General Description of the Job Class

The Clinical Lead, Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a role developed to work in coordination with the RT leadership in an assigned unit or department to ensure the work is accomplished effectively. The Clinical Lead RT is the first line of support for staff, physicians, and other related providers on concerning RT specific clinical issues and topics. They will supervise, perform, evaluate and coordinate diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures as defined in the Respiratory Care Services scope of clinical practice, performing work in accordance with physician orders in the neonatal, pediatric and adult patient populations in intermediate, intensive and emergency care areas. They will be responsible for supervising, coaching, and mentoring their assigned core group of staff.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Clinical Support

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of the Respiratory Care Practitioner, Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioner and ECMO specialist.
• Demonstrates strong critical thinking skills, rapidly prioritizes both planned and unplanned events and proactively addresses actual and potential issues, exceeding patient expectations
• Instruct and supervise patient and therapeutic. assessments to assure optimal medical decisions.
• Expert in all RT technology in the assigned departments.
• Coordinate all emergency responses.
• Assist in the development/updates with clinical care protocols/policy and procedures.
• Evaluate patient care plans.
• Ability to interact with physicians/medical staff on a high level.
• Function as a liaison between Clinical Resource Manager, and Clinical Engineering to ensure proper operation and service of equipment Document and report any malfunctioning or broken equipment.

Leadership/Managerial

• Develop expected job results, performance plans, and professional goals for assigned staff
• Provide input into applicant hiring and termination decisions
• Monitor and report all patient care, safety, medication, technical, and employee incidents
• Monitor adherence to policy, procedures and practice guidelines
• Monitor ventilator protocol adherence
• Implement any necessary corrective actions in a timely manner
• Conduct shift planning to include assignments and redirection of staff as needed
• Assure appropriate supply inventory
• Coordinate and monitor departmental improvement projects
• Communicate daily activities to RT leadership

Education/Mentoring

• Provide orientation, education and training as needed internal and external to Duke Respiratory Care Services
• Assure/Assess respiratory care staff competency and safety
• Plan and conduct instructional sessions
• Communicate/educate changes in policy and procedures in an effective/consistent manner

Other

• Coordinate the evaluation of products/equipment
• Provide input into departmental equipment selection and function
• Assist with all departmental clinical research projects
• Serve on department related committees

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

• Work requires completion of a Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Care, Healthcare, Business, or a field related to the assigned clinical discipline.
• Note: Candidates without a Bachelor's degree will be required to complete their degree within three (3) years of appointment.

Experience

• Five years of experience in clinical respiratory therapy preferred; three years of critical care experience required. Supervisory experience preferred.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Current RT licensure from the North Carolina State Board of Respiratory Care
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Certification in Neonatal Resuscitation Program (if applicable)
• Respiratory Specific Certifications (to be completed within 1 year of hire)
• Adult Clinical Lead RT Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS)
• Pediatric Clinical Lead RT Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (NPS)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge necessary to make appropriate clinical decisions and interaction relative to the specific age of a patient.
• Skills validation/certification of competencies for the duties and responsibilities required for a Level I RT.
• Work involves contact with patients of all ages, family members, physicians, nursing, and all other members of the health care team.
• Work is performed in all areas of the hospital.
• Work may require lifting or pushing in excess of 30 pounds.
• Required to carry emergency airway bag weighing approximately 20 pounds.
• Work requires walking, running, climbing and bending.
• Customer service and communication expertise.