Respiratory Care Assistant

MercyOne; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

MercyOne in Des Moines, IA is seeking a part-time respiratory therapist to support the care team with essential respiratory procedures, diagnostics, and device management.

You will collaborate with physicians and nurses, assess patients, and ensure adherence to policies while delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program with current participation in respiratory classes and clinical rotations.
• Must have knowledge of basic respiratory therapy procedures and have documented competency validation.
• Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training is required within 6 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.
• Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) will be required within 30 days of hire and every 2 years thereafter.
• Ability to read, write and speak English language.
• Must be able to organize, prioritize, and function in an environment with multiple stress factors.
• Adaptability to performing under stress when confronted with emergent, critical, unusual, or dangerous situations, or situation in which working speed and sustained attention are vital aspects of the job.
• Must demonstrate the ability to exercise professional judgment in dealing with patients, physicians, and other healthcare team members.
• Must be able to use a computer for documentation and other relevant activities.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic respiratory therapy procedures under supervision of a licensed respiratory therapist.
• Performs diagnostic procedures including oximetry, capnography, arterial puncture, and pulmonary function testing.
• May participate in monitoring of CPAP, BiPAP, and mechanical ventilators.
• Consults with and assists physicians and nurses with respiratory care plan for patients and facilitates the implementation of physician orders.
• Assess patients and evaluates appropriateness and quality of respiratory care of individual patients for the purpose of making necessary modifications and adjustments of care plan and equipment use.

Skills

English language proficiency

Ability to work under stress

Professional judgment

Education

Enrolled in accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Tools

CPAP/BiPAP equipment

Pulmonary function testing equipment

Job description

Employment Type:Part timeShift:Rotating ShiftDescription:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs basic respiratory therapy procedures under the supervision of a licensed respiratory therapist in accordance with evidence‑based clinical practice guidelines, and departmental and hospital policies and procedures. Procedures include, but not limited to oxygen, aerosol therapy with and without medication, hyperinflation therapy, incentive spirometry, airway care, suctioning, chest physiotherapy, and EKG.
• Performs diagnostic procedures including, but not limited to oximetry, capnography, arterial puncture, and pulmonary function testing.
• May participate in monitoring of CPAP, BiPAP, and mechanical ventilators.
• Consults with and assists physicians and nurses with respiratory care plan for patients and facilitates the implementation of physician orders.
• Assess patients and evaluates appropriateness and quality of respiratory care of individual patients for the purpose of making necessary modifications and adjustments of care plan and equipment use.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program with current participation in respiratory classes and clinical rotations.

• Must have knowledge of basic respiratory therapy procedures and have documented competency validation.

• Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training is required within 6 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.

• Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) will be required within 30 days of hire and every 2 years thereafter.

• Ability to read, write and speak English language.

• Must be able to organize, prioritize, and function in an environment with multiple stress factors.

• Adaptability to performing under stress when confronted with emergent, critical, unusual, or dangerous situations, or situation in which working speed and sustained attention are vital aspects of the job.

• Must demonstrate the ability to exercise professional judgment in dealing with patients, physicians, and other healthcare team members.

• Must be able to use a computer for documentation and other relevant activities.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person‑centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.