Respiratory Therapist

About the Role

Children's National Hospital is seeking dedicated Respiratory Therapists (Respiratory Care Practitioners) to join our team at our 323-bed Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. Our Respiratory Department offers exciting growth opportunities through our career ladder program, allowing you to advance your career while working in various high-level care units. These include the Heart and Kidney Unit, Short Stay Unit, Medical Surgical Units, Level IV NICU, PICU, Cardiac ICU, Emergency Department, and critical care transport via ambulance and helicopter and other units.

Position Summary

Under general direction of the department manager, according to departmental and hospital standards, the Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Practitioner, referred to as RCP-I, RCP II, and RCP III) is responsible for administering all levels of Respiratory Care to treat patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction and/or disabilities. The RCP will maintain all skills and knowledge sufficient to provide safe, effective, and appropriate care to all ages of patients including neonates, infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults.

Key Responsibilities

• Administers all general Respiratory Therapy procedures, including humidity and aerosol therapy, lung inflation maneuvers, pulmonary secretion clearance, CPAP, BIPAP, and High-Flow Therapy.
• Demonstrates basic mechanical ventilator management skills including set-up, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Performs CPR as indicated.
• Performs invasive and noninvasive monitoring and diagnostic procedures ascribed to specific care areas.
• Works independently within the ER and all acute care areas.
• Adheres to policies and procedures established by Respiratory Care Services and Children’s National Health System.
• Demonstrates compassion and patient-centered orientation when dealing with patients, families, and co-workers.
• Maintains clinical skills and required and continuing education credits for department and licensure including: BLS, PALS, FIT Testing, annual skills review, in-services, etc.
• Possesses physical ability to perform all treatment modalities.
• Possesses physical ability to move and lift up to 50lbs; frequently endure long periods of standing and walking.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Registered Respiratory Therapist
• RCP License from District of Columbia DOH Health Regulation and Licensing Administration
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Demonstrated competency of all aspects of acute care delivery and ER prior to completion of initial 90 days.
• Basic computer skills.

Qualifications

• Completion of a minimum two years of college training in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program - Associates Degree
• RCP I: 0-3 years of work experience as a Respiratory Therapist
• RCP II: 0-3 years of work experience as a Respiratory Therapist and 1 year of critical care environment (pediatric or adult)
• RCP III: 5 years of work experience with 2 years of experience in pediatric and neonatal critical care environment
• Ability to organize, establish priorities, and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform under stressful situations using good clinical judgment.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.