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Respiratory Therapist Lead

Northfield Hospital + Clinics, Northfield, MN, United States


Job Title
Respiratory Therapist Lead

Job Summary
Partners with the Director to facilitate safe, effective, and efficient patient care, which is outcome based and patient-centered. Manages the day-to-day operations of the respiratory therapy and sleep center departments. Directs and supervises respiratory therapists. Maintains clinical competency in all aspects of respiratory therapy and sleep technology, assisting the respiratory staff, overseeing contracted sleep technicians and providing direct patient care. Interacts with the medical staff and all departments within the organization. Works with Clinical Nurse Educator to assess staff competency and teach clinical skills. Provides age-specific and developmentally appropriate care for neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

Compensation
Hiring Bonus: $10,000 (eligibility and details discussed upon offer)

We are committed to providing wage ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on experience, education and internal equity considerations. The hourly wage range for this position is $39.48–$55.73. This range reflects the base salary for this position.

At Northfield Hospital + Clinics, our RT roles offer a broad, varied scope of practice in a clinically engaging environment. While the work remains busy and dynamic, the pace is more balanced compared to higher-intensity acute care settings—making this a great opportunity to grow your skills while maintaining a sustainable, rewarding work experience.

Key Accountabilities

Coordinates department functions:

Coordinates daily operations of the department.

Initiates and collaborates with department and interdisciplinary teams/committees on process improvement.

Assists the Director/Manager with the departments on-going staffing needs, scheduling and hiring process.

Demonstrates understanding of interdepartmental relationships. Serves as a liaison to other departments to promote continuity of care.

Provides leadership for the department in the absence of the Director / Manager.

Partners with the Director/Manager to ensure continued safe patient and family centered care:

Serves as a resource and support person in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of respiratory care in the department.

Is clinically proficient enough to practice safely and maintain credibility with departments staff and the Medical Staff.

Maintains current knowledge of trends and advances in respiratory practice, sleep practice and professional leadership.

Collaborates with the Director/Manager in investigations of safety, quality and patient concerns.

Responsible for the development of staff by providing staff feedback, coaching and annual evaluations.

Partners with the Director/Manager on departmental and organizational goals and initiatives:

Leads and / or assists departmental quality initiatives.

Completes quality audits as needed.

Completes the assigned tasks following the outlined time frame.

Ensures sleep accreditation processes / requirements are current and in place.

Providing and monitoring therapeutic treatment administration:

Medical gases, aerosols, humidification, and pharmacological agents related to respiratory care procedures, but not including administration of general anesthesia

Application and monitoring of mechanical ventilatory support

Providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintenance of natural airways and insertion and maintenance of artificial airways

Assessing and monitoring signs, symptoms, and general behavior relating to, and general physical response to, respiratory care treatment or evaluation for treatment and diagnostic testing, including determination of whether the signs, symptoms, reactions, behavior, or general response exhibit abnormal characteristics

Assisting hemodynamic monitoring and support of the cardiopulmonary system

Assessing and making suggestions for modifications in the treatment regimen based on abnormalities, protocols, or changes in patient response to respiratory care treatment

Obtaining physiological specimens and interpreting physiological data including:

Analyzing arterial and venous blood gases

Assessing respiratory secretions;

Measuring ventilatory volumes, pressures, and flows;

Testing pulmonary function;

Testing and studying the cardiopulmonary system; and

Diagnostic and therapeutic testing of breathing patterns related to sleep disorders

Instructing patients and their families in techniques for the prevention, alleviation, and rehabilitation of deficiencies, abnormalities, and diseases of the cardiopulmonary system; and

Transcribing and implementing verbal, written, or telecommunicated orders from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant for respiratory care services.

Required Qualifications

Current RRT license with The National Board of Respiratory Care, in good standing

Current Respiratory Therapist license with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, in good standing

Current BLS must be enrolled in NH+C RQI program and complete the requirements within 90 days of enrollment. Must remain current (complete quarterly assignments prior to the end of each calendar quarter).

Current ACLS must be enrolled in NH+C RQI program and complete the requirements within 90 days of enrollment. Must remain current (complete quarterly assignments prior to the end of each calendar quarter).

Current PALS must be enrolled in NH+C RQI program and complete the requirements within 90 days of enrollment. Must remain current (complete quarterly assignments prior to the end of each calendar quarter).

Current NRP certification (if not current will need to obtain in the first 6 months)

Initial Crisis Prevention Certification (CPI) within six months.

Workplace Violence education in New Employee Orientation and annually thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

Three years critical care experience

Reliable, mature skills in judgement, organization, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making

Professional appearance and demeanor

Effective communication skills, both verbal and written English

Schedule

68 hours per two-week pay period

Block Schedule: 8:00am – 8:00pm

Every third weekend, rotating holidays

One 8-hour office day every 2 weeks

Benefits

Paid Time Off accrued starting on first paycheck

Medical, Dental, and Vision (discount plan) coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance

Pension Plan (PERA) with 7.5% employer match

Optional 457(b) Retirement Plans

Tuition Reimbursement

Loan Forgiveness Eligibility – PSLF + MN state programs for qualifying roles

Employer-Provided Certifications + Continuing Education

Additional perks: Free On-Site Parking, Qualified Bilingual Staff Program, Employee Assistance Program, and discounts on cafeteria, scrubs, and OTC pharmacy items

About Us
Northfield Hospital + Clinics is a trusted, independent healthcare system with more than 800 employees. We’re recognized for our collaborative work environment and strong commitment to high-quality patient care and community impact. We’re proud to be named to Becker’s 2025 list of "100 Great Community Hospitals." Our services span the full spectrum of hospital and clinical care, with our main hospital located in Northfield, MN, and primary and specialty clinics in Northfield, Lakeville, Farmington, Faribault, and Kenyon—along with Urgent Care locations in Northfield, Lakeville, and Farmington. We offer care across 48 specialties and serve patients at 22 locations throughout the south metro and southern Minnesota.

Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find meaningful opportunities, supportive teams, and a chance to make a real difference here.

This posting is not a complete list of duties or responsibilities. Job functions, schedules, and terms of employment may change in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and agreements.

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