Respiratory Care Assistant

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under supervision of a respiratory care practitioner, the Respiratory Care Assistant performs general equipment, tank and supply rounds and stocking, prepares ventilators and other equipment for patient use. Cleans and repackages equipment as directed by the respiratory care practitioner. Cleans and processes fiber optic scopes.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Cleans, disinfects and sterilizes all respiratory care equipment (intubation equipment, vents, etc.), following current infection control guidelines.

3. Delivers oxygen tanks and other equipment to designated hospital locations.

4. *Performs equipment rounds. Performs tank rounds.

5. Cleans and processes bronchoscopes.

6. Restocks and repackages intubation trays and video assist intubation devices.

7. *Places tubing, water and humidifiers on all ventilators, Bipap and HHF units to ready them for service.

8. *Participates in identifying and reporting patient safety issues.

9. *Assists respiratory care practitioner as requested to transport patients and patient lab specimens.

10. Checks and replaces oximeter sensor buckets.

11. Checks I-stat availability, ensures cartridges are present and verifies expiration dates.

12. Changes Cidex as required.

13. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

14. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

15. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk “*”. Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of medical gas uses and safety precautions.

2. Knowledge of respiratory treatment techniques, processes and equipment.

3. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

4. Ability to perform respiratory equipment maintenance and sterilization procedures.

5. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

6. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

7. Ability to practice proper body mechanics to ensure personal and customer/patient safety.

8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteer and ancillary departments including diverse patient populations.

9. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

10. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or equivalency required. Current progress towards an allied health related degree required. Six (6) months of clinical exposure through school preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) – Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.