Lead Respiratory Therapist

Lead Respiratory Therapist

This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the person who is managerially responsible for this position.

Summary:
Assists in supervising daily department activities and operations by coordinating, implementing and monitoring shift activities to ensure that quality services is provided and to achieve positive patient outcomes. Assigns duties/activities and the effective utilization of respiratory staff and other resources. Provides respiratory care and performs activities of staff Respiratory Therapist.

Education Requirement:
Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program. Qualified by education, training or experience to work with the neonate, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric patient population as specialty assignment dictates.

Experience Requirement:
Thirty-six (36) months experience in Respiratory Therapy with one (1) year as a Respiratory Therapist.

Licensure/Certification Requirement:
Registered Respiratory Therapist in State of TN. Current CPR certification required, ACLS preferred.

Key Job Responsibilities:
1. Assists in supervising daily department activities in accordance with established policies and procedures to facilitate efficient respiratory operations and ensure that patient care objectives are maintained. Assists in the formulation and implementation of department procedures and policies. Assists medical and nursing staff with special procedures and treatments as required.
• Reviews work orders to prioritize activities and promote efficient operation of area; expedites treatment/therapy of patients as needed.
• Schedules and assigns work to employees to ensure adequate service is provided and required duties are completed. Coordinates and makes daily patient/work assignments to ensure that daily workload is carried out through individual or cooperative activities.
• Oversees the work of personnel and instructs them in providing technical care such as the setup, regulation and monitoring of mechanical, monitors and other equipment.
• Collaborates with respiratory manager to facilitate assignment of new employees for in-service instruction and orientation.
• Assists in the orientation and oversees the supervision of students when they provide patient care, treatment, and services as part of their training.

2. Conducts performance rounds within the clinical units, reviewing patient charts and department records to ensure that procedures are performed in accordance with professional standards and practices.

3. Confers and works collaboratively with patient/family/hospital staff in a customer responsive and courteous manner, in compliance with iRESPECT standards and promoting patient/customer satisfaction to achieve positive patient outcomes.

4. Answers inquiries; communicates and interprets policies, procedures and standards of practices to staff/patient/family/visitors to promote understanding and ensure consistency in the application of policies and procedures.
• Interprets respiratory goals, policies and procedures.
• Investigates and answers queries from physicians, nursing staff and patients/families regarding care.
• Resolves complaints, conflicts and operational problems. Informs Respiratory Manager/Nursing Clinical Supervisor of any problems or issues which cannot be resolved or require intervention.
• Notifies the Nursing Clinical Supervisor as needed to ensure the timely resolution of problems/issues requiring immediate attention during “off” shifts (i.e. nights, evening, weekend).
• Interpreting respiratory, personnel and other applicable administrative polices, takes personnel/disciplinary action as needed at the time of infraction and in consultation with the Clinical Supervisor or Respiratory Manager. Follows up with Respiratory Manager regarding employee performance, any employee action taken and/or to recommend disciplinary action.

5. Provides respiratory care as appropriate in the care of patients with deficiencies of the cardio-pulmonary system, as ordered by physician, consistent with patient care policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices, patient safety practices and departmental activities.
• Reviews patient's medical record prior to each session to obtain and record identifying information required for the treatment and patient records.
• Informs and explains cardiopulmonary techniques and rehabilitative exercises purposes and procedures to the patient and/or parents of newborns prior to commencement of procedures.
• Assesses patient to determine appropriateness of therapy and makes recommendations to physician regarding proper treatment mode.
• Administers Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing treatments, medical gas administration, humidity and aerosol therapy, chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Counsels with and instructs patients and/or parents of newborns regarding various cardiopulmonary techniques and rehabilitative exercises.
• Performs EKGs as required.
• Observes patient and equipment during treatments.
• Determines the impact of respiratory care on patient’s conditions and recognizes patient’s progress toward meeting the desired outcomes.
• Reports adverse or any unusual reactions or events.
• Ensures accurate documentation in performing and processing all procedures including proper ordering, charging, and computer entry.
• Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills and maintains competencies required to provide care appropriate to age of the patients served within department.

6. Documents care based on standards of care and practice and/or clinical priorities for documentation (assessment, interventions, patient education, and patient's response to interventions and progress towards outcomes are noted).

7. Demonstrates ability to manage the care of patients with conditions common to the area including:
• Patients with acute and chronic pulmonary disease.
• Patients with co-morbid conditions (arthritis, diabetes, obesity, etc.).

8. Responds and/or participates with medical emergencies. Initiates and/or assists with CPR/BLS/ACLS as required.

9. Prepares equipment/supplies and assists medical and nursing staff during treatments, procedures and examinations. Performs specialized duties applicable to assigned clinical areas (i.e. newborn center, ICU, pulmonary, broncology).

10. Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes. Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data.

11. Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to patient/family, department and hospital information. Adheres to established department and organization policies (i.e. HIPAA, Confidentiality, and Compliance Policies).

12. Participates in quality/performance improvement. Collects quality data for monitoring performance improvement and to produce the best value service.

13. Assists with maintenance and care of department equipment and utilizes supplies in a cost effective manner. Maintains stock level of supplies and materials.

14. Maintains a clean, orderly, safe environment for patients and personnel. Adheres to established department policies, procedures, objectives, compliance/quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control standards.

15. Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.
• Attends staff meetings, all mandatory in-service, and additional continuing education as required.
• Contributes to the annual review of unit-based scope statement and determination of important aspects of care for clinical review.
• Assists in the development of indicators, thresholds, study methods, and data collection as assigned.
• Responds to problems/opportunities to improve care.
• Supports and is involved in the organization’s Performance Improvement initiatives.
• Maintains competencies required for the position.

9. Assists in development and maintenance of department’s budget.

10. Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Thorough knowledge of current Respiratory practices including bronschoscopy and pulmonary function tests.
• An ability and willingness to apply respiratory knowledge and skills and maintain clinical competency as required;
• Demonstrated ability to develop, present, implement and maintain activities in respiratory unit.

• A demonstrated ability and willingness to work with the patients’ growth and development needs.
• An ability to manage a sometimes chaotic work environment related to changing patient needs, including work with patients with acute, chronic, and complex disease processes and those who are dying.
• Demonstrates skill in the use of applicable equipment; mature judgment and initiative required; is able to work without direct supervision; shows professional interest through self-development, continuing education, and involvement in professional organizations; presents a positive attitude and professional appearance.
• Ability to give and follow written and oral instructions; ability to communicate effectively with others; ability to react and perform under stress in emergency situations;
• Ability to effectively record and reflect observations; ability to plan and organize work for self and others;
• Ability to exercise analytical judgment on work to be done.

Supervision Provided by this Job:
• Serves in a lead capacity.

Physical Demands/Conditions:
• Prolonged standing and walking; lifting, turning patients and equipment; repeated bending, squatting and stooping; exposure to infectious agents. Visual acuity is needed to assess color changes, to verify accuracy of written materials, and to administer and accurately prepare medications. Heavy Work - Exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (May be further defined as "with or without assistance.")

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