Respiratory Therapy Assistant 1-10762

Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Location: Chicago, IL

Hospital: RUSH University Medical Center

Department: Respiratory Care

Work Type: Restricted Part Time (Total FTE less than 0.5)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 4 Hr (7:00:00 AM - 11:00:00 AM)

Summary

The Respiratory Therapist Assistant (RTA I) performs a variety of clinical and environmental tasks under the direction of the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The RTA I duties are of a technical nature requiring specialized training and skill. The training and skill level of the RTA I is commensurate with their advancement through an accredited school of respiratory care. The RTA I is registered in an accredited school of respiratory care and has completed at least two semesters of training. The RTA I demonstrates the ability to care for adults in the clinical setting following appropriate competency training. The RTA I will exemplify the Rush mission, values and act in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other Information

Knowledge RTA I:

• Current enrollment in an accredited school of respiratory care and completed at least 2 semesters with passing grades in all courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
• Completed fundamental clinical competencies associated with routine floor and ICU care.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Work requires the ability to walk throughout the Medical Center and to be standing or walking most of the designated shift.
• Work requires lifting or carrying objects 35-40lbs. and supporting and positioning patients, some of whom may exceed 300 lbs.
• Work conditions include performing procedures where carelessness could result in injury or illness and contact with potentially infectious materials and/or strong chemical agents.
  
  

Competencies

Disclaimer:

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assists the RRT in the delivery of patient care.
• Reports to charge RRT or designate for assignment of duties.
• Maintains a safe patient environment.
• Sets priority of duties based on needs of patient and unit, under the direction of the RRT.
• Under the direction of the RRT, participates in the implementation of individualized plans of care.
• Assists RRT with patients in activities of daily living.
• Accurately obtains patient data and documents all care in the appropriate patient care record.
• Performs routine procedures, treatments and specimen collections.
• Demonstrates aseptic technique, when necessary.
• Assists RRT or physician with advanced procedures.
• Assists RRT in the management of airways.
• Performs specific patient care procedures such as arterial blood gas, nebulizer and inhaler therapies, airway clearance therapy, oxygen therapy, and lung expansion therapy
• Assists RRT in implementation and adjustment of ventilator settings.
• Demonstrates knowledge of age specific variables and growth and development.
• Promptly reports changes in patient condition to the appropriate RRT
• Reprocesses equipment and readies for next use (cleaning, assembly, function check); restocks emergency boxes and supply areas
• Transports patients and (other) items as needed.
• Assists with admission, discharge, and transport of patients.
• Transports laboratory specimens as required.
• Obtains supplies and equipment as necessary.
• Competently utilizes technology.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of the telephone and patient call system(s).
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of EPIC.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of selected unit specific monitors, ventilators, BiPAP and CPAP devices, airway clearance devices, lung expansion devices, vibrating mesh nebulizers and other equipment.
• Maintains a safe, orderly, well-equipped environment.
• Keeps patient rooms safe, orderly, and according to unit routine.
• Independently orders, organizes, and restocks according to unit specifications.
• Replenishes respiratory supplies.
• Maintains emergency supplies.
• Demonstrates a professional work style in interactions with internal and external customers.
• Communicates all pertinent information to the appropriate team member throughout the shift and to the oncoming shift.
• Negotiates break time and communicates departure and return time per protocol.
• Demonstrates initiative and self-direction in work habits.
  
  

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.