Certified Respiratory Therapist - Level I
Children's National Hospital
Summary
Under general supervision, according to departmental and hospital standards, the Certified Respiratory Therapist I (CRT I), is responsible for administering acute and emergency department-levels of Respiratory Care to treat patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction and/or disabilities. The CRT I performs respiratory assessments, delivers prescribed therapies, monitors patient response, maintains respiratory equipment, and documents care in accordance with organizational policies and professional standards.
Job description
About the Role
Under general supervision, according to departmental and hospital standards, the Certified Respiratory Therapist I (CRT I), is responsible for administering acute and emergency department-levels of Respiratory Care to treat patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction and/or disabilities. The CRT I performs respiratory assessments, delivers prescribed therapies, monitors patient response, maintains respiratory equipment, and documents care in accordance with organizational policies and professional standards.
Functional Accountabilities
- Performs respiratory assessments and identifies changes in patients’ respiratory status, escalating concerns appropriately.
- Provides prescribed respiratory treatments and therapies, including oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, airway clearance, and other routine respiratory interventions.
- Monitors patients before, during, and after respiratory procedures and evaluates response to therapy.
- Performs routine respiratory care procedures in accordance with established protocols, policies, and standards of practice.
- Assists with airway management and emergency respiratory interventions within established competency and scope of practice.
- Performs diagnostic procedures such as pulse oximetry, blood gas sampling, and other respiratory testing as assigned.
- Operates, troubleshoots, cleans, and maintains respiratory care equipment.
- Collaborates with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient respiratory needs.
- Documents assessments, interventions, patient response, and other required information accurately and timely.
- Provides patient and family education regarding respiratory treatments, equipment, medications, and disease management.
- Participates in department quality, safety, education, and performance-improvement activities.
- Develops clinical knowledge and skills through orientation, competency validation, continuing education, and experience.
- Seeks guidance from more experienced respiratory therapists or other clinical team members when patient needs exceed current knowledge or competency.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program (Required)
- Prior experience in respiratory care (Preferred)
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) in the District of Columbia (Required)
- RCP license from District of Columbia DOH Health Regulation & Licensing Administration (Required)
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) (Required)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) (Required)
Benefits
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Prescription services
- Infertility services
- Transgender health services
- Paid time off
- Vacation accrual
- Sick leave
- Holidays
- Personal day
- 401(k) plan
- Healthcare spending accounts
- Dependent care spending accounts
- Employer-paid life insurance
- AD&D insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Tuition assistance
- Fitness resources
- Employee assistance
- Commuter benefits
Company overview
Children's National Hospital is a premier pediatric healthcare institution located in Washington, D.C., recognized as one of the top children's hospitals in the United States. Founded in 1870, it serves as the region's primary pediatric academic medical center, providing comprehensive care across all pediatric specialties. The hospital operates a 323-bed facility and offers advanced medical services including neonatal intensive care, pediatric surgery, oncology, cardiology, and neurology. As an academic medical center affiliated with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National is deeply involved in pediatric research, medical education, and clinical innovation. The institution is particularly renowned for its Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation and its leadership in pediatric genomics and precision medicine. Children's National consistently ranks among the top pediatric hospitals nationally, with specialties in cancer, cardiology, neurology, and neonatology receiving particular recognition for excellence in patient care and outcomes.