Director Respiratory Care

Job Requirements

General Summary:

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.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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 supervising/managing, monitoring daily work activities, evaluating, training and motivating performance of subordinate technical, professional, supervisory and clerical support staff.
• Ability to develop relationships with professional affiliations/organizations as appropriate is required.
• Ability to maintain knowledge and keeps up-to-date on changes in the field.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, or a related discipline, is required. Master’s degree with management coursework preferred. Incumbents are expected to matriculate in an accredited graduate program within one year of their employment and have five years to complete the degree.
• Registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care, Inc. as a Respiratory Therapist is required.
• Licensure as a Respiratory Care practitioner by the Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required. CPR certification is required. Budget Management experience is required.
• Eight (8) years progressively responsible professional experience as a Respiratory Therapist, or equivalent applicable experience, is required.

Additional Information

• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-4:30pm

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