Respiratory Therapy Assistant (RTA) per diem

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

In accordance with the state of Massachusetts Board of Respiratory Care Limited License (261 CMR section 3.07), the respiratory therapy assistants may perform some functions (particularly with equipment preparations) normally performed by a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) or certified respiratory therapist (CRT). Assists with staff training, equipment needs, storage, transportation of equipment, and all other duties assigned.

Job Description:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities including but not limited to:

Staff training 

• The RT Assistant/equipment tech will be trained by an RRT in the cleaning & organizing of respiratory therapy equipment including, but not limited to, BIPAP/CPAP machines, ventilators, nebulizers, INO vents, HFNC, Cough Assists, disposable equipment, and IV pumps and poles.
• RT Assistant will be assessed for competency in performing RT related tasks, including but not limited to, administering nebulized medication including TXA,  BIPAP/CPAP set up on a patient, HFNC set up on a patient, administering CPT, drawing of ABG, performing trach care, assisting with Code Blue calls.

Cleaning of equipment

• RT will strip equipment of disposable parts, pre-clean the equipment in accordance with IFU specs, and will contact the equipment tech (RT Assistant) via pager or phone to pick up the dirty equipment at the designated location.
• Equipment tech will bring dirty equipment to the respiratory therapy department’s dirty equipment room (2T41). 
• RT assistant (Equipment Tech) will thoroughly clean equipment(s) with bleach wipes, disinfectant wipes, and as directed per manufacturer’s instructions via IFU. 
• RT Assistant shall redress and cover all respiratory therapy equipment.
• RT assistant will complete tightness check, and other pressure testing of equipment post cleaning and prior to storage.  

Storage and transportation of equipment to and from designated areas 

• Equipment tech will maintain the respiratory therapy equipment storage room in a clean and organized fashion at all times. 
• Equipment tech will be trained on the transport and storage of equipment by an RRT.  Training will include use of PPE during transport of dirty equipment, and the proper transfer of equipment from the dirty utility to the clean utility room in the RT Department.
• RT Assistant will be instructed by the RRT in the transfer of equipment to and from storage areas, and to areas where equipment is needed, as directed by the RRT. RT Assistant will be provided with a MAP and tour of each department and equipment storage areas, whenever possible, for familiarization of different areas. 

Clinical duties as assigned 

• Under the general supervision of Registered Respiratory Therapists, provides direct Respiratory Care to patients by   administering Respiratory Therapy modalities including the set-up and administration of oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, and medication nebulization therapy; the application of Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) techniques, performing tracheostomy care.
• Make regular rounds and administer modalities according to plan established by a respiratory therapist; performs patient assessments, observes and reports patients' progress and reactions to treatment. Makes suggestions for modification of treatment plan to respiratory therapist as indicated.
• Confers with patients, explaining treatments and breathing procedures in order to allay fears and anxiety and to elicit cooperation
• Completes necessary documentation of treatments given and patients' responses, and reports to the respiratory therapist, nurse, and physician as needed. Maintains appropriate departmental records.
• Assists in instruction of patients and/or family members in respiratory techniques and the use of respiratory equipment in the home necessary to continue patient care and rehabilitation.
• Maintains continuing education relating to cultural competency. The individual in this position must demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of our patient population to include but not limited to age, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, income, position, sexual orientation, gender or background.
• Attends and participates in internal and external educational meetings to maintain and enhance clinical competencies including daily patient car