Respiratory Care Assistant

Position Overview: The Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) provides approved respiratory care procedures to patients of all ages in accordance with the guidelines set by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board. This role is designed for students actively enrolled and in good standing with a recognized respiratory care education program and registered with the Board as an RCA. The RCA assists in providing safe, effective care and demonstrates UNC Health Appalachian’s commitment to compassionate service, professionalism, efficiency, and personal accountability.

The RCA works under direct supervision and follows all regulatory requirements, including wearing appropriate identification while delivering care. This position fosters a respectful, team-oriented work environment while assisting patients, families, and colleagues within the RCA scope of practice.

The starting hourly rate for this position is commensurate with education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Compensation typically starts at $17.87/hour or more depending on qualifications.

The Perks and Benefits:

· Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

· Professional development: We offer career growth opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and progressive Career Pathways Programs.

· Impactful work: Play a key role in patient care, safety, and positive health outcomes in our community.

· Location perks: Boone, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers world-class hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and more, plus excellent dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville.

· Top-tier community: Boone offers an excellent public school system and is home to Appalachian State University. Named a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, students, professionals, and retirees.

· Compensation: Starting at $17.87/hour or more depending on education and experience. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This is a non-exempt position.

· Employee wellness program - Love Your Life: Award-winning wellness program for employees. Health plan participants can earn incentives through screenings; all employees can join online wellness activities with chances to win prizes.

· Employee to Employee (E2E) program: Provides financial support to coworkers experiencing unexpected hardship, funded entirely through voluntary employee donations.

· Additional perks: Discounted admission to popular attractions including Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, and more (subject to change).

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide approved respiratory care procedures under the direction of licensed staff within established RCA guidelines. · Respond quickly and accurately to emergencies and changes in patient condition. · Communicate effectively and courteously with patients, families, staff, and physicians while respecting diversity and dignity. · Maintain professional conduct, effective communication, and task completion aligned with UNC Health Appalachian's standards. · Assist patients, families, visitors, and coworkers within the limits of RCA scope and licensure. · Demonstrate exceptional customer service and promote a healthy work environment. · Follow all regulatory requirements, hospital policies, safety standards, and confidentiality guidelines, including HIPAA.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Education: · High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Required Registration/License/Certification: · Active registration/license as a Respiratory Care Assistant through the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board. · Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at time of hire. · Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications highly preferred.

Experience: · No prior experience required; current enrollment and good standing in a recognized respiratory care education program required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: · Ability to deliver safe, effective patient care within licensure limitations and hospital policies. · Effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills, with courteous and professional interaction. · Understanding of professional ethics, workplace safety, equipment handling, and confidentiality standards. · Familiarity with hospital policies, standard operating procedures, and customer service best practices.

Physical Demands:

· Continuous standing and walking for long periods (≥ 8 hours per shift). · Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling > 50 lbs. · Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching. · Repetitive hand, finger, wrist movements, and moderate dexterity. · Exposure to close eye work and soft voices within 3 feet. · Occasional exposure to cramped spaces, vibrations, and ionizing/non-ionizing radiation (e.g., x-ray, microwave).

Working Conditions:

· Regular exposure to blood-borne diseases and biological hazards. · Exposure to electrical/mechanical equipment, odorous chemicals, and unpleasant elements (e.g., accidents, injuries, uneven/slippery surfaces). · Handles emergency calls and assists during critical events. · Subject to irregular hours including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

About UNC Health Appalachian It’s official – UNC Health Appalachian earned an “A” in the Fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades!

UNC Health Appalachian is the leading healthcare provider in the High Country, comprising three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to promoting health, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better" for our patients and community.

About UNC Health UNC Health is a state entity and part of the University of North Carolina system, including 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and over 500 clinics. We work to improve health and well-being, advance education, and provide outstanding care across North Carolina. UNC Health provided over $400 million in uncompensated or charity care in the past three years. For more information, visit unchealth.org .

UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. We strive to create an inclusive environment and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening. For accommodations or more information, contact ... .