Children's National Hospital·Washington, District of Columbia
The Respiratory Care Practitioner administers all levels of respiratory care to treat patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction across acute care, ER, and critical care units. They serve as a clinical resource and preceptor while providing safe care to patients ranging from neonates to adults.
Kids Are Our Everything.
Department 10168 Respiratory Therapy
Pay Range $37.53 - $83.75
Shift - Night 7pm-7am
Sign on Bonus - Up to $20,000
Informational Video: Join Our Team: Hiring Respiratory Therapists at Children's National 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.
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.
External Minimum Education Completion of a minimum two years of college training in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program - Associates Degree (Required) Minimum Work Experience 1 year Work experience in Respiratory Care (Preferred) New graduates accepted in position 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) Required Skills/Knowledge Must be able to demonstrate competency of all aspects of acute care delivery and ER 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 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. Ability to organize, establish priorities, and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Must be able to perform under stressful situations using good 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 and continuing education credits for department and licensure including: BLS, PALS, 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. Benefits That Support You: Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services. Generous paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day. Financial wellness support, including a 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts. Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans. Additional perks, including tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and more. Why Join Us: Nationally Recognized Excellence – Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Children’s Hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Leading Pediatric Care – One of the largest and most comprehensive children’s hospitals in the country, offering nationally ranked specialties and cutting-edge treatments. Innovation & Research – A premier academic medical center with a strong commitment to pediatric research, education, and advancing the future of child health. Mission-Driven Culture – Dedicated to providing family-centered care while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for clinical teams. Must have basic computer skills.
Childrens National Hospital is an equal opportunity employer that evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The “Know Your Rights” poster is available here: and the pay transparency policy is available here: Know Your RightsPay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster.
Please note that it is the policy of Children's National Hospital to ensure a “drug-free” work environment: a workplace free from the illegal use, possession or distribution of controlled substances (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act), or the misuse of legal substances, by all staff (management, employees and contractors). Though recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in the District of Columbia, Children's National and its affiliates maintain the right, in accordance with our policy, to enforce a drug-free workplace, including prohibiting recreational or prescribed marijuana.
Candidates must have an Associate Degree in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program and be a Registered Respiratory Therapist with a DC DOH license. Required certifications include BLS and PALS, with a preference for one year of experience, though new graduates are accepted.
Market context
Allied health roles in the District of Columbia often see steady demand in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation settings, and home health. Physical therapist openings are competitive because employers typically look for an approved PT degree, a current license, CPR certification, and strong evaluation and assessment skills, along with the physical capacity to assist patients safely. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm your license status and highlight hands-on patient care experience before applying.
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