Lead Respiratory Therapist

Overview

The Lead Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the 24 hour / 7 day a week operation of the respiratory unit. Assesses, plans, coordinates, and evaluates the clinical and operational functions of the unit to ensure quality, cost effective health care is provided by and educated and competent staff.

Full Time, hours will vary. This is a working lead position, days or mids with at least 4 hours of admin time a week. 

Responsibilities

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

● Provide care for the Adult or Geriatric patient, ages 18 years and over.

● Demonstrates and understands the importance of and respect for the rights, dignity and

individuality of each patient in all interactions.

● Answer telephone and intercom in a professional manner, take messages, and communicate

messages to the appropriate person.

● Coordinates the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care.

● Ensures that unit operations and employees are in compliance with Respiratory standard of care,

regulatory agency standards, and policies and procedures as defined by ContinueCARE Hospital.

● Organizes and coordinates all Respiratory unit functions to provide for a smooth, cost effective

operation.

● Delegates effectively and holds staff accountable for quality and clinical outcomes. Accepts

responsibility and accountability for the respiratory unit.

● Serves as a role model in all aspects of job performance and human relations skills.

● Demonstrates competence in the application of principles of management.

● Assumes responsibility in the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel.

● Responsible for interview, selection, and supervision of respiratory staff in the department along

with the CNO.

● Responsible for conducting annual evaluations of the Respiratory staff.

● Responsible for addressing staff performance issues.

● Allocates and budgets resources to meet unit needs.

● Conducts staff meetings at regular intervals to exchange information and promote dialogue.

● Promotes staff development through education, performance evaluation, and identification of

mutual goals that enhance continued professional growth.

● Functions as a team member of the Leadership Team

● Performs respiratory care, assists with treatments, therapies, procedures as necessary.

● Demonstrates and promotes evidence based practice.

● Provides and assesses effectiveness of patient and family education.

● Participates with performance improvement activities to improve quality of respiratory care,

promote patient outcomes and provide a cost effective environment for patient care.

● Perform iSTAT instrument testing as outlined in the technical procedures for each test as

approved by the laboratory director.

Lead Respiratory Therapy

● Participate in interdisciplinary team conferences and patient rounds. Provides weekly

documentation on patients with complex wound management needs. Collaborates with the

interdisciplinary team in developing a comprehensive discharge plan.

● Serves as team leader for Performance Improvement teams as assigned.

● Facilitates respiratory staff to participation in quality improvement, committee and governance

activities.

● Collects, analyzes and utilizes data for improved clinical outcomes.

● Assists in development of policies, procedures and standards reflective of current practice /

literature.

● Completes required competencies assigned upon hire and yearly before scheduled deadlines.

● Assures participation in facility meetings by attending at least 9 (nine) staff meetings per year.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education/Experience:Required: Licensed to practice in the state of Texas as a Respiratory Practitioner.Credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care as RRT.Preferred: 5 years’ experience in hospital setting.Language Ability: Ability to read, write and speak English.Math Ability: Ability to perform basic math skills such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.Computer Skills: Knowledge of basic computer skills and word processing.Certificates and Licenses: Current RT licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Current Healthcare Provider BLS certification and ACLS certification.Supervisory Responsibilities: Respiratory Therapist Staff