Respiratory Therapist Team Leader (ABG Lab)

Trinity Health • Fort Lauderdale, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, day shift position for a Respiratory Therapist Team Leader specializing in the ABG Lab. The role involves leadership, knowledge of ABG lab operations and equipment, and ensuring the smooth performance of all ABG lab functions. Additionally, the position requires expertise in adult critical care medicine from a respiratory perspective, including knowledge of critical care equipment, mechanical ventilation, and patient safety standards. The Team Leader will serve as a liaison between critical care areas and the RT department, participate in multidisciplinary teams, and drive best practices through current literature and outcome-focused care.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care program required.
• Current State of Florida License as a Registered Respiratory Therapist from the Department of Health.
• BLS certification required.
• ACLS required.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience in all aspects of respiratory care preferred.
• Competency in blood gas laboratory, maintenance, PFT and bronchoscopy assistance a plus.
• Registration by the NBRC as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred.
• Expert knowledge of adult critical care medicine from a respiratory perspective.
• ACCS certification a plus.
• Working knowledge of all equipment utilized in the application of respiratory services with special attention to critical care application.
• Keep current with best practice and latest technology and application for RT care with specific focus on critical care, mechanical ventilation, Non-invasive ventilation, Blood gas analysis, early weaning and extubation.
• Understand proper care planning and discharge planning and transition to and from stepdown care.
• Understand the process of effective competency assessment.
• Understand patient safety standards as published by CMS and TJC.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of all equipment utilized in the adult critical care area relative to RT.

Responsibilities

• Provide education and training to staff.
• Integrate best practices relative to specialty.
• Execute consistent huddles/meetings.
• Ensure accountability for staff performance relative to specialty.
• Engage with leadership team frequently.
• Provide coverage for maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Assure seamless and continuous functioning of all ABG lab locations.
• Assure that annual staff competencies for ABG are completed in a timely manner.
• Review policies and procedures annually for appropriateness and accuracy.
• Participate in TJC survey and be able to assist surveyor during tracer and inspection.
• Ensure daily blood gas lab duties including quality control are completed.
• Perform maintenance duties and able to troubleshoot arterial blood gas machines.
• Execute all portions of mandatory requirements to keep blood gas lab function: Linearity studies, AQ testing, SO Oximetry, and Correlation studies.
• Assure that all QC reports and KPI data are properly signed by medical directors and manager.
• File all requisitions and reports according to TJC requirements.
• Review all signed monthly reports and ensure proper filing.
• Collect KPI data as indicated for each year.
• Continuously conduct inventory of measurement and QC cartridges. Assure proper level of supplies at all times. Assure that supplies are properly received and handled.
• Assure cleanliness and organization of Labs.
• Maintain all appropriate daily/weekly/monthly logs.
• Work with tech support for blood gas machine to troubleshoot issues.
• Assure the training of new staff therapists as needed.
• Order supplies for ABG areas.
• Assess RT knowledge of modes, interfaces, graphics interpretation as they relate to best practice and outcomes.
• Assure that required staff ventilator, NIV, ABG, and critical care competencies are completed.
• Assure the training of new therapists in the intensive care units.
• Work with all RT’s to provide continuous quality care to patients in critical care.
• Monitor early weaning, SBT outcomes and LOS as KPI.
• Attend critical care rounding with providers.
• Serve as liaison between the adult critical care areas and the RT dept.
• Participate in multidisciplinary leadership teams to discuss details relative to care planning, therapies and modality use.
• Work with nursing educators to provide continuous staff education to enhance interdepartmental relations to ensure quality patient care.
• Drive best practice through current literature application with focus on outcomes and value based practice.
• Perform and maintain own competency for endotracheal intubation.
• Ensure policies and practices are current with TJC, CMS, evidence-based practice, and National Safety Goals.
• Offer hands-on workshop annually on mechanical ventilation, Bipap-Cpap, EtCO2, CXR, Trach care, PMV, ABG etc.
• Meet regularly with RT leadership team to discuss issues relative to critical care.
• Attend monthly critical care advisory committee meeting.
• Develop and report KPI on a monthly basis.
• Work closely with Bio med to keep equipment running smoothly and available for use.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit packages available, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 403B, and education assistance.
• Comprehensive benefits that start on your first day of work.
• Retirement savings program with employer matching.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree