Director of Respiratory

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Respiratory Services to lead and oversee our respiratory care program within a skilled nursing/long-term care setting. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality respiratory services, maintains regulatory compliance, and drives optimal resident outcomes. The Director provides leadership to respiratory staff and collaborates closely with the Pulmonologist, ENT, and Medical Director to coordinate and enhance resident care.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Oversight
  • Direct and oversee all respiratory care services, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, ventilator management, CPAP/BiPAP, and tracheostomy care
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized respiratory care plans
  • Provide clinical leadership during respiratory events and emergencies
  • Ensure strict adherence to infection control standards
• Medical Collaboration
  • Partner with the Pulmonologist on ventilator management, weaning protocols, and complex pulmonary cases
  • Coordinate with ENT specialists on tracheostomy care and airway management
  • Collaborate with the Medical Director to align respiratory services with facility-wide clinical standards
  • Participate in clinical rounds and interdisciplinary team meetings
• Leadership & Operations
  • Supervise respiratory staff, including scheduling, training, competency validation, and performance management
  • Provide education and support to nursing staff on respiratory treatments and equipment
  • Ensure adequate staffing coverage at all times
• Regulatory Compliance & Quality
  • Ensure compliance with CMS, DOH, OSHA, and infection control regulations
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of respiratory services
  • Lead survey readiness and regulatory compliance efforts
  • Monitor clinical outcomes (hospital transfers, infections, respiratory incidents) and implement quality improvement initiatives
• Equipment & Program Management
  • Oversee maintenance, cleaning, and proper utilization of respiratory equipment
  • Ensure availability of necessary supplies, including oxygen and ventilator equipment
  • Develop and maintain respiratory care policies and procedures

Requirements

• Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RRT or CRT) in the state of employment
• Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical respiratory care experience
• ICU and/or critical care experience strongly preferred
• Experience in long-term care, subacute, or ventilator-dependent populations preferred
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in ventilator management, tracheostomy care, and pulmonary best practices
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills in acute respiratory situations

Skills

• Advanced clinical expertise in respiratory care
• Leadership and team development
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration
• Knowledge of regulatory and survey requirements
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills

Work Environment

• Skilled nursing / long-term care setting
• On-call availability for respiratory-related issues as needed
• Ability to assist with resident care and operate respiratory equipment