Respiratory Care Associate

Emory Healthcare; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Emory Healthcare is seeking a Respiratory Care Associate (RCA) student to support licensed therapists by performing basic respiratory therapy tasks under supervision. You will assist with therapy setups, documentation, and patient education while progressing through your accredited program.

This on-site role requires active enrollment in a CoARC-accredited program, with a focus on safety, documentation, and collaboration within a busy clinical department.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Enrolled in a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Therapy program with at least one semester completed.
• Competency checklist signed by the program to validate coursework.

Responsibilities

• Assist in aerosolized and bronchial hygiene therapy for diverse patient groups.
• Demonstrate basic competency on MDI, DPI, nebulizer and mucus clearance devices.
• Support non-invasive therapy for non-acute patients.
• Document accurately in the EMR and assist with charging.
• Support respiratory therapy technicians with stocking and reprocessing tasks.
• Set up and maintain basic oxygen therapy and transport oxygen systems.
• Perform routine EKGs when needed.
• Educate patients and families about care, medications, and equipment.
• Maintain patient-centered care and align with Emory's mission and values.
• Communicate with patients, families, and health care teams respectfully.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Currently enrolled in CoARC-accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Competency checklist validated by school program

Job description

Description

Job Summary: The Respiratory Care Associate (RCA) is a student respiratory therapist who supports licensed respiratory care practitioners by performing basic respiratory therapy treatments and procedures. Working under the direct, immediate, and on-premises supervision of a licensed respiratory care practitioner, the RCA provides patient and family care and completes documentation at the most basic performance level. RCAs must be actively enrolled in, and progressing through, coursework in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.

We Are Seeking An RCA Who Will

• Serve as a role model of the Emory Behavioral Standards
• Demonstrate and reinforce the Emory Service Culture Guidelines
• Deliver Patient- and Family-Centered Care
• Consistently meet departmental and hospital quality and safety goals

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist in performing aerosolized and bronchial hygiene therapy to a variety of patient care populations.
• Demonstrate basic competency on MDI, DPI, nebulizer, and mucus clearance devices.
• Assist with non-invasive therapy for non-acute patient care populations.
• Perform and complete accurate documentation, including charging, within the electronic medical record.
• Assist respiratory therapy equipment technicians with stocking, delivering and reprocessing tasks.
• Initiate and maintain basic oxygen therapy as directed, including setup of transport oxygen systems (e.g., trach collar, Venturi mask).
• Perform routine EKGs when needed.
• Educate patients and family members of all developmental and maturational levels regarding respiratory care topics, medications, equipment and procedures.
• Maintain a patient centered focus and strive to support the mission, goals and values of organization.
• Demonstrate accountability and communicate to all patients/families and healthcare providers in a positive and respectful manner.

Service Area Support

• Follow departmental guidelines and immediately inform supervising respiratory practitioners of any changes in patients respiratory status such as:
• Any adverse reaction to therapy
• Patients that refuse or are not available for therapy
• Patients that receive therapy > 1 hour past the scheduled time
• Oxygen saturation below 90% or below the range specified by the orders
• Acute changes in the patient’s status
• Patients who have been discharged or transferred to another unit

Professional Activity

• Review relevant policies to build a working knowledge of available resources
• Attend at least 75% of department meetings.
• Regularly attends in-services and educational offerings as applicable.

Additional Duties as Assigned.

Travel: Less than 10% of the time may be required.

Work Type: On Site

Education

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be currently enrolled in a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Therapy program and have successfully completed at least one semester of coursework.
• A competency checklist, signed by the school program, is required to validate completion of one semester of coursework, including basic respiratory applications such as MDI/aerosol therapy and oxygen therapy.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (required)

• Must be able to work independently under the general direction of their leader.
• Complete and maintain all competencies as required by EHC and the respiratory care departments.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge and skills to work with all patient care groups: Pediatric, Adolescents, Adult, Geriatric.
• Act in a courteous and compassionate manner.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with a variety of professionals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium Max 25lbs): up to 25 lbs., 0-33% of the work day (occasionally) Lifting 25 lbs. max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs.; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.