Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) PRN/Resource

Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA)

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.

Essential Job 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. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
• 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
• We'll embrace all people by:
• 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

Customer Service Responsibilities

Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behaviors as well as encourages, coaches, and monitors the same in team members. This individual should consistently promote teamwork and direct communication with co-workers and deal discretely and sensitively with confidential information.

Responsibilities in Quality Improvement

Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions. Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.

Essential Job Qualifications

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.

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Qualification

Remain in a stationary position: Frequently

Traverse or move around work location: Frequently

Use keyboard: Frequently

Operate or use department specific equipment: Frequently

Position self to accomplish the Essential Functions of the role: Frequently

Receive and communicate information and ideas for understanding: Frequently

Transport, position, and/or exert force:

Up to 10 pounds: Frequently

Up to 25 pounds: Occasionally

Up to 50 pounds: _____

Up to 75 pounds: _____

More than 100 pounds: _____

Other weight: Up to_35__ pounds Occasionally

Other: Due to possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens and hazardous materials, must be able to understand and follow department policies related to employee safety. 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.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Talent Acquisition team.

Mary Free Bed is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristic