A Day in the Life
The Respiratory Care Coordinators are respiratory therapists who are experienced in all aspects of adult, pediatric and neonatal Respiratory Care. The Respiratory Care Coordinators evaluate the patient volume, adjust Respiratory Care staffing as needed, direct the therapist patient assignments, serve as a resource to Respiratory Care and other hospital clinical staff, and offer assistance with unscheduled, urgent patient care needs on the shift.
In addition to clinical Respiratory Care support, the coordinators also offer assistance with staff competency assessment. They help with the orientation of new therapists in the department and education of therapists preparing for new clinical roles in the department.
- Maintains competency and is able to function as a Registered Respiratory Therapist – NICU Qualified in the Respiratory Care Department. Assists with patient care as needed.
- Evaluates and assigns patient care for the respiratory therapists. Monitors productivity and adjusts staffing as indicated.
- Leads daily Safety Huddles at the beginning of each major shift change to promote patient and staff safety.
- Receives notification of sick/personal days from staff. Seeks replacement staff as needed. Assists the manager in monitoring employee attendance and tardiness.
- Approves staff vacation requests on the posted work schedule. Seeks coverage for schedule gaps that arise due to personal or FMLA time.
- Provides input and assists the manager with employee performance appraisals. Counsels employees as needed regarding work performance.
- Assists with orientation of new employees and staff competency assessment.
- In the event of a Code Triage serves as the on duty Respiratory Care team leader until the arrival of the QA Educator, Education Coordinator or Manager. Assists Incident Command as requested.
- Serves as a resource to all Respiratory Care professionals, students, and interns with respect to Respiratory Care protocols, pathways, assessments and case management.
- Serves as a resource to Physicians, Physician Extenders, Nursing, and other clinical departments in the hospital with respect to respiratory patient care. Works collaboratively to assist with development of care plans for patients with specialized respiratory needs.