Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) PRN/Resource

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Grand Rapids, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) plays a vital role in supporting patient care within the Respiratory Department. Under the supervision of the assigned Respiratory Therapist (RT), and following successful completion of competency validation, the RCA assists with direct patient care and various departmental activities. Responsibilities also include supporting other patient- and department-related tasks as assigned, in accordance with established policies and procedures. The RCA performs duties as directed by management and may contribute input on new services or updates to existing policies and procedures, as appropriate.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent GED required
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Must be competent with computer systems for the purpose of documenting patient care.
Must be able to work effectively under time requirements and deadlines, problem-solve when facing unexpected issues, handle interruptions, and prioritize effectively.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of medical technology and rehabilitation care is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide patient care, treatment, and services within the scope of their license, certification or registration and as required by Federal and State laws and regulations.
Provide direct patient care as delegated by the Respiratory Therapist (RT), in alignment with departmental policies and procedures.
Assist with established lung inflation and secretion management therapy (PEP Therapy, OPEP Therapy, High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) – Vest Therapy).
Assist with patient testing, including setting up continuous pulse oximeters, downloading and documenting CPAP and pulse oximetry data in the electronic medical record (EMR), performing EKGs, setting up home sleep tests, and conducting NIF (Negative Inspiratory Force) and/or FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) testing on non-ventilated patients.
Obtain and record vital signs using appropriate equipment and techniques.
Perform basic tracheostomy care, including changing or cleaning the inner cannula, changing trach ties, stoma care, and ensuring necessary equipment is at the bedside.
Document all care and testing in the EMR in accordance with departmental standards for content and timeliness.
Provide relevant input to the RT to support individualized patient care planning.
Communicate professionally and respectfully with leadership, team members, patients, and families.
Assist RTs with tracking, cleaning, and maintaining respiratory equipment.
Report equipment malfunctions, label and remove faulty equipment from patient areas.
Support collection and entry of quality data as assigned by respiratory leadership.
Stock and prepare respiratory supplies.
Clean equipment per department guidelines.
Assist in tracking equipment and updating the tracking board.
Demonstrate excellent customer service in all interactions with patients, families, physicians, and colleagues.
Complete all required training and competency assessments by designated deadlines.
Adhere to hospital and department safety and infection control policies.
Accurately document chargeable items, avoiding duplication and waste.
Arrive on time and remain engaged throughout the shift, except during designated breaks.
Proactively seek additional tasks from RTs when primary duties are complete.
Avoid unnecessary overtime; if overtime is anticipated, notify the nursing supervisor in advance.
Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Open more doors to opportunities for underrepresented cultures.
Grow talent and people.
Evaluate and eliminate disparities.
Take action against injustices, bias and racism.
Honor differences and how to collaborate.
Educate staff, patients, and the communities we care for.
Restore hope and freedom, together.
Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behaviors as well as encourages, coaches, and monitors the same in team members.
Consistently promote teamwork and direct communication with co-workers and deal discretely and sensitively with confidential information.
Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions.
Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.