Director, Respiratory Therapy

Chadron Community Hospital, Corp.; Chadron (NE); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits after 60-day waiting period

Job summary

Chadron Community Hospital, Corp. seeks a Director of Respiratory Therapy to lead the Respiratory Care Department across inpatient, emergency, and outpatient services. This executive role emphasizes clinical excellence, staffing oversight, and budget management in a fast-paced rural hospital.

The position includes on-call, holiday, and weekend duties, with a 60-day benefits waiting period. Candidates should have NBRC credentials and Nebraska licensure, plus senior leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive supervisory or managerial experience in a hospital setting.
• Active NBRC credentials (RRT or CRT) and Nebraska RCP license with current status; BLS required; ACLS/PALS/NRP to be obtained within designated timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the respiratory department, ensuring adequate staffing and efficient workflows.
• Develop, implement, and maintain department policies and procedures in line with state regulations and hospital guidelines.
• Manage the department budget, resources, equipment procurement, and cost-control initiatives.
• Maintain quality control and ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards.
• Establish therapeutic objectives and participate in peer clinical evaluations to uphold patient care standards.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing leadership, and emergency care team to coordinate multidisciplinary care.
• Uphold and perform the core responsibilities of staff respiratory therapists.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Staff supervision

Policy development

Regulatory compliance

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Recruitment

Staff training

Education

Accredited Respiratory Care program

RRT or CRT NBRC credential

Nebraska RCP license

BLS certification

ACLS certification

PALS certification

NRP certification

Job description

Full-time, 40 hours/week, Salary, Exempt.

Flexible hours shared with additional RT.

Will include on-call, holidays, and weekends.

Benefited position after 60-day waiting period.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Respiratory Therapy is responsible for the overall strategic management, operational administration, and clinical excellence of the Respiratory Care Department. This leadership role performs and ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality respiratory care across inpatient, emergency, and out-patient services. The Director manages departmental staffing, budget allocation, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance, striking a balance between clinical oversight and direct leadership of staff respiratory therapists.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Departmental Leadership & Operations

• Oversee daily operations of the respiratory department, ensuring adequate staffing coverage and efficient workflows.
• Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies, protocols, and clinical procedures in alignment with state regulations and Chadron Hospital guidelines.
• Manage the department budget, overseeing resources, equipment procurement, and cost-control initiatives.
• Maintain quality control and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and accreditation standards.

Clinical Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Establish therapeutic objectives and participate in peer clinical evaluations to uphold high standards of patient care.
• Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and problem-solving protocols for critical respiratory care equipment, including mechanical ventilators.
• Collaborate closely with physicians, nursing leadership, and the emergency care team to coordinate multi-disciplinary care.
• Uphold and perform the same Core Responsibilities as the staff Respiratory Therapist

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate the performance of certified and registered respiratory therapists.
• Promote continuous education and verify that all department personnel maintain required certifications (RRT, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP).
• Cultivate a productive workspace by modeling strong communication and interpersonal skills among patients, families, and healthcare providers.

Requirements

EDUCATION/LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care program.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credentialed by NBRC.
• Current Nebraska State License as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or eligible to obtain before hire.
• Active Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS), required.
• The following must be obtained upon hire or within a designated timeframe: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience as a practicing Respiratory Therapist.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive supervisory or managerial experience in a hospital setting, preferably within a critical access or rural community healthcare facility.