Director of Respiratory Therapy

At Plantation Rehabilitation & Health Center, we've created an environment that is truly home-like, in which we provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care that promotes residents entire well-being. We are committed to providing optimum care in a setting that promotes dignity and respect for all residents.

 Plantation Rehabilitation & Health Center takes great pride in our entire workforce and truly believes in the work that each position brings to the organization.

 If you are looking to make a difference in the lives and families that we serve, we are looking for a full-time (40 hours/per week and benefit eligible) Director of Respiratory Therapy to join our skilled workforce in our skilled nursing facility setting. Required to participate in a Manager on Duty Program.

Position Summary

The Director of Respiratory Therapy is responsible for coordinating all respiratory care in the pediatric facility.  This includes, but is not limited to:  orientation and training of all respiratory staff in the facility, clinical assessments, marketing, adherence to budget, and meeting state licensure requirements.  Assists, as necessary, the respiratory department in case management.  Acts as clinical liaison and formulates relationships with hospitals, insurance companies, other major referral sources, staff, and family.  Responsible for direct care, equipment management and other respiratory related duties relevant to delivery of quality care in a safe environment according to the interdisciplinary care plan approach.

Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified.  It shall not be considered as a complete description of all the work requirements and expectations that may be inherent in the position.

• Responsible for initial orientation of all new staff to the department/facility and policies and procedures of the department.
• Gives input to the Administrator on goals and objectives for the department and implements activities to accomplish them.
• Exhibits characteristics of tact, organizational skills and good interpersonal communication in conferences and basic areas of administration, physical care, clinical education and supervision.
• Acts as a clinical instructor when necessary.
• Encourages continued education for all staff, ensuring each staff member gives at least one in-service for facility each year.  Ensures staff attends all mandatory in-services.
• Provides appropriate supervision of delegated functions for members of the respiratory team while ensuring that treatment plans are carried out in a safe and effective manner.

• Provides on-site evaluations incorporating contact with Social Service Department; review of the client’s medical record, client visit, and other professional contacts as appropriate.
• Provides coordination of admission of residents requiring skilled respiratory services.  Assesses individual’s health needs by reviewing past history, current status and treatment plan.  Counsels resident and/or family concerning available services and suitability of resident’s admission.

• Coordinates the respiratory requirements of each patient admitted to the facility and implementation of the plan of care.  Utilizes cost effective management strategies.
• Monitors and evaluates services and outcomes through resident surveys, chart audits, defines outcome studies.  Assures completion of required quality assurance and program evaluation activities and resulting management reports.
• Advocate for the resident.  Respects and maintains confidentiality of all resident records and uses complete discretion when discussing resident information.
• Liaison between the respiratory department, facility departments, referral sources, community and insurance carriers.
• Schedules staff to meet the needs of the department within guidelines of corporate budget.
• Makes recommendations for purchase of equipment, supplies, forms, etc., and submits appropriate paperwork for approval.
• Maintains sufficient inventory of respiratory supplies at all times to meet day-to-day needs of pediatric residents.
• Participates in the development of departmental budgets, monitors and adheres to budget constraints.
• Assures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.  Provides ongoing consultation regarding changes in Federal and State requirements related to documentation, billing and payor source utilization.
• Attends continuing education courses to maintain skill level.
• Complete required personnel functions:  interviewing, reference checking, personnel file maintenance, evaluations and other personnel actions.  Provides a program for orientation of new staff.

• Monitors respiratory staff’s skills, performance and documentation.
• Completes biweekly payroll in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintains appropriate billing documentation, labor logs, equipment and supply inventory.

• Completes all required paperwork within appropriate timeframe.

• Respects the confidentiality of all resident records and uses discretion when discussing resident information.

• Carries out all responsibilities according to the policies and procedures of the facility and within the scope of practice of individual licensure, under the direction of the Pediatric Facility Administrator.

1.                   Utilizes knowledge and skills to assess and manage the resident’s

respiratory status, including but not limited to:

a.                   Physical assessment and interpretation-auscultation,

performing diagnostic studies (ABG, CBG, etc.), sputum

specimens, monitoring, and interpretation of SaO2, pCO2,

blood gas values, and other diagnostics, assist with procedures,

assess resident response to interventions and determine

appropriate course of action.

b.                   Airway management – care of artificial airway and cuff, suctioning,

positioning, medication administration, humidification, and aspiration precautions.

c.                    Ventilation management – monitor, assess work of breathing,

monitor and assess lab values and results of other diagnostic

tools, oxygen and medication administration, COPT, postural

drainage, monitor and assess resident response to interventions.

2.                   Responds to and manages alarms, respiratory distress and arrest

situations quickly and calmly.

3.                   Works as a team with the nurse to meet the resident’s respiratory needs by:

a.                   Giving routine shift reports

b.                   Reporting significant events, changes in condition, and question of injury, problems or concerns, etc.

c.                    Discussing resident’s response to interventions, course of action and physician notification

d.                   Consult with physician and take physician’s orders as needed

after consulting with nurse

e.                   Coordinating respiratory schedule with other disciplines when

possible

4.                   Demonstrates interdisciplinary team efforts to meet the resident’s needs by:

a.                   Being knowledgeable and supportive of team goals on an ongoing basis

b.                   Keeping the resident clean and dry; meeting hygiene needs, trach care, etc., as needed

c.                    Assisting with turning, positioning, lifting and transfers

d.                   Taking part in managing respiratory needs during activities,

field trips, and appointments

5.             Develops, reviews, and updates, in a timely manner, the respiratory section of the individual care plan for each resident in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team per facility requirements.

6.             Attends care plan and other meetings as needed.

7.          Takes part in pre-admission assessment as needed.

8.       Is knowledgeable and compliant with state regulations and resident rights on an         ongoing, daily basis.

9.             Maintains accurate, concise, and up-to-date documentation.

10.          Provides and/or takes part in family or staff education and teaching needs when     indicated.

11.    Promotes a safe and orderly environment and reports potential problems.

12.    Manages all durable and non-durable respiratory equipment in the facility according to accepted industry standards for safety and infection control.

13.    Maintain “go” bags.

14.    Takes part in preparation for planning and delivery care for residents during power outages and disasters.

15.        The Manager on Duty will do facility rounds, checking each department and getting reports from the nursing supervisors. Duties will include, but are not limited to, facility tours for prospective admissions, assisting with resolution of resident concerns and overall facility operations

Performs any other tasks or duties as assigned Organizational Relationships

16.    Reports to the Administrator of Pediatric Facility

17.    Supervises Respiratory Therapists

18.    Works at maintaining a good rapport and cooperative interdepartmental

Relationships with all personnel, demonstrates a team attitude

19.    Consistently develops a therapeutic relationship with the resident; maintains a proper perspective between personal and professional affairs

20.    Inspires confidence from residents, visitors, family and staff by performing

and communicating in a highly professional manner at all times

Qualifications

1.                   Current State of Florida licensure and RRT credentials

2.                   Acute care and/or long term care pediatric and/or geriatric experience

3.                   CPR Certification/PALS Certification for pediatrics

4.                   Proficient in airway and ventilator management for children and/or adults

5.                   Ability to communicate effectively

6.                   Ability to work with others as a team

7.                   Must be able to function independently

8.                   Must demonstrate good judgment, tact, and patience with others

Working Conditions:

·         Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility

·         Able to be mobile which includes lifting up to 20 lbs. of force or force frequently.

·         Essential physical demands include: lifting, climbing, bending, pushing, standing or sitting, reaching, hearing and speaking. However, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

·         Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.

Highlights of our benefits package:

·         Medical coverage (3 options)

·         Employer funded Health Reimbursement Account

·         Dental coverage (3 options)

·         Vision coverage

·         Flexible Spending Account

·         Dependent Care Account

·         Employer paid life insurance policy

·         Various voluntary benefits: Life Insurance, Short-term Disability, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Legal & Identity Theft

·         401(K) Retirement Plan with employer match

·         Paid time off package