Job Description

The Respiratory Care Intern provides advanced Respiratory Care to patients of all ages, (e.g., newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric) under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist. Assumes the therapist role in the clinical settings, under general supervision in all areas of VCU Health System in its intensive care units, acute care units, and the emergency room. The scope of practice is limited to only those procedures where competency is demonstrated in the associated Respiratory Care School curriculum and with Respiratory Educators prior to being done in the hospital patient care areas.

Essential Job Statements

Under direction of a respiratory therapist, the intern:

• Provides patient care limited to only procedures that have been completed in the respiratory care school curriculum and with Respiratory Educators prior being done in hospital patient care areas

• Utilizes the respiratory care process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to recommend, delegate, coordinate and provide safe, therapeutic respiratory care to patients.

• In inpatient setting, may perform respiratory care under supervision of an RT, including but not limited to: basic spirometry, airway clearance techniques, tracheostomy management, medication administration, patient transportation, airway management and suctioning, ventilator management, analyzing and drawing blood gases (as applicable), and other duties not listed that is within the scope of a licensed respiratory therapist if supervised.

• Cleans, calibrates, sterilizes, assemble, transports, and distributes respiratory and resuscitation equipment.

• Assists with making judgments/decisions and acts regarding a wide range of routine and complex patient issues.

• Understand and follow departmental or organizational policy and procedures that minimizes risk of harm to patients, foster communication, support effective teamwork, and ensure system effectiveness.

• Responds immediately to pages and codes throughout the medical center with assistance to basic BLS techniques with a licensed respiratory therapist.

• Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects in order to support the mission of VCUHS and the Department.

• Provides assistance to team members.

• Accepts alternate assignments, as required, graciously.

Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months) Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited Respiratory Care Program within by the State of Virginia

Preferred Education: Previous hospital/medical background or experience

Licensing/ Certification

Licensure/Certification Required: Current AHA BLS Certification

Licensure/Certification Preferred: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: Currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited Respiratory Care Program within by the State of Virginia

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: N/A

Cultural Responsiveness: N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: N/A

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * May have periods of constant interruptions.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Balance, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements

Hazards: Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Gaseous risk exposure

Mental/Sensory – Emotional  

Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.