Respiratory Clinical Associate

Reports to the Pulmonary Instructor or Designated Coordinator. Provides direct care to assigned respiratory patients under the supervision and direction of a Respiratory Therapist. Assignments will be provided to enhance the learning experiences. This is an educational and developmental program that parallels the student's progression in school. Continuing education and advancement in role responsibilities and assignments will be provided through the direction and validation of the Clinical Specialist, Pulmonary Instructor, or designated Coordinator. A student must meet the requirements for their student permit to practice Respiratory Care through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. They may remain in this role until graduating and passing their certification exam at which time they are then eligible to receive their License as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. The student permit expires 60 days after graduation; or at such time as the student fails the certification exam or is no longer a student in good standing.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Patient/Customer Centered

• Places courtesy and service above routine and goes beyond customer expectations
• Anticipates and takes proactive steps to ensure customer's needs are met
• Keeps patient/work environment neat and clean
• Understands and applies job-related aspects of patient safety and identifies, reports and corrects safety concerns as quickly as possible

Respect

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships
• Keeps others well informed
• Uses problem solving techniques to resolve issues and makes decisions within personal sphere of influence
• Practices active listening
• Seeks to understand patient's experience

Integrity

• Demonstrates integrity and strong business ethics
• Utilizes time and resources in a prudent manner
• Strives to continually improve department processes and services
• Projects professional image through enthusiasm towards work, behavior and appearance

Compassion

• Demonstrates Beacon values verbally and through actions
• Demonstrates self-awareness and sensitivity to the perceptions of others
• Listens carefully to input and concerns and takes appropriate action
• Interacts with dissatisfied customers in a calm, respectful manner and seeks resolutions
• Displays and exhibits caring behaviors with each interaction

Trust

• Fosters a sense of trust and collaboration among associates
• Maintains confidentiality at all times
• Verbal and written communications are clear and effective
• Responds to change in a positive manner

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

 

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of at least one semester of clinical experience in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program. In addition, candidates must have effectively performed the appropriate skills to acquire their student permit.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates an increasing knowledge of the functions, uses and theory behind the equipment and procedures necessary to care for patients on the assigned units.
• Requires the analytical skills necessary to utilize previously learned materials in new and concrete situations to determine appropriate methods of therapy based upon observation of patient and diagnostic reports.
• Demonstrates organization skills necessary to carry a patient assignment.
• Requires interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, families, team members and physicians. Maintains a professional, courteous, friendly and sincere manner which projects a positive image.
• Requires the ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment.
• May possibly be exposed to bio-hazards.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position. Also requires the manual dexterity and visual acuity necessary to care for patients.