The Respiratory Assistant Student supports daily operations by cleaning and maintaining respiratory equipment and performing administrative tasks. They also provide direct patient care, including performing EKGs and educating patients on oxygen equipment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma and be currently enrolled in a COARC accredited Respiratory School. Required certifications include BLS and various background clearances (Act 33, 34, and 73).
high schoolCommunication SkillsEquipment MaintenancePatient EducationInventory ControlMicrosoft OfficeData EntryInfection ControlCritical ThinkingAdministrative SupportDiagnostic TestingBasic Life Support12 Lead EKG
Job description
Job Summary
The Respiratory Assistant – Student performs various duties integral to the daily operations of the Respiratory Care Department. Some of these duties include the cleaning and disinfecting, performance verification and maintenance of Respiratory equipment, performing office functions and charging patients accounts for services rendered as well as maintaining scheduling computer records, equipment inventory control, patient education and diagnostic testing.
Essential Job Functions • Maintains a clean and orderly environment
Keeps supplies organized to allow easy retrieval.
Assists in keeping department organized.
Collects, cleans and redistributes respiratory equipment:
Inspects and processes equipment per infection control guidelines and department policy.
Applies ventilator circuit and completes extended service testing for life support equipment to ensure proper functioning prior to placing in service.
Properly packages equipment for stocking and reuse.
Troubleshoots and promotes preventative maintenance adherence by direct communication with the BME department based on hours of operation and testing.
Assists with the inventory and ordering of departmental supplies:
Orders supplies when stock meets minimum levels.
Participates in department-based cost containment practices and makes appropriate recommendations to manager.
Completes Active Staffer activities within the acceptable time limits
Inputs the posted schedule within the acceptable time limits
Archives schedule within acceptable time limits.
Administrative Support
Utilizes all computer systems i.e.: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Access.
Inputs and organizes performance improvement data into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Performs various administrative duties as deemed necessary i.e.: filing, copying, faxing, organizing records, typing and data entry.
Other duties as assigned.
Specialty Functions
Delivers direct and indirect patient care in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, & protocols (may perform the following skills after appropriate training/competencies).
Perform 12 LEAD EKG
Provide oxygen consignment tanks to patients as ordered for discharge as well as education regarding equipment setup and safety regulations.
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma, GED or next higher level of education.
Must be enrolled in a COARC accredited Respiratory School.
Related training/experience (preferably within the last five years).
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
Proficiency in the use of Excel Spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and various software programs.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior knowledge of respiratory care equipment and services rendered
License, Certification & Clearances
Act 33 with renewal
Act 34 with reviewal
Act 73 FBI Clearance
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
Travel may be expected locally between Independence Health System locations.
AAP/EEO
Independence Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Independence Health System to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Independence Health System will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.
Work Environment
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Extreme Heat: x
Extreme Cold: x
Heights: x
Confined Spaces: x
x
Extreme Noise(>85dB)
x
Mechanical Hazards: x
Use of Vibrating Tools
x
Operates Vehicle (company)
x
Operates Heavy Equipment: x
Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
x
x
Rotates All Shifts: x
x
8 Hours Shifts
x
x
10-12 Hours Shifts
x
x
On-Call: x
Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)
x
x
Travel Between Sites: x
Direct Patient Care: x
x
Respirator Protective Equipment: x
x
Eye Protection: x
x
Head Protection (hard hat)
x
Hearing Protection: x
Hand Protection: x
x
Feet, Toe Protection
x
Body Protection: x
x
Latex Exposure: x
x
Solvent Exposure: x
Paint (direct use) Exposure
x
Dust (sanding) Exposure
x
Ethylene Oxide Exposure: x
Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
x
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure: x
x
Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
x
x
Mist Exposure: x
Wax Stripper (direct use)
x
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure: x
Ionizing Radiation Exposure: x
Laser Exposure: x
Physical Demands
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never: Bending (Stooping)
x
x
Sitting: x
x
Walking: x
x
Climbing Stairs: x
x
Climbing Ladders: x
Standing: x
x
Kneeling: x
x
Squatting (Crouching)
x
x
Twisting/Turning: x
x
Keyboard/Computer Operation: x
x
Gross Grasp: x
x
Fine Finger Manipulation: x
x
Hand/Arm Coordination: x
x
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
x
10#
50#
Carry: x
10#
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients: x
x
Seeing Near w/Acuity
x
x
Feeling (Sensation)
x
x
Color Vision: x
x
Hearing Clearly: x
x
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead: x
x
Reaching Above Shoulder Level: x
x
Reaching Forward: x
x
Lifting Floor to Knuckle
###
20#
30#
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle: ###
20#
30#
Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
###
10#
20#
30#
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
###
20#
30#
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.