Lead Respiratory Care Practitioner (NRP)

Houston Methodist; Baytown (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Lead Respiratory Care Practitioner to lead an assigned shift/area, perform senior-level duties, and serve as liaison among management, staff, and physicians to ensure high-quality patient care and adherence to standards of practice.

Responsibilities include scheduling, QA audits, staff mentoring, data collection and reporting, and leading department projects to improve outcomes. Non-exempt status applies, with focus on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Requires demonstrated leadership and ability to mentor staff.
• Must communicate clearly with patients, physicians and staff.
• English language proficiency required for essential functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead duties such as project work and specialized responsibilities.
• Organize work schedules and assign tasks for RCP staff.
• Conduct quality assurance audits and prepare department performance reports.
• Provide feedback, training and mentoring to staff and students.
• Collaborate with management, staff and physicians to ensure patient safety and quality outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

English proficiency

Critical thinking

Clinical skills

Education

Approved respiratory care education program

Tools

Hospital information systems

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) position functions in a lead role for an assigned shift and/or area. The role involves lead duties such as projects and specialized responsibilities, while also performing duties at a Senior RCP level, including advanced procedures. The Lead RCP serves as liaison between management, staff and physicians, acting as the primary point of contact for resolving questions and issues for RCPs and support staff. This ensures delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety and quality outcomes.

Duties may include organizing work schedules, assigning work, reviewing time cards for accuracy, conducting quality assurance audits of staff performance, implementing quality improvement activities, training and mentoring staff, providing feedback, participating in skill development, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports on department performance, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level.

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s).

Experience

• Four years experience as an RCP with two years ICU, neonatal and/or ER experience (preferred at HMCCH). Lead or supervisor experience required. HM employees with three years respiratory care experience, one year as an HM RCP and progressive leadership abilities may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

Required

• RRT – Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC) – National Board for Respiratory Care.
• RCP – Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner – State Licensure, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA).
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Instructor (AHA).
• NRP – Neonatal Resuscitation or Instructor (AHA, AAP).
• Must have one of the following within 6 months: RRT‑ACCS, NPS, CPFT, RPFT, RRT‑SDS, AE‑C, TTS, RPSGT.

Preferred

• PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life Support or Instructor (AHA), preferred depending on area assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary for safe job performance, assessed via ongoing skill and competency evaluations.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary for essential functions.
• Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers, applying a customer‑service focus.
• Ability to work independently.
• Capability to handle challenging diagnostic procedures and patient care situations.
• Sound judgment and above‑average clinical skills.
• Basic computer knowledge and ability to operate systems such as Hospital/Respiratory Information Systems and office software.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team.
• Adapts to multiple priorities with minimal supervision, organizing workflow and participating in problem‑solving.

Essential Functions

People Essential Functions

• Role model effective communication skills, assisting teammates in developing such skills. Collaborate with management and the interprofessional care team by communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information comprehensively.
• Serve as the department’s primary resource for staff, ensuring optimal services and outcomes. Facilitate teamwork by coordinating department needs and responding positively to assistance requests.
• Orient, guide, and mentor team members (RCPs, Senior RCPs, students, support staff) to build confidence and competency. Provide feedback to management on team performance.
• Leads and initiates problem resolution within the work unit, modeling peer‑to‑peer accountability to improve departmental scores for turnover, retention, and employee engagement.

Service Essential Functions

• Exhibit above‑average clinical and critical thinking skills in challenging procedures and patient care situations.
• Serve as liaison between team members, management, and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift or area.
• Proactively identify needs for adjustment or intervention to optimize patient care and experience. Monitor and adjust activities of the assigned team to ensure patient throughput and satisfaction.

Quality/Safety Essential Functions

• Conduct quality audits on equipment, processes, outcomes, and team performance. Document, develop, and evaluate processes, procedures, and outcomes. Identify opportunities for corrective action and process improvement.
• Assist physicians by performing tests as ordered and ensuring quality and reliability of results, taking corrective action as needed.
• Help develop policies, procedures, and protocols. Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and assist in obtaining and maintaining accreditation.

Finance Essential Functions

• Provide accurate documentation of patient procedures and enter charges at the time of service.
• Use resources efficiently; avoid wastage. Manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, providing leadership to team members on efficient utilization of time.
• If assigned, accurately review team members’ time cards for management approval.

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions

• Initiate and lead department projects and shared governance activities; participate in committees to achieve goals.
• Seek opportunities to expand learning beyond base competencies, focusing on continual development as an RCP and in leadership skills; complete and update the individual development plan on an ongoing basis.
• Create a positive teaching environment by engaging students and coworkers in learning opportunities aligned with business objectives.

Supplemental Requirements

Work Attire

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

On‑Call

Note that employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (i.e., Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc.) regardless of selection below.

• On‑Call: Yes

Travel

Travel specifications may vary by department.

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No