Respiratory Therapist

General Summary of Position

MedStar Health is looking for a Respiratory Care Practitioner to join our team at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The ideal candidate will be a certified respiratory therapist who will provide our patients with extraordinary patient care by demonstrating strong knowledge in the field. Respiratory care is ordered by physicians according to established standards, practices, and protocols. 

As a Respiratory Care Practitioner, you will possess working knowledge of human respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pathology related to respiratory care. Knowledge of the operation of respiratory care equipment and its application in a clinical setting. The ability to assess hazardous conditions related to respiratory care and take corrective action. The ability to work with patients of all ages (neonatal to geriatrics). The ability to remain calm and function under stressful conditions. Must work well as a team member; must be articulate and communicate well with all kinds of people.

Join one of the largest healthcare systems in the Baltimore-Washington metro region, also recognized as one of the "Healthiest Maryland Businesses". Apply today and learn how MedStar Health can be your next great career move! 

 
Primary Duties:  

• Assesses the physical, psychosocial, spiritual & cultural dimensions of the patient as well as educational needs and document appropriately. Where applicable, refers to the competency validation documents for population(s) served. 

• Performs all respiratory therapy treatments and services, including but not limited to: application, operation, monitoring, and management of all equipment and services provided. Service including but not limited to: oxygen, mixed gas, and humidity; monitoring; ventilators (Invasive and Non-invasive); bronchial hygiene; lung expansion; Spirometry testing; EKG machines; Blood Gas Analysis. 

• Employs principles of therapeutic communication, interviewing techniques, problem solving and crisis intervention when performing patient care. 

• Responds, performs, and participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation by maintaining the airway, providing oxygen and ventilation via mask, endotracheal tube, or other devices, and performing closed chest cardiac massage. 

• Facilitates workflow efficiency, monitoring interdepartmental systems and processes, departmental policies and procedures and making recommendations for improvements as needed. Reviews electronic medical records and physician orders throughout work shift. 

Qualifications:  

• Associate degree - Graduate of an AMA accredited program in respiratory care with an AAS Degree or higher.

• CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) - NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist or NBRC Registered Pulmonary Function Technician from an accredited Respiratory Care Program is required.

• BLS - Basic Life Support required. 

• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification, required within one year of hire. 

• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Certification Program, required within one year of hire. 

• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification, required within one year of hire. 

• Must be registry eligible; some acute experience is preferred. 

• Preferred education: Bachelor’s degree in related healthcare field. 

• Preferred certification: RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).