Respiratory Care Assistant

General 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• (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 therapySputum inductionsAerosol and oxygen therapyAnalysis of blood gases and electrolytes from arterial/venous samples; Calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzers; Basic ventilatory parametersPerforms sterile intratracheal aspiration

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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’s 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.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care Program. Must have one semester of Respiratory clinical completed.Active membership in the AARC and MSRC is preferred.
• BLS required

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, 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 is 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 MidMichigan Health bloodborne 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.