Clinical Leader Manager HLV - Respiratory Therapy (Job ID: 6619)
The department of Respiratory Therapy Services (RT) specializes in the cardio-respiratory care and management of adult patients in all the Intensive Care units, all areas of Perioperative Services, the Emergency department and the general wards at St. Michael's Hospital. In addition, RT provides the specialty services for the Neonatal ICU and Labour and Delivery. This is achieved through the application of advanced life support skills and technology to treat and monitor the cardio-pulmonary disorders. The patient management includes but is not limited to, mechanical ventilation and airway management, application of medical gases, aerosolized drugs, specialized therapeutics & diagnostics.
The Respiratory Therapy department also provides ongoing training and education on respiratory related pathologies, therapies, and equipment utilization to medical, nursing, other health discipline professionals, students and core service staff as required. In addition, Respiratory Therapy Services partners with the Michener institute to provide clinical-based education for Respiratory Therapy students.
The Clinical Leader Manager of Respiratory Therapy Services provides leadership and direction to the Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) and support staff to ensure effective delivery of high quality cardio-respiratory patient care to all the critical care areas and general wards. Responsibilities include clinical and professional practice leadership, participation in planning, delivery and evaluation of services and management of operation efficiencies, resource utilization and the financial budget. The RT Clinical Leader Manager works collaboratively with other program managers and leaders in decision making processes surrounding patient care delivery, clinical practice, standards of care and hospital-wide initiatives.
The RT Clinical Leader Manager has the expertise and experience necessary to enhance excellence in all aspects of quality and effectiveness related to cardio-respiratory care. Also, provides leadership in the pursuit of research activities in the field of cardio-respiratory care.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plans for the optimum utilization of human, clinical and financial resources by developing and monitoring the Respiratory Therapy Services budget; collecting and analyzing clinical, administrative and workload data; and staffing to demand on a 24 hour, 7 day per week basis
- Collaborates with Collaborative Practice and Education to develop new models of shared governance and accountability for RT practice
- Develops annual goals and objectives for the service which are aligned with programmatic and hospital goals
- Actively participates in program specific and hospital-wide initiatives through committee and task force membership and hospital planning and management forums
- Develops innovative team based approaches with the clinical RTs to manage the increasing/unpredictable patient workload
- Ensures all cardio-respiratory equipment is current and properly maintained to safely meet the changing needs of the complex patient population in collaboration with the RT department technicians and Clinical Engineering
- Ensures safe and appropriate use of oxygen, other medical gases, and respiratory diagnostic/therapeutic systems throughout the hospital
- Develops and implements risk management measures for preventative maintenance and reprocessing of critical care equipment e.g. ventilators, monitors, bronchoscopes in conjunction with Infection Control & Risk Management
- Provides leadership and acts as a coach for risk management, patient safety, staff safety and related problem-solving
- Monitors and coordinates the day-to-day departmental operations to ensure optimal allocation of human and material resources including staffing patterns and equipment needs
- Responsible for managing, recruiting, hiring and training staff
- Identifies educational needs, implements educational programs and fosters a safe and life-long learning environment
- Monitors performance of staff utilizing performance evaluation tools and provides constructive feedback through both formal and informal opportunities
- Supports the provision of excellent patient care through multi-disciplinary collaboration and consensus building and creates an environment supportive of shared decision making
- Ensures the continuity of care is provided by the Respiratory Therapy professionals as the patient moves through the various service related areas of the hospital
- Coaches and mentors members of the profession to achieve improved performance, participate in academic endeavors and professional development to maintain the advanced level skills required to provide exemplary clinical intervention for critically ill patients
- Develops a team-orientated learning environment & encourages innovative approaches to learning and teaching
- Facilitates, manages and promotes student placement and activities in collaboration with the RT Clinical Coordinator/Specialist (SMH site) and RT Assistant Patient Care Manager (SJHC site)
- Identifies opportunities for staff to participate in mentorship and preceptorship opportunities
- Plans and directs the major functions of clinical service, education, and research for the profession in collaboration with the RT Clinical Specialists (SMH), RT Assistant Patient Care Manager (SJHC) and RT clinical staff
- Responsible for an efficient and effective inventory system to ensure availability of cardio-respiratory equipment, medical gases (SMH only) and specialty supplies for the hospital, primarily critical care areas
- Keeps informed of all new developments in respiratory equipment and supplies including but not limited to adult and neonatal mechanical ventilators, anaesthetic gas machines, oxygen therapy and airway management equipment and cardio-respiratory critical care equipment, medical gases
- Develops and implements long-term plan for capital equipment purchases in conjunction with the Capital Planning Committee, Perioperative Services & Critical Care i.e. ventilators, video bronchoscopes
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Recognized Master's degree required
- Current registration with the College of Nurses (CNO) or College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO)
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- BSc or related undergraduate degree
- Previous Respiratory Therapy management experience (3 years)
- Expert knowledge of Respiratory Therapy Clinical practice
- Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, facilitation, coaching, delegation, problem-solving and conflict management skills
- 3-5 years of critical care experience as a Respiratory Therapist