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 Qualifications

• 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!