Respiratory Therapist- Lead-Nights

Northeast Georgia Health System•Gainesville, GA

18d

About The Position

The Lead Therapist facilitates and assists with respiratory care provided to patients in the assigned unit or practice location, under the direct and indirect supervision of the Operations Manager or administrative supervisor. The role supports clinical respiratory therapists with day-to-day problem solving, facilitates communication among care team providers, and coordinates, escalates, and resolves problems and conflicts. The Lead Therapist is accountable during the shift for patient flow and matching patient needs with available resources, and escalates patient safety concerns and situations that cannot be resolved during the shift. The Lead Therapist may perform all or part of the staff therapist responsibilities and may serve as the first level of administration assigned to the unit when the Respiratory Operations Manager is absent. The position participates in peer interviewing and peer evaluation, contributes to clinical governance and assigned projects, and supports VOICE and NDNQI quality teams. The role communicates the NGHS strategic direction and supports activities that advance the professional practice environment. The Lead Therapist is included in worked hours per patient day and may be assigned direct patient care according to unit needs. The position provides leadership, clinical and technical support, operational coordination, and guidance to staff. It coordinates patient care team activities, monitors patient status and acuity, supports staffing adjustments, acts as a clinical resource, and helps staff complete their work. The Lead Therapist also oversees unit administrative tasks, communicates with administrative supervisors, and performs shift lead duties such as facilitating departmental harmony, attending shift huddles, ensuring paperwork is completed, and assisting management with schedules, disciplinary actions, and assigned projects.

Requirements

Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Professional) in Georgia.
Associate degree.
At least five years of experience as an RRT in an acute-care hospital setting.
Respiratory Therapy training through an accredited school and successful completion of examination.
Meet all certification requirements defined by the unit, such as BLS, NRP, or PALS.
Demonstrate strong clinical expertise and judgment.
Demonstrate leadership and management skills and abilities.
Strong computer skills using systems defined by the unit.
Demonstrate 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 as they occur.
Assume shift accountability for patient flow and match patient needs with available resources.
Escalate patient safety concerns and situations that cannot be resolved during the shift.
Assume all or part of staff therapist responsibilities and provide direct patient care as unit needs indicate.
Serve as the first level of administration assigned to the unit when the Respiratory Operations Manager is absent.
Participate in peer interviewing and peer evaluation.
Support VOICE and NDNQI quality teams and team members' professional participation.
Assist with clinical governance and other assigned projects, and communicate the NGHS strategic direction.
Coordinate activities of the patient care team and collaborate with other health care disciplines and departments.
Remain informed about patient status, assess patient acuity, and assist with staffing changes for admissions or discharges.
Act as a clinical resource for equipment and patient care needs for assigned patient populations.
Provide guidance to staff and feedback on staff performance to the Operations Manager and/or Respiratory supervisor.
Oversee completion of unit-specific administrative tasks, such as PI audits, code carts, and bed meetings.
Use critical thinking and decision-making to address clinical and operational issues, manage crisis situations, adjust assignments, and support process improvement.
Triage and prioritize multiple tasks, direct unit activities, use resources effectively, and maintain timely communication with administrative supervisors.
Maintain visibility and accessibility on the unit, foster teamwork, and treat patients and staff with respect.
Direct day-to-day shift duties, facilitate departmental harmony, and participate in required shift meetings or huddles.
Ensure paperwork is completed at shift end and assist the Operations Manager or Director with work schedules, disciplinary actions, and assigned projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.