Respiratory Therapy Apprentice

Summary

The Respiratory Therapy Apprentice (RTA) is an unlicensed assistant to the respiratory department. The RTA provides technical and supportive services for all respiratory service departments, including Pulmonary Function. They must have working knowledge of routine respiratory care and exhibit age-specific competencies from their educational program. Responsibilities include calibrating and functional testing, disassembly and set up, troubleshooting and identifying equipment needing repair, stocking floor carts, assisting with respiratory therapy chart auditing, pulmonary function scheduling, filing, and faxing, and maintaining knowledge of infection control and isolation guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Calibrating and functional testing
• Disassembly and set up
• Troubleshooting and identifying equipment needing repair
• Stocking floor carts
• Auxiliary work such as respiratory therapy chart auditing, pulmonary function scheduling, filing, and faxing
• Maintain knowledge of infection control and isolation guidelines to prepare equipment

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Currently enrolled in a CoARC accredited respiratory therapy program with successful completion of their first year
• BLS Certification meeting AHA standards
• No previous experience required

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Maintains knowledge and skills related to area of responsibility
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to departmental and hospital policy and procedure
• Must possess professional communication and organization skills
• Must be able to frequently bend, lift, and move heavy items
• Must be able to multi-task and prioritize under stressful conditions
• Must be an accountable, independent worker and team player

Working Conditions

• May be exposed to equipment used on patients who may have had infectious diseases and/or blood borne pathogens
• Works with a variety of medical gases and disinfectants
• Required to move equipment, medical gases, and supplies to various locations throughout the facility
• The periods of standing, lifting and walking are frequent throughout the shift