The Respiratory Care Practitioner provides advanced respiratory care to patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction across various high-level care units. They also serve as a clinical resource and preceptor for new hires and students while maintaining departmental standards.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold an Associate's degree in an AMA-approved Respiratory Care Program and possess at least 5 years of experience, including 2 years in pediatric or neonatal critical care. Required certifications include RRT, BLS, PALS, and a District of Columbia RCP license.
Summary: Children's National Hospital is seeking dedicated 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 Care Practitioner, referred to as RCP-III, is responsible for administering all levels of Respiratory Care to treat patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction and/or disabilities. RCP-III will function at an advanced level of practice in Acute Care, ER, and two Critical Care units (either PICU, NICU and/or CICU); also serving as a clinical resource and preceptor. The RCP-III 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.
Minimum Education Associate's Degree Completion of a minimum two years of college training in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program (Required) Bachelors of Science in a health-related field (Preferred)
Minimum Work Experience 5 years (Required) 2 years - Experience in a pediatric and/or neonatal critical care environment (Required)
Required Skills/Knowledge Must be able to demonstrate competency of all aspects of acute care delivery, ER, and two intensive care units prior to completion of initial 90 days.
Administers all general Respiratory Therapy procedures, including humidity and aerosol therapy, lung inflation maneuvers, pulmonary secretion clearance, CP AP , BIP AP , and High-Flow Therapy.
Must demonstrate advanced mechanical ventilator management skills including use of Nitric Oxide, Heliox, and set-up and management of HFOV .
Performs CPR as indicated.
Performs invasive and noninvasive monitoring and diagnostic procedures ascribed to specific care areas.
Works independently within the ER, Acute Care, and PICU, NICU and/or CICU;a minimum of 10 shifts a year in each area.
Must display sustained proficiency in all acute care areas, ER, and two of three intensive care units as exhibited through department rotation schedule Must actively serve as a preceptor to new hires and students.
Adheres to policies and procedures established by Respiratory Care Services and Children’s National Health System.
Ability to organize, establish priorities, and to communicate effectively , both orally and in writing.
Must be able to perform under stressful situations using superior clinical judgment.
Must demonstrate compassion and patient centered orientation when dealing with patients, families, and co-workers.
Must have ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Must maintain clinical skills and required continuing education credits for department and licensure including: BLS, P ALS, NRP , FIT Testing, annual skills review, in-services, etc.
Must have physical ability to perform all treatment modalities.
Must have physical ability to move and lift up to 50lbs; frequently endure long periods of standing and walking.
Must have basic computer skills.
Credentials and proficiency will be assessed during annual review to maintain status at the RCP-III Level.
Required Licenses and Certifications Registered Respiratory Therapist (Required) RCP License from District of Columbia DOH Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (Required) Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) (Required)
Functional Accountabilities Patient Care Employee will perform all patient care procedures according to department policy and acceptable practice. Documentation Employee will ensure all required written documentation and all data entry is thorough and complete. Participation Employee will attend annually attend a minimum of 4 department staff meetings in-person Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes
