Respiratory Care Assistant-Cardiopulmonary (PRN)

Job Description

Ashe Memorial Hospital is committed to its mission:
"To meet the needs of the community by delivering patient-centered, high quality health care."

The organization has been recognized as Ashe’s Best Place to Work for four consecutive years (2022–2025), reflecting its dedication to excellence in patient care and employee engagement. Ashe Memorial Hospital provides a collaborative environment where healthcare professionals are supported in delivering exceptional clinical outcomes within a community-focused setting.

Position Summary

The Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) functions under the direct supervision of a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner. The incumbent is responsible for performing a range of general respiratory care procedures, including but not limited to oxygen administration, respiratory treatments, suctioning, and arterial blood gas punctures.

This position requires the ability to provide age-appropriate care across the patient lifespan, including neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administer routine respiratory therapy treatments in accordance with established clinical protocols

Monitor and document patient vital signs, breath sounds, and oxygen saturation levels

Perform non-invasive monitoring to ensure patient safety and appropriateness of care

Instruct patients in therapeutic breathing techniques, including coughing and deep breathing exercises

Identify and promptly report changes in patient condition or clinical concerns to appropriate personnel

Recognize and respond to emergent clinical situations within scope of practice

Operate respiratory care equipment in compliance with departmental policies and procedures

Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care activities and charge records

Communicate patient status and care updates to incoming staff to ensure continuity of care

Deliver care consistent with age-specific guidelines, integrating developmental considerations into assessment, planning, and implementation

Maintain competency in age-specific patient care practices

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

High School diploma or GED required

Current enrollment, in good standing, in a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Care program

Successful completion of at least one year of the program

Experience:

Minimum of one (1) year of respiratory care experience in a student capacity

Licensure and Certifications:

Current registration with the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board (NCRCB) as a Respiratory Care Assistant (required)

Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification (required)

Successful completion of all required competency evaluations

Benefits

Eligible employees may participate in the organization’s benefits program beginning the first day of the month following employment, in accordance with hospital policy. Additional details are available through the Human Resources department.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Ashe Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. The organization complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable performance of essential job functions without compromising patient care.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through the hospital’s designated application process or by contacting Human Resources for additional information.