Director of Respiratory Therapy – Hospital Leadership

Director of Respiratory Therapy – Hospital Leadership

The Staff Pad is proud to partner with a respected healthcare organization in Russellville, AL, seeking an experienced Director of Respiratory Therapy to lead its Respiratory Therapy department. This hands-on leadership opportunity combines clinical practice with department oversight, offering the opportunity to lead a dedicated team, strengthen respiratory services, and contribute to quality patient care at a rural acute care hospital.

Schedule: Full-Time Days

What You'll Do

• Leadership and Staff Accountability

• Provide department leadership through staff meetings, check-ins, and communication across all shifts

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, staff training, competency validation, and performance management

• Develop staffing schedules and coverage plans based on patient acuity, workload, and staff competencies

• Monitor vacancies, overtime, call coverage, and staff fatigue, addressing staffing concerns promptly

• Promote staff retention, professional development, and effective teamwork

• Clinical Care and Patient Safety

• Provide respiratory assessments, treatments, oxygen therapy, airway support, and ventilatory care within licensure and hospital protocols

• Coordinate respiratory services across the Emergency Department, Medical-Surgical unit, ICU, and other assigned areas

• Assist with emergency response, patient stabilization, and transfers

• Collaborate with physicians, nursing leadership, and other departments to ensure appropriate protocols and continuity of care

• Ensure timely treatments, reassessments, patient education, and accurate documentation

• Escalate changes in patient condition, treatment delays, equipment issues, and safety concerns

• Department Operations

• Maintain department equipment, supplies, and emergency readiness

• Oversee equipment maintenance, cleaning, inventory, and replacement needs

• Balance patient care duties with essential leadership responsibilities

• Ensure staffing contingency plans for absences and changing patient needs

• Quality and Regulatory Readiness

• Maintain department policies, staff credentials, competency records, and regulatory compliance

• Lead quality improvement, chart audits, infection prevention, and incident follow-up

• Ensure accurate respiratory documentation and charge capture in TruBridge

• Partner with IT and Revenue Cycle to resolve workflow issues and train staff

• Financial Stewardship and Reporting

• Develop and monitor operating and capital budgets with the CFO and CEO

• Monitor labor, supply costs, productivity, and budget variances

• Obtain required approvals for overtime, incentive pay, agency staffing, and purchases

• Provide monthly reports to the CEO on staffing, department performance, quality, equipment needs, and priorities

• Escalate urgent departmental concerns promptly

• Identify opportunities to improve respiratory services and access to care

• Assume additional service oversight only when assigned by the CEO

• What We're Looking For

• Required

• Qualifications: Associate degree or higher in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program

• Active, unrestricted Alabama respiratory therapy license

• 3+ years of acute care experience, including emergency and critical care

• 1+ year of supervisory, charge, or team leadership experience

• Current BLS and ACLS certifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain additional required certifications

• Proficiency in ventilator management and clinical documentation

• Preferred

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential

• Previous management experience

• Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Flexible schedule, including after-hours availability as needed

• Ability to stand, walk, move equipment, and assist with patient care

• Ability to respond to emergencies

• Exposure to clinical hazards, requiring protective equipment

• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation

• What You Can Expect

• Exceptional patient care starts with a team that feels valued, supported, and empowered, backed by comprehensive compensation and benefits

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance

• Life and AD&D insurance

• Retirement plans

• Paid time off and leave of absence

• Maternity and disability leave

• Flexible Spending Account

• If you are an experienced respiratory therapy professional with strong clinical and leadership skills, this is an opportunity to lead a dedicated team, strengthen department operations, and make a meaningful impact on patient care. We encourage you to apply!