Lead Respiratory Therapist

Gundersen Health System•La Crosse, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Emplify Health by Gundersen is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Respiratory Therapist to provide clinical leadership, education, and operational support across all hospital units. This role balances hands-on patient care with administrative and departmental leadership responsibilities. The Lead Respiratory Therapist serves as a clinical expert and resource across the organization, supporting staff, patients, and departmental initiatives. This role plays a critical part in onboarding, education, quality improvement projects, and ensuring high-quality respiratory care throughout all areas of the hospital. Emplify Health is comprised of two of the Midwest’s most respected healthcare systems, Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System. As a not-for-profit, patient-centered healthcare network, they have headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Their extensive network includes 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinics, serving 67 cities and rural communities across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With over 4,500 dedicated nurses and providers, they are committed to delivering primary, specialty and emergency care, along with innovative medical education programs. Gundersen Health System, based in La Crosse, WI, is the leading provider of primary and specialized care in western Wisconsin, southeast Minnesota, and northeast Iowa; serving more than 500,000 residents throughout 22 counties. Their physician-led, not-for-profit healthcare system includes a 325-bed teaching hospital, tertiary referral center, and Level II Trauma Center; community clinics; 6 affiliate critical access hospitals; nursing homes; behavioral health services; vision centers; pharmacies; and air and ground ambulance services. The company emphasizes an employee-first culture, work-life balance, and career advancement & growth opportunities, encouraging employees to shape their work environment and improve processes.

Requirements

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license (state-appropriate)
CPR for Health Care Providers certification
Minimum of 2 years of critical care experience

Responsibilities

Serve as a clinical expert and provide respiratory therapy support across all hospital units
Deliver direct patient care while supporting staff in complex or high-acuity situations
Act as a resource for troubleshooting, clinical guidance, and best practices
Assist with orientation scheduling and oversee the new hire onboarding process
Train and mentor new employees within the Respiratory Therapy department
Provide staff education and competencies; comfortably present information to groups
Balance time between administrative duties and clinical support
Participate in and lead departmental and organizational improvement projects
Support quality initiatives, workflow improvements, and operational excellence