About this role
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.
Other facts
About VCU Health
We are a strong, passionate team of more than 12,500 who take pride in caring for every person who comes through our doors. We lift each other up so we can provide the very best and safest care to those who need us most. Together. Every day.
With the support of our university, we make up an academic medical center committed to excellence in patient care, innovation and training tomorrow’s health care workforce. We continue to educate, research and evolve – staying on the cutting edge of care.
As a community of innovators, every team member can contribute a spark of ingenuity igniting a force to discover the next cure, hold the next hand, solve the greatest challenges and create the health care of tomorrow.
We foster an atmosphere of respect and welcoming for all communities. We infuse our teams with diverse talent that inspires everyone to contribute openly and freely, maximizing their impact and creating meaningful change for our patients and community.
Join our team and help us create a new kind of patient experience. Join VCU Health.
EEO Statement:
VCU Health System strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against, or harassment of, team members, applicants, or any other covered persons because of age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex (sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and pregnancy), protected veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay Transparency Provisions:
VCU Health System complies with the Pay Transparency Provisions.
What you'll do
- The Respiratory Care Intern provides advanced respiratory care to patients under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist. Responsibilities include performing various respiratory care procedures, utilizing the respiratory care process, and responding to emergencies.
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