Lead Respiratory Therapist

Summary: Under the general direction of the Lab-RT manager, responsible for supervising the daily activities and personnel of the Respiratory Therapy Department solving minor and immediate problems regarding therapy administration and working with physicians and nurses to coordinate Respiratory Patient Care. The RT supervisor is a key communication liaison between Practioner and Department Directors and other hospital personnel. The RT supervisor is responsible for ensuring that quality, timely and appropriate care is provided to Patients of any age including: neonatal, infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric through patient assessment and treatment; through implementation of quality improvement, utilization review and clinical education programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Fulfills obligation of department need during unavailability of the Respiratory Therapy Manager.
• Assures initiation and follow-up of risk identification, incident and employee illness reports, notifying the RT manager in a timely manner.
• Coordinates services, staff, procedures, policies and functions as of the Respiratory care department: training, supervising and evaluating all personnel; directing and assisting other professional staff in making clinical judgements. Assigns, directs, and schedules staff and oversees performance of tests/procedures in Respiratory Therapy.
• Prepares and oversees the scheduling of all RT personnel
• Responsible for drafting, reviewing and revising RT procedures and policies as required by regulatory agencies, including but not limited to CLIA, CMS, COLA, CDC, OSHA, CAP and JCAHO.
• Plans, designs, and directs installation of new or improved Respiratory Therapy techniques.
• Prepares and administers RT budget in coordination with RT Manager.
• Purchases or directs purchase and/or rental of RT equipment and supplies; recommends purchase of capital equipment.
• Directs maintenance of RT inventory supply system.
• Designs and administers quality control-improvement program for RT.
• Assists in maintaining the smooth function of the Respiratory care Department; ensuring flow of communication and to staff and Manager, monitor services of the department and addresses problems directly or with the assistance of the RT manager. Completes payroll as required.
• Oversees the handling and changing of medical gas cylinders; must be able to identify various types of medical gases and the proper administration of these gases. Must know the proper method of transporting cylinders and proper storage techniques.
• Reviews current literature and attends meetings and seminars to keep informed of new developments in field.
• Coordinates and conducts education and training programs for RT students and personnel.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must be registered or certified
• Must possess current state license
• CPR certification required
• ACLS certification required

Other Skills and Abilities

• Must be a graduate of an approved school of respiratory care
• 2 years minimum experience