Respiratory Care Assistant

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Grand Rapids, MI

8d•$18•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.

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.
Already established lung inflation and secretion management therapy
PEP Therapy- Positive Expiratory Pressure therapy applies pressure to the lungs to prevent alveoli from closing
OPEP Therapy – Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices that apply pressure to the lungs to prevent alveoli from closing, but also applies oscillations to help mobilize secretions.
High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) – Vest Therapy
Patient Testing
Set up continuous pulse oximeters
Download and document CPAP and pulse oximetry data in the electronic medical record (EMR)
Perform EKGs
Set up home sleep tests
Conduct NIF (Negative Inspiratory Force) and/or FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) testing on non-ventilated patients
Vital Signs & Basic Care
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 (cleaning and dressing changes)
Ensuring spare trach, resuscitation bag, and Go-bag are at the bedside
Performing sterile suctioning
Documentation & Communication
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
Equipment & Supplies
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
Professional Conduct
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
Work Ethic & Time Management
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
Treating everyone with dignity and respect
Opening more doors to opportunities for underrepresented cultures
Growing talent and people
Evaluating and eliminating disparities
Taking action against injustices, bias and racism
Honoring our differences and how to collaborate
Educating staff, patients, and the communities we care for
Restoring 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.