Respiratory Therapy Director

Kindred Hospital Tarrant County Southwest is a long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital specializing in the treatment of patients recovering from post-intensive care and medically complex conditions. Our hospital provides both intensive care and telemetry-level services, offering advanced monitoring and support for patients requiring extended medical care. With a multidisciplinary team dedicated to personalized treatment plans, we focus on helping patients achieve significant recovery and transition to the next level of care.

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, directs the hospital’s Respiratory Therapy Services. Plans, Directs and Monitors clinical and technical operations, functions, and resources of the Respiratory Therapy Department. Administers respiratory therapy and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system. Performs diagnostic testing of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung disorders. Assures departmental compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in hospital CQI activities.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for planning, defining, and developing Respiratory Care’s scope of Practice, including planning, development, and implementation of new services.
• Develops, reviews, and revises hospital specific respiratory therapy policies and procedures. Reviews and revises addendums to Kindred CORE policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Effectively manages the departmental workforce which includes interviewing, hiring, orientation, performance evaluation, competency verification, staff education, scheduling, problem resolution, and disciplinary action.
• Responsible for effective departmental equipment and supply management including evaluation and justification of capital equipment, assuring equipment preventive maintenance and repair compliance, compliance to division supply guidelines and assuring facility respiratory equipment and supply needs are met.
• Monitors time and attendance, assuring salaries are appropriate and department operates within budgetary guidelines. Develops/implements efficient services or measures commensurate with the hospital’s Mission/Vision.
• Assures correct administration of respiratory medications and treatments based on the age of the patient and clinical conditions.
• Ensures staff is competent to perform all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical care errors including reading and implementing physician orders, drawing, and analyzing arterial blood gases, reviewing patient information and determining requirements for appropriate treatment, and operating devices and equipment safely to ensure specified parameters.
• Schedules cardiopulmonary procedures for inside/outside sources. Maintains records/reports.
• Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure proper functioning and readiness for patient use.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Able to perform, train and evaluate performance on all essential functions of the Respiratory Therapist and Respiratory Therapy Supervisor.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations:

• Must read, write and speak fluent English.
• Basic computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, word-processing and spreadsheet software.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates knowledge of respiratory therapy and cardiology studies, treats patient appropriately based upon professional standards.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, appropriate prioritization and time management skills.
• Ability to work under stress and to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Must have good and regular attendance.
• Approximate percent of time required to travel: 0%
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or Administrationpreferred

Licenses/Certification

• Current Respiratory Therapy license from the appropriate statelicensing body
• Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential in compliance with the National Board for Respiratory Care Credential Maintenance Program (CMP). Current BLS and ACLS certifications

Experience

• Minimum three years of previous experience in all aspects of
  respiratory care services.
• Previous management experience
  preferred.
• Experience managing a Point of Care ABG Lab
  preferred.