Respiratory Therapist Lead

Description Job Title: Respiratory Therapist - Lead Status: Full Time Department: Respiratory Care Services Location: Rochester General Hospital Hours Per Week: 36 hours Schedule: 12-hour, Rotating shifts, Days & Nights, 4-weekend shifts per 4-week block SUMMARY: Provides daily guidance and assistance to staff assigned to clinical areas, including assigning tasks and providing training, monitoring and adjusting staffing levels, ensuring adequate equipment and supplies for assigned areas, and problem-solving as necessary. May provide leadership for a given shift for the entire hospital regularly; or may provide ongoing leadership for a specific unit with multiple team members for a shift; or may provide ongoing leadership to a specific defined clinical area, including but not limited to critical care, cardiothoracic care, emergency care, pulmonary care, emergency care, long term care, pulmonary lab, home care; or may provide leadership in clinical education including but not limited to oversight of orientation and competency completion, on unit education, and education to medical and nursing staff. Evaluates respiratory care practices, develops methodologies and implements standards of care, and assesses and addresses patient and staff needs. May provide formal or informal education in the area(s) of specialty, for respiratory care providers and nursing staff. Will utilize comprehensive knowledge of clinical theory, practice, and new concepts to serve as a resource to others. May participate in research, development, coordination, and facilitation of new concepts, principles, and respiratory care methodologies in the area of specialty or in general patient care. Assists with outcomes assessment and clinical research as appropriate and requested. RESPONSIBILITIES: Shift Leadership: Performs charge therapist duties, including leading huddles, managing staffing levels, ensuring equipment availability, supporting team members, and documenting departmental activities. Clinical Problem-Solving: Identifies and resolves complex patient care issues through analysis, consultation, and collaboration with healthcare professionals. Care Process Improvement: Evaluates and modifies patient care systems and procedures to enhance care delivery and implement best practices. Staff Guidance & Support: Provides expert consultation and direction to respiratory and nursing staff on patient care, documentation, and treatment planning. Research & Evidence-Based Practice: Engages in clinical research, evaluates findings, and integrates evidence-based practices into patient care. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Associate's degree in Respiratory Care or equivalent certificate 3-5 years of clinical experience in Respiratory Care New York State Respiratory Therapist license with current registration Current NBRC RRT credential is required for all Respiratory Therapists entering the field after 9/1993 ACLS certification (current) required within one year of hire Respiratory therapists employed in non-acute (pulmonary or long-term care) areas are excluded from the ACLS requirement PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy or science related field For lead therapists in a specific clinical area, Specialty Credential, including but not limited to RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, FCCS, AE-C, CPFT, RPFT PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Moderate - Clinical - Moderate clinical roles are patient facing roles that require continual movement, including standing, walking, and lifting 20-50 lbs., along with pushing and pulling medical equipment and assisting with patient positioning. Employees perform frequent bending, twisting, and reaching while completing fine motor tasks in busy or confined clinical environments. High sensory acuity is essential for monitoring patient status and responding to alarms or safety concerns. Emotional and cognitive demands are substantial, involving decision-making under pressure, responding to emergencies, and maintaining sustaine focus. Envi