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.
