Job Details
Job Title: Director Respiratory Care Services
Department/Location: Respiratory / Hinsdale, IL
Shifts: Days
Full-time (80 hours per pay period) benefit eligible
FTE: 1.0
Req. Number: 1429
Benefits
RML offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits package. Employees can choose from a large selection of benefits that help protect their health, wealth, and well-being. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Free Parking
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Banking Alternatives
• Referral Rewards (upwards of $4k)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (6% company match) - For every $1 an employee contributes, RML contributes $1 to their accounts. Employees are 100 percent vested in the money both they and RML contribute.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) RML offers employees flexibility in taking time off. Full-time employees receive 26 days each year.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) For employees who may need help managing stress, RML offers an EAP at no cost. Counselors are available 24 hours a day to both employees and their family members.
• Employee Fitness Room

GENERAL SUMMARY: Reporting to the Vice President-Patient Care Services, the Director of Respiratory Care Services is responsible for the 24-hour coordination and efficient management of all respiratory services provided to hospital patients, and the supervision of on-site moderate complexity and waived lab testing. The director works with staff to foster a knowledgeable and empowered clinical practice environment that is attentive to providing excellent patient care and customer service. The director provides, and ensures that respiratory staff provide, age and developmentally appropriate care to adult and geriatric patients.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supports the Mission and Vision of RML Specialty Hospital by demonstrating RML's Core Values of Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Stewardship (STARS) in all actions. Promotes a positive patient/customer experience by exemplifying the RML values in all interactions with patients, families and coworkers. In collaboration with the Medical Director of Respiratory Care, the director sets the standards for respiratory services to be provided to patients. The director ensures that policies and procedures, standards of care and standards of practice to support high quality care are in place, known to staff, and adhered to. The director evaluates respiratory clinical practices and protocols, implementing changes as appropriate to ensure best practices in clinical care, equipment selection and use, and infection control methods.
2. Performance of CLIA moderate complexity and CLIA waived testing following manufacturer's instructions and physician's orders including but not limited to: sample collection, sample preparation, quality control, safety, instrument maintenance, result reporting, critical result notification, training and annual competency. Works in conjunction with laboratory technical consultant (MT) in solving problems in specimen management or equipment operation. Supervises all staff, fiscal and laboratory functions for the on-site moderate complexity and waived lab tests. Assists and ensures staff competence.
3. Monitors the quality control program and ensures timely compliance with all regulatory requirements. Evaluates the stat lab program and determines and implements opportunities for improvement in process, policies, supplies, equipment and procedures.
4. Following good laboratory practice in the collection, processing, storage of samples that may include blood, sputum and other miscellaneous biological body fluids for patient analysis. Employees are to follow OSHA guidelines, always use appropriate PPE and follow standard precautions. Assists with arterial phlebotomy competency of respiratory staff.
5. Manages the payroll and non-payroll budgets and capital acquisitions of the respiratory service. Develops department budgets and monitors and evaluates fiscal performance against the budget. The director analyzes budget variances and takes active steps to implement plans to improve efficiency and reduce costs wherever possible.
6. Is knowledgeable of and ensures compliance with all appropriate regulatory agencies with relevance to the type of care and services provided, such as IDPH, The Joint Commission, HCFA, OSHA, CLIA, CDC, etc.
7. Responsible for developing and supervising the respiratory staff, providing guidance, counseling, and discipline as appropriate to ensure compliance with patient care standards and hospital policy.
8. In cooperation with the Human Resources Department, is responsible for recruitment of staff, screening, interviewing, and orientation of new employees. Completes all necessary documentation related to the hiring process. Responsible for developing department environments that support staff retention.
9. Directs activities of all staff responsible for patient care, including contract services. Assures staff compliance with mandatory educational programs, promotes staff development, and encourages participation in organization functions, task forces and committees.
10. Ensures that the staff are well informed on a timely basis of department and facility information and expectations. Utilizes various methods to ensure effective communication with staff, including monthly staff meetings with documented minutes.
11. Ensures the orientation of all department staff, including agency personnel, to the hospital and Respiratory Care Services. Evaluates the competence of all regular and contract staff on an ongoing basis and maintains appropriate documentation.
12. Is knowledgeable of and ensures that self and staff provide patient care that is appropriate to the age and developmental status of adult and geriatric patients.
13. Responsible for department purchasing activities in collaboration with Materials Management Department. Monitors consumption of respiratory care supplies and establishes appropriate PAR levels. Ensures that a continuous and accurate mechanism is in place to capture patient charges and to address lost charges.
14. Responsible for department specific issues related to Risk Management. Responsible for risk identification, follow-up intervention and documentation, and related reporting. Develops strategies with staff to improve patient safety in the delivery of respiratory care services.
15. Responsible for identification and monitoring of program specific quality indicators, with reporting to appropriate committees. Demonstrates leadership in implementing program specific performance improvement activities, and actively participates in facility wide P.I. initiatives.
16. Actively directs, leads, and initiates targeted initiatives related to hospital strategic goals included ventilator liberation parameters and targets. Actively drives and oversees and the progress of respective goals.
17. Monitors, implements and drives initiatives related to employee and patient satisfaction for the respiratory department.
18. Oversees and maintains fiscal responsibility through management of variable expenses including agency, overtime, bonus shifts, etc. Oversees and directs staffing for respiratory staff.
19. Develops short and long-range program goals in consultation with the Medical Directors and the V.P. Patient Care Services.
20. Actively collaborates with all other hospital departments to ensure the effective integration of their services with the Respiratory Care Services Department.
21. Is responsible for promoting a safe work environment for self and staff. The director assesses safety issues within the department and obtains necessary equipment and supplies to reduce staff risk. The director ensures that staff are educated on safety practices applicable to their work environment, and monitors staff compliance.

JOB REQUIREMENTS & CHARACTERISTICS
MINIMUM
PREFERRED
Skills & Abilities
Thorough knowledge of respiratory care procedures, equipment, and pharmacological agents to recommend and perform therapy for high acuity, medically complex ventilator dependent patients.
Analytical ability to manage the departments' resources, assess the departments' performance, implement program goals, and evaluate subordinates' performance.
Interpersonal skills necessary to constantly interact in a manner with staff, patients, families, medical personnel, and other members of the healthcare team.
Perform efficiently and effectively under the pressure of stressful or emergency situations.
The clinical knowledge and technical skills to operate instruments associated with moderate complexity and waived testing. Interpretation of results and critical notification to staff. The analytic skill to access a patient and perform phlebotomy.
The attention to detail necessary to maintain accurate and timely records and reports.
5 or more years of clinical experience in their respective field and 2 or more years of supervisory/management experience for the minimum requirements
Knowledge & Experience
Graduate of AMA accredited school for respiratory care
Registered respiratory therapist (R.R.T.)
Baccalaureate degree
Five years acute respiratory care experience. Minimum two years of management/ supervisory experience
Progressive supervisory and management experience in clinical operations
Master's degree preferred.
Stat laboratory service experience
License & Certifications
Illinois RCP license required.
Current CPR required.
Working Conditions
Significant standing and walking, as well as sitting at a computer station
Combination of office and patient care environment
May be exposed to hazardous materials, including but not limited to bloodborne pathogens and highly pressurized medical gases and gas cylinders
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with it.
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