Director Respiratory Care

Under limited supervision, manages and directs the Respiratory Care department. Oversees the development and implementation of policies, procedures, performance standards and objectives for the treatment of patients. Evaluates performance and maintains quality improvement standards/records. Coordinates respiratory services with other Medical System departments to provide maximum level of total care for patients in accordance with UMMS philosophy and objectives.

• Plans, organizes, and directs department activities for the appropriate care and treatment of patients.
• Develops goals and objectives, and oversees the development and implementation of policies and procedures for department operation.
• Develops new techniques to meet current needs.
• Reviews department performance, improves services and assures compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Keeps the Administration informed of department activities, needs and problems, as appropriate.
• Establishes and continually monitors a system for charging and billing.
• Selects, orients and trains staff, and assigns respiratory staff working through subordinate management staff.
• Develops standards of performance and monitors and supervises staff actions; evaluates performance and initiates or approves personnel actions such as merit increases, promotions and corrective actions.
• Encourages staff professional development through in-service education and external conferences and seminars.
• Maintains job descriptions for all staff members.
• Resolves staff grievances, as needed.
• Develops and recommends department operating budget and ensures department operates within allocated funds.
• Maintains department reports and records, collect statistics and submits reports for administrative and regulatory purposes.
• Consults with the Administration concerning capital expenditures.
• Assures delivery of quality respiratory therapy services for inpatients and outpatients.
• Consults with medical, nursing, and/or administrative staff as needed to coordinate quality patient care.
• Arranges case loads and therapist hours to suit the needs of patients and the Medical System.
• Develops and maintains quality improvement records and techniques of the department.
• Evaluates department treatment and reporting methods.
• Introduces and demonstrates, through subordinate management staff, new techniques, equipment, and research findings to the staff.
• Meets regularly with nursing staff for clinical care conferences as needed.
• Ensures the maintenance of department facilities and equipment in a condition to promote efficiency, health, comfort and safety of patients and staff.
• Evaluates and justifies equipment and supply needs and purchases.
• Establishes and maintains safety, infection, and environmental control policies and procedures for the department.
• Develops and maintains department and patient records and reports.
• Collects statistical data as required.
• Performs duties of Respiratory Therapist during periods of significant staff shortage.

• Proficient knowledge of respiratory therapy techniques and practices, purchasing and inventory control, budget management and personnel management.
• Proficient knowledge regarding respiratory equipment operation, such as, pulse oximeters, transcutaneous monitors, various ventilators, and types of respiratory supplies.
• Knowledge of personal computer, hardware and software for use in writing reports and compiling quality improvement statistics.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary to work with respiratory staff, patients, as well as various hospital supervisory and clinical staff, and outside agencies.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in…