Director of Respiratory Therapy

Overview

The Director of Respiratory Therapy is accountable for directing and coordinating the overall operation of the Respiratory Therapy Department.

Responsibilities

• Manages the department in an efficient manner by planning, organizing and controlling all activities of the department.
• Administers and/or supervises all prescribed respiratory therapy treatments.  Assures that respiratory treatments are provided in compliance with physician's orders.
• Assures that patients who are receiving treatments are made as comfortable as possible and kept as calm as possible.
• Assures that respiratory equipment is maintained in proper working condition.
• Responds to code blue to assist medical personnel in administering urgent respiratory therapy.
• Manages the personnel function by interviewing, selecting, evaluating, disciplining and terminating personnel or recommending such action as necessary.  Assures that employees receive orientation and required in-service training and that they maintain required licensure or certification.
• Determines staffing needs and patterns and recommends appropriate staffing levels and classifications consistent with unit position authorization.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge in the field to allow recommendation of new services, products and equipment.  Maintains an adequate stock of supplies and equipment and assure that gases are stored safely.
• Develops, implements, interprets and maintains work standards and procedures that are in compliance with hospital policies, governmental regulations and various regulatory agency requirements.
• Evaluate the quality and appropriateness of services being provided in the department through an on-going program of quality assurance.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education

• Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy required.
• Certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.

Minimum Work Experience

• Three (3) years of experience in Respiratory Therapy required.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of respiratory therapy principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to supervise, instruct, and evaluate departmental staff.
• Leadership and department management skills.
• Ability to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality respiratory care for patients.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate departmental operations efficiently.
• Commitment to patient safety and quality outcomes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• Ability to exert 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Physical demands exceed those required for light work.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the efficient management and operation of the Respiratory Therapy Department.
• Supervises, instructs, and supports department staff.
• Ensures the well-being and safety of patients receiving respiratory therapy services.
• Oversees the delivery of respiratory care in accordance with established standards and policies.