Supervisor Respiratory Therapy

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the coordination, supervision and evaluation of the respiratory therapy services at the assigned CHI-Franciscan facility in accordance with established guidelines, professional standards and applicable regulatory requirements.  An incumbent may perform patient care activities within scope of licensure as necessary. If assigned to including providing advanced respiratory care involving both therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. 

Work includes: 1) supervising assigned staff (e.g. hiring, training, scheduling and evaluating) engaged in respiratory care activities in accordance with professional standards and established clinical protocols; 2) identifying opportunities to streamline current operations to better meet quality and customer service standards/objectives; 3) problem-solving, troubleshooting and appropriate escalation of issues to higher-level management; 4) researching new technologies for other functions that provide respiratory care services; and 6) supervising the work of respiratory therapists.  An incumbent may perform some patient care activities within scope of licensure on an incidental basis as needed.  

Work requires knowledge of the concepts, professional standards and methodologies applicable to the respiratory care discipline, and of applicable regulatory requirements sufficient to ensure quality and compliant patient interactions and interventions care; exercise judgment/critical thinking in applying clinical guidelines and standards to determine the appropriate level of care, intensity of service, length of stay and place of service.  Also requires expertise in supervising and evaluating the work of subordinate clinical staff.  An incumbent works with higher level management on the implementation of significant changes in clinical standards, protocols and/or work flow.  Occasional travel between facilities may be required.

If assigned to the NICU, work also includes:  1) attending to high risk deliveries in the Level II and Level III NICU; 2) providing training to facilitate standardization of respiratory therapy-related supplies, equipment and procedures; and 3) participation in the Neonatal Transport Service Team.  

Essential Duties

Supervises daily respiratory care operations of the assigned facility to facilitate the safe and appropriate delivery of diagnostic and/or therapeutic patient care, facilitate achievement of clinical core measurement scores and to ensure that all activities are conducted in a timely and cost-effective manner and in compliance with organizational values, professional standards, internal policies/standards/procedures and/or applicable legal/regulatory requirements. 

Oversees the resolution of daily clinical, administrative and operational issues, and monitors/troubleshoots service recovery and other escalated concerns, resolving within defined scope of responsibility; implements and enforces quality control/quality assurance and productivity standards. 

Ensures that applicable standards, protocols and procedures are understood and followed by all stakeholders; monitors and audits related documentation to ensure conformance with established standards relating to timeliness, and accuracy; prepares periodic productivity reports and program updates for review of higher-level authority.

In coordination with facility and/or respiratory therapy leadership, develops and/or implements uniform clinical guidelines and policies for respiratory care regionally to facilitate standardization and consistent practice.   

Works with facility and/or respiratory therapy leadership to develop, train and establish a team capable of providing all aspects of respiratory care in the transport environment; assists in the development and maintenance of clinical protocols, policies and procedures and clinical guidelines for respiratory care in the transport environment.   If assigned to the NICU, maintains supplies and equipment utilized by the transport service.  

Provides education and clinical/technical support to respiratory therapy staff and to staff members of other departments with regard to the introduction of new technology, including orientation of new employees.

Education/Experience

• Graduation from an approved school of Respiratory Therapy, and four years of related work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities, including two years in a “lead” or supervisory capacity.  
• If assigned to NICU:  Respiratory care work experience in a in a level III NICU and with neonatal transport experience is required.

License/Certification

• Certification through the National Board of Respiratory Care and a license to practice respiratory care through the Washington State Department of Health required.  
• Registration through the National Board of Respiratory Care.  
• Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.
• Current ACLS Certification unless assigned to NICU or Hyperbaric Medicine.  
• If assigned to NICU:  Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) must be obtained within 90 days. 
• If assigned to Hyperbaric Medicine: Must attend a Certified Hyperbaric Training course within 90 days of date of hire and will be required to obtain the Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) within 120 days of date of hire.