Respiratory Care Assistant - PRN

Responsibilities

• Performs respiratory assessments for respiratory care.
• Performs a respiratory assessment on each patient within 15 minutes of a STAT call under normal circumstances, within one hour for routine therapies, and as warranted by patient condition.
• Performs physical examination, chart review of history/physical, relevant clinical data, and response to ordered therapies as part of the respiratory assessment.
• Makes recommendations to affect and achieve an optimum level of response to the intervention ordered.
• Ensures that assessments and all patient care activities are fully documented in accordance with procedure at the time of procedure.
• Implements physician’s orders under supervision of a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Accomplishes all physician orders, in accordance with scheduled time frames.
• Relates observations and responses regarding patients to the physician in a timely fashion.
• When determined competent, performs all routine and advanced Respiratory Care procedures approved for the position, and as detailed in the position’s Skills Checklist.
• Includes, but not limited to: Airway Management, Endotracheal Intubation (if trained to do so), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, as required, EKG, Arterial puncture and line draws for ABG analysis.
• Evaluates respiratory care, under supervision of a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Evaluates respiratory care given by way of assessment/reassessment, clinical observation, outcome of therapy, patients perception of therapy benefit, patient education, and problem list.
• Routinely discusses unusual or difficult patient care experiences with peers and team members in an effort to improve respiratory care.
• Communicates with patients or their representatives.
• Effectively explains the purpose and nature of therapy, treatments, tests or procedures to patient prior to administration, so as to minimize anxiety and enhance cooperation.
• Politely introduces self to patient, and addresses patient by their last name.
• Patiently and clearly addresses patient questions and concerns, ensuring a prompt, accurate and appropriate response, or consulting physician if unable to satisfactorily address.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to provide appropriate care based on the age of the patients served.
• Communicates with team members, physicians and other care providers regarding respiratory care.
• Gives concise shift report concerning patients’ conditions, including vital information or changes in condition.
• Communicates positively, directly, clearly, accurately and timely with physicians, team members and other patient care providers.
• Ensures confidentiality of the patient and the medical record.
• Sets up, operates and maintains assigned equipment and areas.
• Participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
• Takes an active role in self-development.
• Performs miscellaneous duties, as needed.

Requirements

• High school graduate currently enrolled in a CAHEA approved training program in respiratory care.
• Completed competency evaluations and verification of good standing from the educational institution and must be registered with the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board as a Respiratory Care Assistant.
• Licensure/Certification Requirements: Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA). Current license to practice respiratory care in North Carolina. BCLS. Recertification required every 2 years.
• Professional Experience Requirements: No experience is required. New graduates with required credentials are eligible to apply.
• Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to understand, communicate and react effectively and appropriately to the unique needs of neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Incumbent must demonstrate clinical competence per the job’s skills checklist before being allowed to perform independently.