The Director of Respiratory Therapy is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the respiratory therapy department within the hospital. The role includes managing staff, developing and implementing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and enhancing patient care through effective respiratory therapy services.

Essential Functions:

To perform this job, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage the respiratory therapy team, including hiring, and performance evaluations.

• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment to promote staff morale and professional development.

Clinical Oversight

• Ensures high-quality respiratory care is provided to patients in accordance with established protocols and standards.

• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans.

Policy Development

Develops, implement, and update departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with hospital standards and regulatory requirements.

• Monitor department performance metric and implements improvements as necessary.

Budget Management

• Oversee the department budget, including resource allocation, cost control, and financial planning.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings while maintaining high-quality care.

Quality Assurance

• Implements and monitors quality assurance programs to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.

• Conducts regular audits and assessments to ensure compliance with clinical guidelines and best practices.

Education and Training

• Provides ongoing education and training for respiratory therapy staff to ensure up to date knowledge of techniques and technologies.

• Develops community education programs related to respiratory health.

Research and Development

• Stay current with advancements in respiratory care and integrate evidence-based practices into departmental protocols.

• Participate in research initiatives to improve respiratory therapy services.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure the department meets all local, state and federal regulations and accreditation requirements.

• Prepares for and participate in accreditation surveys and inspections.

Qualifications: Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or a Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science (Respiratory Therapy) or Medical Technology. Master’s degree, preferred.

• BLS – required upon hire and continuous thereafter.
• ACLS – required within 6 months of hire and continuously thereafter
• PALS – required within 6 months of hire and continuously thereafter
• NRP - required within 6 months of hire and continuously thereafter
• CPI – required within 6 months of hire and continuously thereafter.

Experience: Four years’ training or experience in high complexity testing with a minimum of 6 months experience in blood gas analysis. Comfortable and skilled at working with physicians, health care providers, and other staff members in the organization. Capable of gaining immediate credibility with individuals through experience, presentation, communication skills, empathy and compassion. Analytical skills include a working knowledge of basis statistics and statistical analysis methodologies. Knowledge of PC based computer software, ability to work independently and interdepartmentally. Broad knowledge and familiarity with health care related regulatory and accreditation requirements. Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing and to conduct self in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to guide and direct activities and staff to provide optimal patient care. Collaborates with other health care members to maintain a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.