Respiratory Therapist- Lead- Days

Northeast Georgia Health System•Gainesville, GA

About The Position

The Lead Therapist facilitates and assists with respiratory care for patients in the assigned unit or practice location under the direct and indirect supervision of the Operations Manager or an administrative supervisor. The role supports Clinical Respiratory Therapists with day-to-day problem-solving, coordinates communication among care team providers, and works to elevate and resolve problems and conflicts. The Lead Therapist is accountable for patient flow during the shift, matching patient needs with available resources, and escalating patient-safety concerns or situations that cannot be resolved during the shift. In the absence of the Respiratory Operations Manager, the Lead Therapist is the first level of administration assigned to the unit. The role may include some or all staff therapist responsibilities and direct patient care as unit needs indicate. The Lead Therapist participates in peer interviewing and peer evaluation, supports professional practice and communication of NGHS strategic direction, and contributes respiratory expertise to VOICE and NDNQI quality teams, clinical governance, and other projects. The position coordinates unit care activities, supports staff performance and development, assesses patient acuity and operational needs, and helps maintain effective shift operations and patient care.

Requirements

Active license to practice as a Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Professional) in Georgia.
Associate degree.
At least five years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in an acute-care hospital setting.
Respiratory Therapy training through an accredited school and successful completion of the examination.
Meet certification requirements defined by the unit, such as BLS, NRP, or PALS.
Strong clinical expertise and judgment.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills and abilities.
Strong computer skills with systems defined by the unit.
Critical-thinking skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
One year of supervisor or specialty experience.

Responsibilities

Facilitate and assist with respiratory care provided to patients in the assigned unit or practice location.
Assist Clinical Respiratory Therapists with day-to-day problem-solving and facilitate communication among care team providers.
Coordinate, elevate, and resolve problems and conflicts; escalate unresolved situations and patient-safety concerns.
Assume shift accountability for patient flow and match patient needs with available resources.
Provide first-level unit administration in the absence of the Respiratory Operations Manager.
Perform some or all staff therapist responsibilities and take a direct patient-care assignment when unit needs indicate.
Participate in peer interviewing and peer evaluation.
Support professional practice by communicating NGHS strategic direction and supporting activities aligned with it.
Support VOICE and NDNQI quality teams and team members’ professional participation; assist with clinical governance and assigned projects.
Coordinate patient-care team activities, remain informed about patient status, and collaborate with other healthcare disciplines and departments.
Guide staff and provide performance feedback to the Operations Manager and/or Respiratory supervisor.
Oversee unit-specific administrative tasks, such as PI audits, code carts, and bed meetings.
Assess patient acuity; assist with staffing changes and increased admissions or discharges; support staff in completing their work; and serve as a clinical resource for unit equipment and patient-care needs.
Anticipate patient and staffing needs, evaluate care, adjust assignments, manage crisis situations, troubleshoot, and support process improvement after errors.
Triage and coordinate multiple tasks, prioritize workload, direct unit activities, use resources effectively, and communicate with administrative supervisors.
Maintain visibility and accessibility on the unit, promote a positive atmosphere and teamwork, and treat patients and staff respectfully.
Direct day-to-day shift duties, work with shift personnel to facilitate departmental harmony, and participate in required shift meetings or huddles.
Ensure shift paperwork is completed and assist the department Operations Manager/Director with work schedules, disciplinary actions, and assigned projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.