GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Respiratory Therapy Assistant (RTA) is defined as someone who assists the department in multiple areas of Respiratory with equipment delivery, maintenance and service as well as laboratory testing and analysis. The RTA must have good communication skills in order to collaborate with coworkers, and other professionals, including physicians and nurses as needed to assist with quality patient care. Must have excellent customer service and critical thinking skills, ability to trouble shoot complex tasks, attention to detail and work in a fast-paced environment. The RTA must be able to work both independently and as a team member and have the ability to prioritize and be responsive. The RTA needs to self-motivated, maintain high standards and technical excellence according to departmental policies and procedures. The RTA maintains awareness of safety within the clinic, laboratory and in the use of equipment. The RTA follows all Henry Ford Hospital and Respiratory Therapy departmental policies and procedures.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lab

·After successful completion of competency performs whole Blood gas analysis of arterial, capillary, venous, cord, and pleural fluid samples.

·Performs blood gas analyzer daily maintenance.

·Performs analyzer quality control, calibrations and troubleshooting.

·Reviews laboratory request forms for complete demographic and order entry information and resolves discrepancies as needed.

·Practices consistent excellence and maintains all CAP competencies within the lab in a timely manner.

Equipment

·Distributes respiratory supplies

·Equipment processing, cleaning and disinfect soiled medical equipment.

·Tests and assembles various life-support, diagnostic, monitoring and therapy equipment.

·Cleans all equipment rooms.

·Clean and setup ventilators after training.

Other

·Maintains awareness of patient safety issues with the clinic and in the use of equipment

·Maintains patient confidentiality according to HFHS HIPAA policies

·Follows all HFHS System and Departmental Policies and Procedures and performs all tasks assigned by HFH Departmental leadership

·Assist in training employees, attends and participates in continuing education and in[1]services.

·Blood gas analysis laboratories with risk to potential exposure to communicable diseases

·Patient care setting with risk to potential exposure to communicable diseases

·Work with pressurized piped-in and bottled medical gases.

·Lifting, moving and use of equipment. If done incorrect, could result in personal, patient and/or equipment malfunction.

·Must be able to stand long hours, be in constant motion, and move heavy equipment across the Hospital.

·Limited noise, temperature fluctuation and dust are possible.