Director of Respiratory Services

About the Role

The Director of Respiratory Therapy Services is responsible for directing the programs and staff of the Respiratory Therapy Department and overseeing the provision of diagnostic, treatment, and educational services for patients with respiratory disorders. This position develops and implements respiratory care services in accordance with State and Federal regulations, as well as company policy, monitors patient progress and treatment plans, and reports progress and makes suggestions to the Clinical Team.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality improvement activities, including direct observation and auditing.
• Attend monthly QAPI meetings and share reports.
• Assist all facilities in troubleshooting and problem-solving as related to respiratory care.
• Develop, create, and implement policies and procedures as indicated or requested, with submission to the Executive Team for approval.
• Annually review Policies and Procedures for continuing accuracy and current content.
• Report accommodations to the QAPI committee.
• Monitor current contracts for supplies and equipment to assure the best pricing possibilities.
• Attend care conferences and other meetings as required.
• Suggest therapies, report progress made, and future scheduling.
• Operate the department within the established budget.
• Conduct trainings organization-wide as indicated by resident needs.
• Check orders – making sure all match and are present.
• Perform ventilator checks every four hours.
• Provide oxygen therapy with all modalities and equipment changes as scheduled.
• Perform suctioning (RCPs responsibility when on duty – licensed nursing to assist) and trach care (to be done BID).
• Administer breathing treatments as ordered (Nebs, MDI’s, DPI’s) and chart in a timely manner.
• Write and post weaning schedules in treatment books, MARs, and vent charts.
• Set up new respiratory modality setups and perform physical assessments.
• Communicate with nurses, physicians, and other team members for continuity of care.
• Properly use and adapt respiratory equipment to meet patient needs.
• Respond to facility calls within thirty minutes if on-call.
• Set up, maintain, and chart oxygen, nebulizer, suction, BIPAP/CPAP, and ventilator equipment.
• Perform trach care, including disposable inner cannula changes and cuff inflation/deflation.
• Monitor ventilator/trach patients during meals and perform suctioning if needed.
• Educate residents, families, and staff on respiratory treatment and safety.
• Review transfer orders and ensure appropriate respiratory equipment is available.
• Inventory and maintain respiratory care supplies.
• Write and review respiratory therapy orders in patient charts and treatment books.
• Stock and maintain emergency equipment in patient rooms.
• Perform on-site patient evaluations for probable admission.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent.
• Registered from the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Current BLS Card.
• At least two years of experience working with ventilator/respiratory care patients in acute care or long-term care.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of general respiratory principles and procedures.
• Understanding of the concepts of aging and the needs and concerns of the elderly population and those with terminal illness.
• Knowledge of State and Federal health regulations and clinical standards of respiratory practice and delivery systems.
• Ability to perform comprehensive assessments and develop individualized plans of care.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with all levels of healthcare professionals and support staff.
• Ability to work under varying degrees of supervision.
• Positive, professional image and ability to enhance positive public relations for the facility.

Other Requirements

• Tolerate potential exposure to blood, body tissues, and fluids, hazardous materials, and infectious diseases.
• Frequent exposure to chemicals, latex, and plastic materials used for personal protective equipment.
• Manual dexterity required to operate equipment.
• Ability to travel as needed or assigned.
• Physical ability to assist in patient evacuations and life support procedures during emergencies.