responsibilities

Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behaviors as well as encourages, coaches, and monitors the same in team members. This individual should consistently promote teamwork and direct communication with co-workers and deal discretely and sensitively with confidential information.

Responsibilities in Quality Improvement

Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions. Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.

Essential Job Qualifications

* Licensure Requirements: None

* Education: High school graduate or equivalent GED required and currently enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care Program required

* Current American Heart Association BLS Course for HealthCare Providers

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Qualification

Remain in a stationary position

Occasionally (Less than 1/3)

Traverse or move around work location

Occasionally (Less than 1/3)

Use keyboard

Occasionally (Less than 1/3)

Operate or use department specific equipment

None

Ascend/Descend equipment or ladder

None

Position self to accomplish the Essential Functions of the role

Occasionally (Less than 1/3)

Receive and communicate information and ideas for understanding

Occasionally (Less than 1/3)

Transport, position, and/or exert force

Up to 10 pounds-Frequently (1/3 to 2/3)

Up to 25 pounds-Occasionally (Less than 1/3)

Up to 50 pounds-Occasionally (Less than 1/3)

Up to 75 pounds- None

More than 100 pounds- None

Other weight: Up to ______ pounds:

Other:

Due to possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens and hazardous materials, must be able to understand and follow department policies related to employee safety.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@maryfreebed.com.

Mary Free Bed is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristic.