Director of Respiratory Therapy

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY: The primary purpose of the Director of Respiratory Therapy position is to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of our Respiratory Therapy Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator, Director of Nursing, and the Medical Director, to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the respiratory therapy service department, as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the nursing care facilities.  Develop, maintain, and periodically update written policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day functions of the department. Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator and/or Director of Nursing as necessary/required, concerning the operation of the department.

• Develops methods for coordination of respiratory therapy services with other resident services to ensure the continuity of the residents’ total regimen of care.  Maintain an ongoing quality assurance program for the nursing department.  Participate in facility surveys made by authorized government agencies as necessary or as may be directed.  Assist the Quality Assessment & Assurance Committee in developing and implementing appropriate plans of action to correct identified deficiencies.  Assist with discharge planning and perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies charting, etc.  Monitor the facility’s QI, QM, and survey reports.  Assist in the developing plans of action to correct potential or identified problem areas. 

• Assist in calculating the number of respiratory therapy personnel on duty each shift.   Assign enough licensed staff for each tour of duty to ensure that quality care is maintained. 

·         Assist the HR Director in developing performance evaluations on an annual basis for the department.  Ensure that departmental disciplinary action is administered fairly and proper documentation for such discipline is given to HR Director for personnel file.

·         Review therapists’ notes to ensure that they are informative and descriptive of the care being provided, that they reflect the resident’s response to the care, and that such care is provided in accordance with the resident’s wishes.  Monitor treatment schedules to ensure that that treatments are provided as scheduled.  Provide direct care as necessary.

·         Coordinate continuing education/in-service training for department.

·         Report suspected or known incidence of fraud to Administrator. 

·         Maintain confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information.  Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

·         Must have, as a minimum, 3 years of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, nursing care facility, or other related health care facility.    

·         Respiratory Therapist with current unencumbered state licensure.

·         Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English language

·         Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.

·         Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

·         Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities. 

·         Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures that are necessary for providing quality care.

·         Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.

·         Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.