Lead Respiratory Practitioner

We are seeking a Lead Respiratory Practitioner to serve as a clinical expert, operational resource, and role model within our Respiratory Care department. Under the direction of the Clinical Manager, this position supports daily operations, staff development, and high‑quality patient care.

As stated in the job description:

“Serves as a clinical expert for staff and a primary contact to assist in the coordination and execution of daily operational and administrative requirements.”

This role is ideal for an experienced Respiratory Therapist who thrives in leadership, training, and collaborative clinical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Staff Scheduling & Operations (25%) Manage and maintain the department’s staffing schedule, including vacation and time‑off requests. Ensure all schedule data is accurate and up to date in the computerized scheduling system.

  “Creates and manages the staffing schedule… Ensures that staff schedule information is entered and up to date.”

• Special Projects (15%) Partner with the Clinical Manager on assigned operational or clinical projects.

• Hiring, Onboarding & Orientation (25%) Participate in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new staff. Observe performance during probation and meet with new employees to assess learning needs.

• Performance & Competency Support (10%) Provide feedback for annual reviews, identify performance issues, and collaborate on remediation plans.

• Training & Policy Support (10%) Assist with training new employees, ensuring understanding of policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

• Epic & Department Training (10%) Support all employee training related to the department and Epic Systems.

• Support for EKG & Echocardiogram Services (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy required

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

  “Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy required, bachelor degree preferred”

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive Respiratory Therapy experience

Licensure & Certifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) – required

• Maryland Respiratory Care Practitioner license – required

• BLS (CPR) – required

• Epic Credentialed Trainer – preferred

  “Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)… Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner by the State of Maryland required.”

Skills & Abilities

• Strong teamwork and independent decision‑making

• Ability to work professionally in stressful environments

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and objectivity

  “Strong team work ethic… Ability to work in stressful environments while maintaining a professional attitude”

Caring for Our Team
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.