The Respiratory Care Assistant supports the Respiratory Care Department by maintaining equipment readiness, performing assigned diagnostic and support tasks, and providing routine respiratory therapy services under the supervision of licensed respiratory care practitioners. This role is designed for students enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program and may be filled by either a first-year or second-year student. Duties and level of clinical involvement are assigned based on student year, demonstrated competency, department policy, and appropriate supervision.

Unit Specific Position Responsibilities

• Stocks patient care areas utilizing LEAN concepts and maintains supply inventory.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance on various pieces of equipment.
• Cleans, disinfects, sterilizes, assembles, and checks respiratory equipment according to procedures prior to patient use.
• Performs EKGs and other assigned diagnostic or support procedures within validated competency and department guidelines.
• Observes and monitors signs, symptoms, and reactions to respiratory care treatment and diagnostic testing; identifies normal and abnormal characteristics and consults with licensed staff or other members of the health care team as appropriate.
• Assists with developing, implementing, and monitoring respiratory care plans within scope, competency, and supervision requirements.
• Provides routine therapy as assigned, which may include aerosol therapy, medical gas therapy, chest physical therapy and postural drainage, incentive breathing exercises, and oxygen therapy per physician order, protocol, department policy, and supervision.
• For second-year students only, may draw blood gases per policy and procedure once competency requirements have been met.
• Periodically checks oxygen therapy delivery systems and patient response, escalating concerns through appropriate channels.
• Maintains medical records and departmental records in accordance with documentation standards.
• Takes into consideration the age, growth, and development of the patient when planning and providing care and diagnostic procedures.
• Assists with discharge planning and contributes to daily patient care conferences as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education)

• Must be enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program as a first-year or second-year student in a registry-level program, in good standing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of Basic Electrocardiography Course.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• None specified.

• Upon completion of the first year of the respiratory therapy program and validation of required competencies, the employee may be assigned second-year Respiratory Care Assistant responsibilities.
• Following satisfactory completion of the respiratory therapy program, the employee may be eligible for a CRT Certified Respiratory Technician position, as applicable.