Clinical Respiratory Care Assistant at Tenwek Hospital – July 2025

Job Purpose

• The Clinical Respiratory Care Assistant (Respiratory Therapist Assistant – RTA) provides support to Respiratory Therapists (RTs) in delivering respiratory care to patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. The role is critical in ensuring efficient and safe respiratory care services under the supervision of qualified clinical staff.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care Support

• Assist in setting up, operating, and monitoring respiratory care equipment (e.g., ventilators, BiPAP/CPAP machines, oxygen delivery systems).
• Perform basic airway suctioning under supervision.
• Support in administering nebulizer treatments and metered-dose inhalers (MDIs).
• Assist in delivering chest physiotherapy and postural drainage techniques.
• Monitor and document vital signs, including oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

Equipment Maintenance & Preparation

• Clean, disinfect, and assemble respiratory care devices in accordance with infection control protocols.
• Check respiratory equipment for proper functioning and report any faults or malfunctions.
• Ensure adequate stock of respiratory supplies in treatment areas and restock as necessary.

Administrative & Clerical Support

• Accurately document treatments and patient interactions in medical records.
• Transport patients to and from respiratory therapy sessions safely.
• Assist with inventory control and ordering of respiratory supplies.

Patient Education & Communication

• Under the supervision of an RT, educate patients and their families on proper use of oxygen therapy equipment, inhaler techniques, and breathing exercises.
• Provide reassurance and emotional support to patients undergoing respiratory treatments.

Emergency Response Support

• Respond during emergency situations (e.g., Code Blue, Rapid Response) by preparing and setting up oxygen therapy equipment, suction devices, and bag-valve masks (BVMs).
• Participate in CPR and other life-support activities if certified.

Professional Development

• Maintain a proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement by collaborating with the clinical team.
• Demonstrate willingness to receive feedback, learn new skills, and adapt to changing clinical needs.

Scope and Limitations

• Clinical Respiratory Care Assistants work under direct supervision of a licensed
• Respiratory Therapist or physician.
• They are not authorized to assess patients, make independent clinical decisions, or adjust ventilator settings.

Qualifications & Skills

• Certificate or diploma in healthcare support, nursing assistance, or a related field preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Familiarity with respiratory equipment is an added advantage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow clinical instructions precisely.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a clinical environment.