Team Leader Registered Respiratory Therapist Inpatient

Job Description

The Respiratory Team Lead provides clinical leadership while supporting staff development, competency, and operational excellence across the department. This role balances direct patient care with leadership responsibilities, serving as a clinical resource, mentor, and team leader. Working collaboratively with department leadership, the Team Lead helps ensure staff are prepared to deliver safe, high-quality patient care through effective onboarding, competency oversight, clinical coaching, and continuous performance improvement.

Clinical Leadership

• Provides direct patient care across the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Department (ED), and inpatient units as operational needs require.


• Serves as a clinical resource for staff, providing guidance and support in complex patient care situations.


• Demonstrates and promotes evidence-based practice, patient safety, and high-reliability principles.


• Assists with staffing needs, workflow coordination, and departmental operations during routine and surge conditions.


• Serves as a role model for professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and patient-centered care.

Team Development

• Supports onboarding and orientation of new employees, contract staff, and students.


• Serves as a preceptor and mentor, providing coaching and feedback to promote clinical competency and confidence.


• Coordinates competency validation, annual skills assessments, and required education in collaboration with department leadership.


• Facilitates bedside teaching and reinforces clinical best practices during daily operations.


• Assists with implementation of new equipment, clinical processes, and practice changes.

Operational & Quality Support

• Maintains documentation related to orientation, competencies, certifications, and required training.


• Monitors education and competency compliance, identifying opportunities to improve staff readiness.


• Collaborates with leadership to develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and clinical standards.


• Participates in quality improvement initiatives, regulatory readiness, and performance improvement activities.


• Uses quality metrics, staff feedback, and operational data to identify opportunities for process improvement and enhanced patient outcomes.

Leadership Expectations

• Promotes a collaborative, respectful, and accountable work environment.


• Supports organizational goals through effective communication, problem-solving, and staff engagement.


• Serves as a change champion by facilitating adoption of evidence-based practices and organizational initiatives.


• Performs other leadership and clinical responsibilities as assigned to support departmental operations.