Status:  PRN - As Needed

Shift:     Varies, days or nights

Exempt: No 

Summary:

The Student Respiratory Therapy Assistant SRTA participates in the assessment, treatment, testing, monitoring, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. A Licensed Respiratory Therapist-LRT will be assigned with SRTA on each shift and be readily available at all times to provide advice, instruction and assistance during therapy being provided by SRTA. The SRTA will not perform any invasive procedure or any life sustaining care, therapeutic, diagnostic, or palliative procedures except under the direct supervision and in the physical presence of an LRT or Physician. The SRTA may seek educational opportunities outside of this assignment under the direct supervision of other LRT’s. The responsibilities below will be performed in a manner which will promote and maintain a positive community and professional image for the department and hospital. The responsibilities will be performed with an attitude supportive to change. All employees will be expected to contribute to and participate, when requested, in the Health System’s Quality Improvement Program. Technician must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served when necessary. Each of the responsibilities will be accomplished in a safe manner that will prevent injury to the employee or others while following North Oaks Health System’s compliance programs and all federal and state regulatory guidelines.

Other information:

Experience, Education Requirements

1.High School diploma or equivalent.

2.Completed BLS certification through American Heart Association.

3.Applicant must be currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited Respiratory Care Program and be within one year or less of graduation.

Working Conditions

1.This job has a moderate degree of complexity and requires the ability to work at a fast pace in order to complete assignments or provide emergency care. There is a moderate degree of stress.

2.This job has a moderate to high risk of being exposed to contagious diseases and biohazardous materials. There is a small to moderate risk of being exposed to hazardous chemicals

3.Must be able to stand for long periods of time, lifting up to 100 pounds, requires routinely bending, stooping, pushing and pulling. Must demonstrate appropriate body mechanics in daily activities.

Physical Effort Required:

Strength: Medium Push: Occasionally Pull: Occasionally

Carry: Occasionally Lift: Occasionally Sit: Occasionally

Stand: Constantly Walk: Constantly

Responsibilities:

Performed according to hospital and department policy and procedures:

·Provide intermittent and continuous nebulizer therapy

·Provide continuous oxygen, humidity and aerosol therapy.

·Performs 12 lead EKG’s

·Provide Airway maintenance procedures (i.e. suctioning and trach care.)

·Provide Non Invasive ventilation (Bipap/CPAP)

·Provide Positive Pressure Breathing (PEP Therapy)

·Provide Chest Physiotherapy and Postural Drainage,

·Provide Incentive Spirometry and Breathing Exercises

·Cleans and disinfects patient equipment, performs pre- use checks and sets up equipment ensuring availability for patient use.

·Assists in maintaining inventory in main decontamination and supply room, maintains stock in the respiratory supply areas throughout the facility and assists in conservation of supplies and eliminating waste.

·Assists transporting Cardiopulmonary Rehab patients to and from registration area as needed.

·Assists with 6 minute walks and PFT patients as needed.

• Follows all North Oaks Health Systems and Respiratory Care Department infection prevention policies and guidelines.

·Performs routine inspection of supplies for damage in packaging and monitors expiration dates.

·Inspects oxygen storage rooms throughout the facility and ensures tank storage compliance. Reports any issues to Dept. Manger or charge nurse when applicable.

·Assists in maintaining par levels of oxygen tanks throughout facility as needed.

• Respond to all Cardiopulmonary arrests and provide CPR if necessary.
• Reports equipment issues via AYS and notifies Dept. Manager.
• Demonstrates ability to perform duties without immediate supervision.
• Follows all North Oaks Health Systems and Respiratory Care Department infection prevention policies and guidelines.
• Assists in quality assurance through reporting of occurrences and incident according to established policies and procedures.
• Provides documentation of services provided according to established policy procedures.
• Participates in professional development through attendance of education programs and attends annual competency, scheduled department meetings and hospital in-services.
• Provide Patient/family education as needed.

·Prioritizes work assignments effectively and demonstrates a systematic approach to the organizational climate.

• Safeguards and preserves confidentiality of patient information.
• SKILLS:
• Input data into computer programs
• Good interpersonal/human relations skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good time management/prioritization skill
• Attention to detail