Respiratory Care Assistant

Summary

This position performs all routine respiratory care modalities, sets up or changes all oxygen equipment, participates at codes and stat calls and performs other shift related duties as assigned or needed.

• (60%) Administers medications and treatments based on patient outcomes, under appropriate supervision.
• (20%) Completes training and demonstrates proficiency in all competencies, age-specific or otherwise, that are required of practitioners who are delivering patient services.
• (20%) Performs basic respiratory care techniques such as:

• Inhaled medication therapy
• Sputum inductions
• Aerosol and oxygen therapy
• Analysis of blood gases and electrolytes from arterial/venous samples
• Calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzers
• Basic ventilatory parameters
• Performs sterile intratracheal aspiration

• Stocks and maintains designated areas with appropriate respiratory care equipment.
• Set up and testing of equipment such as ventilators, biPAPs, nitric oxide delivery machines, intubation and resuscitation trays and other medical devices.
• Set up or makes changes to oxygen equipment, and performs oxygen rounds.
• Monitors, records, and communicates patient condition to therapy.
• Responds to codes and STAT calls, performs CPR, and maintains airway as needed.
• Provides patient education for diseases, medications, and treatment.
• Performs special diagnostic modalities such as oximetries and ABG analysis.
• Able to deliver and instruct incentive spirometers, and Coronets for CPT therapy (chest physiotherapy).
• Maintains accurate records and assures quality care.
• Is responsible for learning new technical devices and clinical procedures when applicable.
• Follows procedures for accurate and complete entries on medical‑legal documents and the patient’s electronic medical record.
• Attends shift and general staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Credential: BLS:
  Basic Life Support
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Within 1 month of hire or transfer.
• Qualification Source: AHA
• Essential: true

• Education:
  
  HIGH
• Essential: true

• Preferred:
  Enrollment in an accredited Respiratory Care Program with one semester of clinicals completed.
• Experience in a medical field.
• Active membership in the AARC and MSRC.
• Will accept past Respiratory graduates that still need to complete boards. Expectation is that graduate will minimally achieve the NBRC CRT credential within 6 (six) months of hire; attempt the NBRC RRT credential within 9 (nine) months of hire, achieving NBRC RRT credential no longer than 12 (twelve) months.

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing are necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow My Michigan Health blood borne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level:
  Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0‑33% of the workday) lift or carry 21‑50 lbs., frequently 34‑66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67‑100% or the workday) 10 lbs.