Lead Respiratory Therapist

The Lead Respiratory Therapist as the on-site Clinical Leader is responsible for providing professional leadership. The Lead RT is responsible for facilitating staff assignments and coordination of work of Respiratory Therapy personnel. The Lead RT acts as a resource person. In addition, they can perform all functions of a Registered Respiratory Therapist. The Lead RT can also perform various advanced practice therapeutic procedures such as IABP, support NICU, nitric oxide and Epoprostenol administrations. The Lead RT participates in orientation of staff and student training programs representing the Respiratory Care department in but not limited to, job shadowing, simulation training and teaching of core specific classes for Trinity Health which is a teaching institution.  Works collaboratively with Manager, Director and Clinical Educator acting in a supervisory role with regards to personnel management. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and guiding behaviors of Trinity Health 

Provides professional leadership in the development and delivery of patient care.  

Uses "AIDET" principles when interfacing/treating every patient throughout the organization.   (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You). 

Where appropriate, with each patient interaction, uses the concept of "Managing Up" – a form of communication that positions information, a person, or team in a positive manner. 

Provides a consistent experience to patients, families, visitors and internal customers by using "Key Words at Key Times."  Specifically, uses key words to help patients to understand what is happening with their care, help internal customers understand their service better, and build relationships. 

Serves as a consultant, resource person, and role model representing respiratory care in the health system committees or work groups as needed. 

Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolutions. 

Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to Trinity Health.  

Facilitates good rapport and cooperative relationships approaching conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution. 

Assigns and coordinates daily work assignments of respiratory care personnel. Adjusts staffing level and as needed to cover emergencies, sick calls and changes in patient volume & acuity effectively utilizing the productivity model. 

Coordinates departmental response to cardiopulmonary arrest situations, and other emergency situations. 

Facilitates orientation/precepting, training programs, skill updates and procedure reviews for staff. 

Makes patient rounds observing cardiopulmonary staff to ensure treatment is provided in accordance with physician’s orders and approved medical protocol, and that equipment is working properly. 

Functions as a resource person to staff in resolution of difficult non-routine problems requiring ability to trouble shoot procedures or equipment. 

Maintains adequate levels of cardiopulmonary equipment and supplies. Acts as a resource to obtain equipment in an emergency. 

Performs as a clinical expert in adapting cardiopulmonary therapy and procedures to neonates, children and adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. 

Performs non-routine procedures including but not limited to assisting, set-up and monitoring of the intra-aortic balloon pump device (Ann Arbor), attending infant deliveries and bedside pulmonary function testing. 

Performs all duties and responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist per AARC guidelines, obtains and maintains competencies per RT II job description. Some examples below: 

Cardiopulmonary arrest situations 

Other emergency situations: IABP/Cath lab (Ann Arbor) 

Participates in patient rounds  

Ensure treatments/therapies/diagnostic testing is provided in accordance with physician orders and approved medical protocols.  

Ensures that equipment is in safe operating condition and contacts repair personnel and alerts The Lead Therapists as appropriate 

Assess patient clinical situation and collaborate with medical staff to benefit patient care. 

Knows the procedure for oxygen and medical air shutdowns. 

Understands and takes an active role to stay updated on hospital and departmental policies and procedures 

Able to effectively navigate multiple priorities  

Assists the Respiratory Care Manager with employee evaluations 

Provide/complete quarterly feedback on staff related to competency validations for bi-yearly evaluation. 

Records attendance variations. 

Prioritizes and addresses conflicting requests calmly and in line with our guiding behaviors  

Understands and able to communicate the Electronic medical record at the Super user level. 

Leads a department work group and/or actively participates in a collaborative work group i.e. trauma team, staff schedule, training/education, QI/data mining, safety ambassador, Critical Care CPT, etc. 

Assists in collecting and reviewing quality assurance data and planning appropriate quality improvements plans.  

Adapts educational & training materials to the needs of age specific populations. 

Provides feedback and/or initiating disciplinary actions in day-to-day operations with staff and/or education coordinator when applicable. 

Assists with development and revision of departmental policies and procedures in collaboration with the Medical Director, Departmental Director, Manager, Education Coordinator, and staff. 

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Assists Manager/Director with interviewing and hiring. 

Actively involved in coordinating, and collaboration of respiratory care related research activities, data collection, quality assurance etc. 

75% Participation in bi-weekly Steering meetings. 

Responsible for own education for professional growth and maintains log of activities. 

Completes Health Stream yearly on a timely basis per SJMHS standards 

Successful completion of ACLS within 6 months of hire (promotion) and maintenance of competency. 

Completes all Mandatory reviews and in-services in a timely manner. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE 

Education: 

• Graduate of a two-year advanced practitioner -Accredited Respiratory Therapist program: Registry eligible. 

• Bachelor’s degree Preferred  

• Maintains current “RRT” Registered Respiratory Therapist credential 

• Maintains valid State of Michigan License in Respiratory Care 

• 2-3 years related work experience.   

• Respiratory Care Leadership experience preferred  

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABLILITES 

Charge Respiratory Therapist will consistently exhibit interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with department leadership, staff, patients, physicians and other health personnel during all situations and in line with our mission and values.  

Charge Respiratory Therapist will have and utilize analytical skills necessary to identify patient’s needs,  

Charge Respiratory Therapist will possess and exhibit the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 100% of work time. 

Ability to walk and stand for approximately 60% of work time and to lift, pull, push and carry portable equipment weighing up to 20 pounds 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS