Respiratory Care Assistant - PRN

Respiratory Care Assistant

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

UNC Health Nash, an affiliated member of the UNC Health system, invites passionate healthcare professionals to join our esteemed team. Governed locally, we proudly serve a diverse patient base, spanning Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax, Wilson Counties, and beyond. With a steadfast commitment to elevating community health through exceptional care, we prioritize excellence, compassion, and innovation, ensuring every individual receives the highest standard of support. Joining our team means becoming an integral part of our dedication to wellness, where we constantly strive to redefine excellence in healthcare through state-of-the-art facilities and pioneering programs. Join us in this transformative journey, where your contributions will make a lasting impact on our community's health and wellbeing.

Provides basic respiratory care to patients in predominantly predictable situations, under direct supervision of a Licensed Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) who is a graduate of an approved Respiratory Care Program.

Responsibilities:

• Performs respiratory assessments for respiratory care. Performs a respiratory assessment on each patient within 15 minutes of a STAT call under normal circumstances, within one hour for routine therapies, and as warranted by patient condition. Performs physical examination, chart review of history/physical, relevant clinical data, and response to ordered therapies as part of the respiratory assessment. When appropriate, makes recommendations to affect and achieve an optimum level of response to the intervention ordered. Ensures that assessments and all patient care activities are fully documented in accordance with procedure at the time of procedure.
• Implements physician's orders under supervision of a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner. Patient care provided correlates to the written physician orders. Accomplishes all physician orders, in accordance with scheduled time frames. Relates observations and responses regarding patients to the physician in a timely fashion.
• When determined competent, performs all routine and advanced Respiratory Care procedures approved for the position, and as detailed in the position's Skills Checklist. Includes, but not limited to: Airway Management Endotracheal Intubation, (if trained to do so ) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, as required EKG Arterial puncture and line draws for ABG analysis
• Evaluates respiratory care, under supervision of a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner. Evaluates respiratory care given by way of assessment/reassessment, clinical observation, outcome of therapy, patients perception of therapy benefit, patient education, and problem list. Routinely discusses unusual or difficult patient care experiences with peers and team members in an effort to improve respiratory care.
• Communicates with patients or their representatives. Effectively explains the purpose and nature of therapy, treatments, tests or procedures to patient prior to administration, so as to minimize anxiety and enhance cooperation. Politely introduces self to patient, and addresses patient by their last name. Patiently and clearly addresses patient questions and concerns, ensuring a prompt, accurate and appropriate response, or consulting physician if unable to satisfactorily address. Ensures that patients' concerns and wishes regarding their own respiratory care or medical treatment are considered and communicated to attending physician.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to provide appropriate care based on the age of the patients served.
• Communicates with team members, physicians and other care providers regarding respiratory care. Gives concise shift report concerning patients' conditions, including vital information or changes in condition. Communicates positively, directly, clearly, accurately and timely with physicians, team members and other patient care providers. Ensures confidentiality of the patient and the medical record.
• Sets up, operates and maintains assigned equipment and areas.
• Participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
• Takes an active role in self-development.
• Performs miscellaneous duties, as needed.

Education Requirements: High school graduate currently enrolled in a CAHEA approved training program in respiratory care. Completed competency evaluations and verification of good standing from the educational institution and must be registered with the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board as a Respiratory Care Assistant.

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

• Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA). Current license to practice respiratory care in North Carolina.
• BCLS. Recertification required every 2 years.

Professional Experience Requirements:

• No experience is required. New graduates with required credentials are eligible to apply. Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to understand, communicate and react effectively and appropriately to the unique needs of neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Incumbent must demonstrate clinical competence per the job's skills checklist before being allowed to perform independently.