Position Title: Lead Respiratory Therapist
Department: Respiratory
Employment Type: Full-Time
Pay Type: Hourly (non-exempt)
Work Hours: 12-hour shifts (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.). In addition to scheduled hours, must be available to serve as a clinical and operational resource for respiratory care staff outside of regular work hours, as needed.
Scheduled Shifts:
- Full-Time: 3 shifts per week
Reports To: Cardiopulmonary Director
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The Lead Respiratory Therapist performs the duties of a Respiratory Therapist while also serving as a day-to-day clinical resource for respiratory therapy services. This position supports staff orientation, competency validation, workflow coordination, quality improvement activities, equipment readiness, and communication of departmental needs or concerns to the Cardiopulmonary Director. The Lead Respiratory Therapist provides clinical and operational leadership support within the assigned scope of responsibility and does not replace the authority of the Cardiopulmonary Director.
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- Education
- Associate degree in Respiratory Care from an accredited program required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of clinical respiratory therapy experience required; ICU experience preferred.
- Experience performing ECGs and operating pulmonary function testing equipment preferred.
- Prior charge, lead, preceptor, or supervisory experience preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate workflow, support staff, and communicate effectively with nursing, providers, and leadership required.
- Advanced proficiency with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems required, including the ability to support end users, troubleshoot workflows, and promote effective system use. Experience with MEDITECH EMR preferred.
- Licensure/Certification
- Active Texas Medical Board license to practice respiratory care required.
- Active NBRC credential required; Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred.
- Current ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications required. If not current at time of hire, completion is required within 90 days.
- Physical and Environmental Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and move continuously for extended periods, including up to 12-hour shifts.
- Ability to safely lift, push, pull, or carry patients and medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to respond quickly during emergency situations.
- Requires visual acuity, auditory function, tactile sensitivity, and fine motor skills necessary for patient assessment, equipment operation, and clinical documentation.
- May be exposed to infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, airborne particles, biohazardous waste, and situations requiring extended use of personal protective equipment.
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- Leadership
- Serve as the lead respiratory therapy resource by providing guidance, support, and direction to respiratory therapy staff within assigned responsibilities.
- Remain available, as needed, to support respiratory care staff outside of regular work hours.
- Develop and maintain respiratory therapist schedules to support appropriate department coverage. Provide direct patient care as needed to address staffing needs and maintain continuity of operations.
- Staff Support & Training
- Assist with orientation and training of new respiratory therapy staff.
- Support competency validation and ongoing staff education.
- Serve as a mentor and resource for clinical practice and professional standards.
- Quality & Compliance
- Promote adherence to respiratory care policies, safety standards, documentation requirements, and infection prevention practices.
- Assist with quality improvement activities, audits, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Communication / Liaison Duties
- Communicate staffing, equipment, patient care, and operational concerns to the Cardiopulmonary Director in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with nursing, providers, and other departments to support timely, coordinated patient care.
- Equipment / Supply Oversight
- Help ensure respiratory equipment readiness, proper maintenance reporting, and supply availability.
- Assist with troubleshooting equipment, supply, or workflow issues.
- Emergency Readiness
- Support department readiness for codes, rapid responses, airway emergencies, and high-acuity respiratory needs.
- Competency & Scope
- Maintain ongoing competency in respiratory care procedures and safe use of equipment.
- Order Verification & Care Delivery
- Verify and initiate physician orders for respiratory care in accordance with scope of practice, competency validation, and organizational policy.
- Assessment & Diagnostics
- Conduct respiratory assessments and diagnostic testing, including spirometry and arterial blood gas sampling, in accordance with clinical practice guidelines.
- Therapeutic Interventions
- Administer oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, chest physiotherapy, and other prescribed treatments safely and effectively.
- Medical Equipment Management
- Set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot respiratory equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and organizational policy.
- Airway Management Support
- Assist with intubation and extubation procedures by ensuring equipment readiness and adherence to safety protocols.
- Emergency Response
- Provide respiratory support during emergency situations in alignment with resuscitation standards and organizational protocols.
- Patient & Family Education
- Educate patients and caregivers on equipment use, therapies, and disease management to support informed participation in care.
- Documentation
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of assessments, interventions, patient responses, and required records.
- Supply Management & Safety
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels of respiratory care supplies by restocking designated clinical areas prior to the end of each shift, verifying integrity and quality prior to use, and ensuring prompt removal of expired items.
- Cardiac Monitoring & Critical Communication
- Perform 12-lead ECGs by ensuring proper lead placement, identifying urgent rhythm abnormalities within scope, promptly communicating critical results using approved protocols, and uploading ECG records to the patient’s electronic medical record.
- N95 Fit Testing Support
- Perform N95 fit testing for staff when Employee Health services are unavailable, in accordance with organizational policy and applicable training requirements.
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The following responsibilities apply to all employees regardless of role or department.
- Infection Prevention & Safety
- Maintain a safe environment by following infection control practices, equipment safety standards, and respiratory protection requirements.
- Standard Precautions & Exposure Reporting
- Comply with hand hygiene, PPE use, and exposure reporting requirements in accordance with organizational protocol.
- Performance Improvement & Patient Safety
- Participate in performance improvement initiatives and maintain awareness of National Patient Safety Goals and evidence-based practices.
- Patient Experience
- Provide respectful, responsive service; address concerns appropriately; and support a positive patient and visitor experience.
- Professional Conduct & Teamwork
- Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork.
- Compliance & Confidentiality
- Adhere to legal, regulatory, confidentiality, and organizational requirements, including HIPAA and applicable policies.
