Respiratory Therapy Assistant (RTA) per diem

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Burlington, VT

9d•Onsite

About The Position

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives. In accordance with the state of Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care Limited License (261 CMR section 3.07), the respiratory therapy assistants may perform some functions (particularly with equipment preparations) normally performed by a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) or certified respiratory therapist (CRT). Assists with staff training, equipment needs, storage, transportation of equipment, and all other duties assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma Required
Working with Hospital/Medical Equipment
Ability to reprocess equipment in a timely manner and communicate effectively with charge respiratory therapists
Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis
Demonstrated commitment to Lahey Standards of Behavior and is maintained at all times

Nice To Haves

BLS Preferred
Limited Student License
Ability to demonstrate a proven track record of taking the initiative and contributing to the department, the hospital and the practice is preferred
Demonstrated strong problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking skills
Demonstrated ability to work through difficult situations and in a high stress, dynamic environment
Effective conflict resolution skills
Demonstrated commitment to continuing education
Demonstrated practice and commitment to the principles of patient and family centered care
Demonstrated practice and commitment to patient and staff safety
Demonstrated practice and commitment to LHMC’s Mission, Vision and Values

Responsibilities

Assists with staff training, equipment needs, storage, transportation of equipment, and all other duties assigned.
The RT Assistant/equipment tech will be trained by an RRT in the cleaning & organizing of respiratory therapy equipment including, but not limited to, BIPAP/CPAP machines, ventilators, nebulizers, INO vents, HFNC, Cough Assists, disposable equipment, and IV pumps and poles.
RT Assistant will be assessed for competency in performing RT related tasks, including but not limited to, administering nebulized medication including TXA, BIPAP/CPAP set up on a patient, HFNC set up on a patient, administering CPT, drawing of ABG, performing trach care, assisting with Code Blue calls.
RT will strip equipment of disposable parts, pre-clean the equipment in accordance with IFU specs, and will contact the equipment tech (RT Assistant) via pager or phone to pick up the dirty equipment at the designated location.
Equipment tech will bring dirty equipment to the respiratory therapy department’s dirty equipment room (2T41).
RT assistant (Equipment Tech) will thoroughly clean equipment(s) with bleach wipes, disinfectant wipes, and as directed per manufacturer’s instructions via IFU.
RT Assistant shall redress and cover all respiratory therapy equipment.
RT assistant will complete tightness check, and other pressure testing of equipment post cleaning and prior to storage.
Equipment tech will maintain the respiratory therapy equipment storage room in a clean and organized fashion at all times.
Equipment tech will be trained on the transport and storage of equipment by an RRT. Training will include use of PPE during transport of dirty equipment, and the proper transfer of equipment from the dirty utility to the clean utility room in the RT Department.
RT Assistant will be instructed by the RRT in the transfer of equipment to and from storage areas, and to areas where equipment is needed, as directed by the RRT.
RT Assistant will be provided with a MAP and tour of each department and equipment storage areas, whenever possible, for familiarization of different areas.
Under the general supervision of Registered Respiratory Therapists, provides direct Respiratory Care to patients by administering Respiratory Therapy modalities including the set-up and administration of oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, and medication nebulization therapy; the application of Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) techniques, performing tracheostomy care.
Make regular rounds and administer modalities according to plan established by a respiratory therapist; performs patient assessments, observes and reports patients' progress and reactions to treatment.
Makes suggestions for modification of treatment plan to respiratory therapist as indicated.
Confers with patients, explaining treatments and breathing procedures in order to allay fears and anxiety and to elicit cooperation
Completes necessary documentation of treatments given and patients' responses, and reports to the respiratory therapist, nurse, and physician as needed.
Maintains appropriate departmental records.
Assists in instruction of patients and/or family members in respiratory techniques and the use of respiratory equipment in the home necessary to continue patient care and rehabilitation.
Maintains continuing education relating to cultural competency.
Attends and participates in internal and external educational meetings to maintain and enhance clinical competencies including daily patient care reports, as well as staff meetings and conferences as scheduled.
Maintains continuing education relating to age-specific care.
All other duties assigned