Respiratory Therapy- Adjunct Clinical Instruc

Job Description

Job Description

Florida National University contributes to the education of a diverse student body within the community it serves. FNU employs and develops a faculty of scholars proficient in the art of teaching. We strive to prepare students for employment in their chosen careers through quality education and instruction.

Position Overview : The Clinical Instructor is responsible for coordinating equitable clinical learning experiences, providing direct supervision and instruction to students in clinical settings, conducting performance evaluations, and maintaining comprehensive records of all clinical education activities. This role is essential in bridging didactic knowledge with clinical practice and ensuring students develop the competencies required for entry-level respiratory therapy practice.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Communication Management: Respond promptly to daily communications via email and voicemail, addressing inquiries promptly and professionally.

1. Policy Adherence and Ethical Compliance: Uphold the University’s mission, policies, procedures, and ethical standards. Ensure compliance with FERPA, FIPA, GDPR, Title IX, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
2. University Engagement: Participate in Commencement Ceremonies, new student orientation, faculty meetings, university events, committees, self-studies process.

1. Special Projects: Complete special assignments as directed by the Program Director, Dean, or University President
2. Compliance Adherence:  Ensure compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, as well as FNU Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulation, the FNU Code of Ethics, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Florida Information Protection Act of 2014 (FIPA), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
3. Assigned Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support program and institutional effectiveness.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct on-site supervision of students during clinical rotations in affiliated healthcare facilities
• Ensure students practice safely within their scope of training and deliver appropriate patient care
• Monitor student-patient interactions and intervene when necessary to ensure patient safety and quality care
• Maintain appropriate student-to-instructor ratios as required by accreditation standards and institutional policies
• Create a safe learning environment that encourages questions and skill development
• Deliver real-time clinical instruction and hands-on teaching at the bedside
• Demonstrate proper respiratory therapy techniques, procedures, and equipment operation
• Guide students in applying didactic knowledge to actual patient care situations
• Facilitate development of clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills
• Conduct case-based discussions and clinical debriefing sessions
• Teach evidence-based practice and current clinical guidelines
• Coordinate and ensure equitable distribution of clinical learning experiences for all students
• Schedule students for appropriate clinical rotations across diverse patient populations and care settings
• Ensure students gain exposure to a variety of respiratory conditions, age groups, and acuity levels
• Facilitate opportunities for students to perform required competencies and procedures
• Track student clinical hours and procedure logs to ensure graduation requirements are met
• Conduct ongoing formative and summative evaluations of student clinical performance
• Assess student competency in technical skills, patient assessment, therapeutic interventions, and documentation
• Evaluate professional behaviors including communication, teamwork, ethics, and patient interaction
• Utilize standardized evaluation tools, rubrics, and competency checklists
• Provide timely, specific, constructive, and actionable feedback to students
• Document student performance accurately and comprehensively in required formats
• Administer and evaluate clinical competency assessments according to program standards
• Verify student achievement of required clinical competencies before progression
• Maintain accurate records of competency validation and skill performance
• Ensure students meet all clinical objectives and learning outcomes
• Identify and address concerns regarding student performance and/or behavior immediately
• Discuss problem areas with students in a constructive, supportive, and professional manner
• Develop individualized action plans collaboratively with students to correct marginal or unacceptable performance
• Implement remediation strategies and monitor student progress toward improvement goals
• Communicate all student concerns, issues, and resolutions promptly to the Clinical Coordinator and/or Program Director
• Provide additional instruction or practice opportunities for students requiring extra support
• Support students in building confidence, clinical judgment, and professional identity
• Help students reflect on experiences and learn from both successes and challenges
• Encourage professional behavior, ethical practice, and commitment to lifelong learning
• Foster development of effective communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of all student clinical activities
• Document student attendance, clinical hours, procedures performed, and competencies achieved
• Complete clinical evaluation forms and progress reports according to program timelines
• Track student remediation plans, interventions, and outcomes
• Ensure all documentation meets accreditation standards and institutional requirements
• Submit required reports and documentation to Clinical Coordinator in a timely manner
• Serve as primary liaison between the academic program and clinical facility staff
• Communicate effectively with clinical preceptors, staff respiratory therapists, and unit managers
• Collaborate with healthcare team members to optimize student learning opportunities
• Orient clinical staff to student learning objectives and evaluation processes
• Address any concerns or issues that arise at clinical facilities promptly and professionally
• Foster positive relationships that support ongoing clinical affiliations
• Monitor clinical sites to ensure they provide quality learning environments
• Assess adequacy of clinical experiences and learning opportunities available to students
• Ensure clinical facilities maintain compliance with program standards and accreditation requirements
• Report any clinical site concerns or deficiencies to the Clinical Coordinator
• Participate in clinical site evaluations and development activities
• Work closely with the Clinical Coordinator and Program Director on all clinical education matters
• Participate in program faculty meetings, planning sessions, and committee work
• Contribute to curriculum development and revision, particularly for clinical components
• Participate in program assessment and outcomes evaluation activities
• Assist with preparation for accreditation reviews and site visits
• Provide input on clinical policies, procedures, and evaluation tools
• Maintain current clinical knowledge and competency in respiratory therapy practice
• Participate in continuing education activities and professional development opportunities
• Stay current with changes in respiratory care practice, technology, and clinical guidelines
• Engage with professional organizations (e.g., AARC, state societies)
• Pursue advanced certifications or specialty credentials when appropriate
• Serve as a role model for professional behavior, ethical practice, and evidence-based care

Education / Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree in Respiratory Therapy, Respiratory Care, Health Sciences, or related field

• Current, unrestricted Respiratory Care Practitioner license in the state where practicing
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; ACLS preferred
• Professional liability insurance as required by institution

• Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical respiratory therapy practice experience
• Experience across multiple clinical settings (e.g., ICU, emergency department, general floor, pediatrics, neonatal)

• Experience in allied health or nursing education
• Teaching or training experience in clinical or academic settings
• Experience developing remediation plans and supporting struggling students
• Knowledge of competency-based education and assessment methods

Skills/Competencies:  

• Student-centered approach
• Solution –focused 
• Problem –solving skill
• Proficiency in curriculum delivery
• Clinical supervision