Respiratory Care Assistant (PRN)

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Grand Rapids, MI

8d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

Respiratory Care Assistant (PRN) 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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care, as delegated by the Respiratory Therapist and in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
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
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.
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.
Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions.
Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.