Respiratory Care Apprentice

Respiratory Care Apprentice

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 organization's 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
• Competent to meet age specific needs of the unit assigned
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function

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.
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within 6 months of hire
• BLS required

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:

• Comprehensive medical coverage, including fully employer‑paid options for eligible full‑time employees, plus affordable plans for part‑time staff. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Dental, vision, life, and pet insurance, with telemedicine and wellbeing resources available to all employees
• Tuition assistance after 90 days to support your professional growth
• Retirement plans with pre‑tax and Roth options and employer matching from 3%-6%
• Competitive pay, plus night, weekend, and PRN shift differentials
• Award‑winning wellness program with coaching, financial wellness resources, and free or discounted access to fitness centers and premium wellbeing apps
• PerkSpot discounts providing access to thousands of exclusive deals in over 25 categories
• And an employee referral bonus program

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!

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.