Pulmonary Function Supervisor

Pulmonary Function Supervisor

The Pulmonary Function Supervisor, under the supervision of the Director/Assistant Director, assists/supports the department administratively and clinically. He/she has an extensive knowledge base with expertise in pediatric and adult pulmonary function testing and exercise testing. He/she assists in the development and management of ongoing operational improvements, program planning/development, quality improvement initiatives, and ensures the safety of patients and staff. The Supervisor collaborates with other disciplines on issues related to the effective management of patient care and diagnostic testing. The Supervisor is an educational resource and coordinates education for multiple clinical affiliates and disciplines within the organization. He/she fosters an environment of collaboration and respect with Pulmonary Function Lab colleagues, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Provides effective leadership through the direct management of employees and daily operations.
• Provides direct supervision to clinical staff and PSRs.
• Develops and maintains training plans for new staff and continuous competency validation.
• Monitors and adjusts staffing to reflect changes in care requirements, patient referrals, and staffing resources.
• Goes to GEMBA to identify problems, opportunities, and solutions.
• Delegates effectively.
• Handles patient experience issues and escalates, as necessary.
• Maintains appropriate inventory and manages the physical space and equipment.
• Works with appropriate entity (e.g., BioMed, facilities, IT, MGC, etc.) to ensure proper function.
• Assists with scoring, testing, patient scheduling, etc., when needed.
• Promotes and enhances the culture of the department by:
• Listening to feedback and resolving conflict
• Creating and inspiring an open communication environment
• Motivating others toward personal/organizational goals
• Partnering with leadership to enhance change management strategies
• Helping front-line staff problem solve and escalating issues, as appropriate
• Serving as an ambassador of the organization and department visions. Effectively communicates the department's role in achieving those goals.
• Demonstrates excellence in people leadership by identifying strengths of team members and assisting employees in leveraging those strengths in their work. Participates in performance evaluations.
• Assists/manages the precepting and training of therapists, technicians, exercise physiologists, PSRs, students, and other members of the Health System team.
• Interacts with physicians and other health system staff to provide quality, safe, and efficient care for the patient.
• Assures compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations and The Joint Commission standards.
• Obtain Training Leadership Certification (TLC) and serve as trainer within two years of placement in position/hire.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and practices in pulmonary function and exercise testing.
• Develops and implements testing processes that are patient-centered, evidence-based, and encourages professional practice of staff resulting in high quality and cost-effective care outcomes.
• Participates in the development, revision, and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Identifies clinical indicators to measure and evaluate quality care. Oversees quality monitoring and uses findings to improve practice and reduce errors.
• Participates in the evaluation and purchasing of products and equipment for the Pulmonary Function Lab.
• Fulfills call duties, as assigned.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical, and/or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These include executing protocols, dividing staff/workloads, administering care/testing, collaborating on trials, serving as a clinical expert, and educating patients, families, students, and other care providers.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Respiratory Care or related field
• 3 or more years relevant experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Respiratory Care
• Experience in clinical instruction of students
• Experience in managing individual contributors
• Active AARC membership

Required Licensure and Certification

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT) - State Board of Healing Arts
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within 1 Year

Preferred Licensure and Certification

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)

Required Language Skills

• English - must read, write and speak English

Knowledge Requirements

• Basic computer knowledge
• May need to drive to other clinical sites
• SmartSquare, Microsoft Office, Workday, UKG Pro, Breeze/Ascent knowledge, preferred

The University of Kansas Health System