Respiratory Care Apprentice
28608
Position Summary:
A respiratory care apprentice (RCA) is a currently enrolled respiratory therapy student or recent graduate of respiratory care, who is employed in a non-licensed capacity defined by Idaho state legislature under the Respiratory Care Practice Act. A RCA may, under the direct supervision of a licensed respiratory care practitioner, perform all functions completed and approved by the respiratory care manager and/or respiratory clinical educator and the director of the associated school of respiratory care.
Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of a licensed respiratory care practitioner, the RCA will assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary diseases
As the RCA advances through respiratory school and knowledge increases through didactic and skill acquisition, at the organizations discretion, the RCA may choose to advance assistive duties through skill and competency validation as overseen by the manager of pulmonary services and/or respiratory clinical educator. Direct supervision by a respiratory care practitioner continues to be required while the student is a Respiratory Care Apprentice.
Reads charts, equipment settings, literature, and other printed and handwritten materials
Communicates with patients, physicians, families, and co-workers in person and on telephone
Collects and analyzes sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases
Aids physicians and respiratory therapy staff members with procedures
Performs other related duties as assigned
Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field
Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function
Competent to meet age specific needs of the unit assigned
Requirements and Minimum Qualifications:
Actively enrolled student currently in or starting their critical care rotation or a recent graduate in good standing in an accredited school of respiratory therapy required
Successful completion of basic respiratory care clinical skills as defined by competencies completed within the respiratory care program
The competency skills checklist must be signed by a respiratory care instructor at the RCA’s respective respiratory program. Ongoing competency progression oversight will occur via collaboration between the respiratory care program/instructor and the respiratory care manager and/or respiratory care clinical educator. The RCA’s assigned duties will be at the discretion of the organization but not to exceed competency validation.
Intent to pursue employment in the respiratory therapy department at Kootenai Health preferred
Upon graduation, a provisional license is required. The RCA may continue to work for a maximum of 3 months under a provisional license at which time they must show proof of Idaho RT licensure and the minimum credential CRT. Registry credential (RRT) must be completed within 6 months from date of graduation.
Working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
Must possess, or be able to obtain within 90 days, the computer skills necessary to complete online learning requirements for job-specific competencies, access online forms and policies, etc.
BLS Required. Current AHA Healthcare provider, American Red Cross, AHA Heartsaver
Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 6 months of hire
Working Conditions:
Must be able to maintain a standing and/or sitting position
Must be able to lift and move up to 35 lbs.
Typical Equipment used in a clinical role
Must be able to stoop, crouch or bend
Must be able to push, pull, or transport heavy equipment
Must be able to assist in patient transfer
About Kootenai Health:
Kootenai Health is a highly esteemed healthcare organization serving patients throughout northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We have been recognized with many accolades and distinctions, including being a Gallup Great Workplace, No. 1 Best Place to Work in Large Healthcare Organizations, and Magnet™ Status for Nursing Excellence. We pride ourselves on our outstanding reputation as an employer and a healthcare provider.
As your next employer, we are excited to offer you:
Kootenai Health offers comprehensive medical plan options, including options for fully paid employer premiums for our full-time employees. For part-time employees, we offer the same plan options with affordable part-time premiums. In addition to medical insurance, we offer many voluntary benefits ranging from dental and vision to life and pet insurance. Kootenai Health also offers well-being resources and telemedicine service options to all employees, regardless of benefit eligibility. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
Kootenai Health’s tuition assistance program is available after 90 days. If you want to further your education, we'll help you pay for it
Kootenai Health sponsors retirement plans for employees that enable you to save money on a pre-tax and Roth after tax basis for your retirement. Kootenai Health will match your contributions based on years of service ranging from 3-6 percent.
Competitive salaries with night, weekend, and PRN shift differentials
An award-winning and incentive-driven wellness program. Including a MyHealth corporate team, onsite financial seminars, and coaching
Employees receive discounts at The Wellness Bar, PEAK Fitness, and more
Robust and interactive employee referral program
And much more
Kootenai Health provides exceptional support for extraordinary careers. If you want to work on a high-quality, person-centered healthcare team, we can't wait to meet you!
Apply today! Please contact the HR Front Desk at 208-625-4620 or email careers@kh.org with any questions.
Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.