Lead Respiratory Therapist

REGIONAL ONE HEALTH•Memphis, TN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Respiratory Therapist assists in supervising daily respiratory department activities and operations, coordinating and monitoring shift work to support quality services and positive patient outcomes. The role assigns duties and resources, oversees staff work, supports staff orientation and student supervision, and provides respiratory care as appropriate. The position also collaborates with medical, nursing, and respiratory leadership, helps resolve operational issues, contributes to performance improvement and budget activities, and maintains a safe, orderly clinical environment. The Lead Respiratory Therapist provides care for patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies in accordance with physician orders, patient-care policies, demonstrated competencies, and applicable safety, infection-control, and risk-management practices. Care may include respiratory treatments, medical gas administration, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation instruction, EKGs, emergency response, and specialized duties based on the assigned clinical area. The role documents care and treatment accurately, maintains patient confidentiality, supports equipment and supply management, and completes required training and continuing education. This is a full-time night-shift position in Respiratory Care in Memphis, Tennessee. The role requires a two-year degree and at least 36 months of respiratory therapy experience, including one year as a Respiratory Therapist.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
Qualified by education, training, or experience to work with neonate, adolescent, adult, and/or geriatric patients as dictated by specialty assignment.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in Tennessee within one year.
Current CPR certification upon hire.
At least 36 months of Respiratory Therapy experience, including one year as a Respiratory Therapist.

Nice To Haves

ACLS certification upon hire is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in supervising daily department activities in accordance with policies and procedures, supporting efficient operations and patient-care objectives.
Assist in formulating and implementing department procedures and policies.
Assist medical and nursing staff with special procedures and treatments as required.
Review work orders, prioritize activities, and expedite patient treatments or therapies as needed.
Schedule and assign employee work and coordinate daily patient and workload assignments.
Oversee personnel and instruct them in the technical setup, regulation, and monitoring of mechanical, monitoring, and other equipment.
Collaborate with the Respiratory Manager on new employee in-service instruction and orientation assignments.
Assist with orientation and oversee students providing patient care as part of their training.
Conduct performance rounds, reviewing patient charts and department records to ensure procedures meet professional standards and practices.
Communicate and collaborate courteously with patients, families, and hospital staff; explain respiratory goals, policies, procedures, and practice standards.
Investigate and respond to questions from physicians, nursing staff, and patients or families; resolve complaints, conflicts, and operational problems, and escalate issues when needed.
Notify the Nursing Clinical Supervisor of issues requiring timely attention during off shifts, including nights, evenings, and weekends.
Apply relevant respiratory and personnel policies, take personnel or disciplinary action when needed in consultation with clinical leadership, and follow up with the Respiratory Manager.
Provide respiratory care as appropriate for patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies, following physician orders and applicable care, safety, infection-control, and risk-management practices.
Review patient medical records before treatment and obtain and record required identifying information.
Explain cardiopulmonary techniques and rehabilitative exercises to patients or newborns’ parents before procedures.
Assess patient suitability for therapy and recommend treatment modes to physicians.
Administer intermittent positive pressure breathing treatments, medical gases, humidity and aerosol therapy, chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Counsel and instruct patients or newborns’ parents on cardiopulmonary techniques and rehabilitative exercises.
Perform EKGs as required and observe patients and equipment during treatments.
Evaluate the impact of respiratory care, recognize patient progress, and report adverse or unusual reactions or events.
Document and process procedures accurately, including ordering, charging, and computer entry; use patient computer systems while maintaining confidentiality.
Maintain competencies and provide age-appropriate care; document assessments, interventions, education, patient responses, and progress toward outcomes according to standards and priorities.
Manage care for patients with acute or chronic pulmonary disease and patients with co-morbid conditions.
Respond to or participate in medical emergencies and initiate or assist with CPR, BLS, or ACLS as required.
Prepare equipment and supplies and assist medical and nursing staff during treatments, procedures, and examinations.
Perform specialized duties applicable to assigned clinical areas, such as newborn care, ICU, pulmonary, or bronchology.
Prepare and maintain required administrative and compliance records, reports, and files; adhere to HIPAA, confidentiality, compliance, and other organizational policies.
Participate in quality and performance improvement, collect quality data, contribute to improvement initiatives, and assist with indicators, thresholds, study methods, and data collection as assigned.
Assist with care and maintenance of department equipment, use supplies cost-effectively, and maintain supply levels.
Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe environment and comply with safety, environmental, and infection-control standards.
Complete required continuing training and education, attend staff meetings and mandatory in-service sessions, and maintain position competencies.
Contribute to annual review of the unit-based scope statement and identification of important aspects of care for clinical review.
Assist in developing and maintaining the department budget.