Respiratory Care Clinical Care Leader

Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Respiratory Care Clinical Care Leader is responsible for developing and sustaining an environment that promotes excellence in clinical practice and patient / family satisfaction, while striving for optimal efficiency and productivity of all resources.  The CCL works to coordinate daily clinical activities for patient care areas. Leadership skills and current evidence based clinical knowledge are utilized to assess the health needs of patients, collaborate with health team members to coordinate patient care, anticipate outcomes of interventions, and set criteria for the quality of patient care. Reports to department leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Utilizes leadership skills and current evidence based clinical knowledge to assess the health needs of patients, collaborate with health team members to coordinate patient care, anticipate outcomes of interventions, and set criteria for the quality of patient care.

Coordinates daily clinical activities for patient care areas.

Provides patient and staff education, clinical oversight / supervision, and participates in department based activities to include but not limited to quality assessment, shared governance, scheduling, quality review, and staff development in-services.

Serves as a resource for clinical expertise and insight; utilizes evidence-based practice to develop and implement standards of practice that guide practice improvement initiatives.

Assesses patient condition based on medical history, observation, examination, physician’s diagnosis, laboratory findings and the results of specific test or respiratory function and other appropriate diagnostic procedures.

Develops or modifies the respiratory care plan and makes specific recommendations to physicians regarding indicated therapy.

Administers appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate therapeutic responses including : blood gas sampling and interpretation, oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement, pulmonary mechanics, inhaled medications and may assist with endotracheal intubation and bronchoscopy.

Responds to respiratory and other defined emergencies such as transfer of neonatal high risk patients, cardiopulmonary arrest, and trauma activations.

Maintains artificial airways and provides mechanical ventilation, in addition provides transport of those patients with an artificial airway or mechanical ventilation to locations in order to facilitate tests and procedures.

Initiates patient and caregiver teaching as appropriate.

Completes necessary documentation of all pertinent observations related to patient care treatments, response to therapy, and all recommendations for modification in the treatment plan.

May assume responsibility and accountability for 24-hour management of the Respiratory Care department in the absence of both the manager / director.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

LICENSES AND / OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required Licenses and / or Certifications

Current registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist from the National Board of Respiratory Care required.

American Heart Association (AHA) certification such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) designation is required and / or must be obtained within 45 days of hire.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) certification such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) designation is required and / or must be obtained within 45 days of hire.

Advanced credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care such as Neonatal / Pediatric Specialty (NPS) or completion of the Asthma Educator certification required, must obtain within 6 months of hire.

CPR Training required and / or must be obtained within 45 days of hire.

Must provide record of a completed diploma (or equivalent) or academic transcript for those areas performing complexity testing.

Preferred Licenses and / or Certifications

None preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; will consider associate’s degree in respiratory and actively enrolled in a bachelor’s program – bachelor’s must be obtained within three years from date of hire.

2+ years relevant experience required.

Preferred Education and Experience

2+ years in pediatric and neonatal ICU experience preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrates the ability to work independently in all clinical areas within the health system.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Expected to work in a patient care environment with minimal exposure to environmental hazards such as, but not limited to, excessive noise, dust, or extremes in temperatures. Exposure to communicable diseases and moderately adverse working conditions due to the need to perform certain patient care activities can be expected.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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