Acute Care Respiratory Therapist – Life-Saving Patient Care

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to provide care across all patient populations in alignment with physician orders and established standards. You will assess patients, operate and monitor respiratory equipment, and document findings during each shift.

The role requires critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure while delivering high-quality respiratory care and supporting interdepartmental workflows.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in respiratory care required; Bachelor's preferred.
• 0–3 years acute care experience required; registry eligible.
• CRT certification required; RRT preferred; DC license required.
• CPR (BLS/NRP) within 90 days; additional certifications vary by department.

Responsibilities

• Provides respiratory care per physician orders and established protocols.
• Assesses patient physical, psychosocial, spiritual and educational needs.
• Performs therapies including oxygen, humidity, ventilators, bronchial hygiene, spirometry, ECG, and blood gas analysis.
• Reviews EMR and physician orders during the shift and documents appropriately.
• Responds to CPR and airway management and supports interdepartmental workflow improvements.

Skills

Respiratory care knowledge

Ventilator management

Patient assessment

Team communication

Education

Associate's degree in respiratory care

Bachelor's degree in related healthcare field preferred

Tools

Ventilators

Blood Gas Analyzers

Spirometry

EKG machines

Job description

MedStar Health’s Washington Hospital Center is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to provide care across all patient populations in alignment with physician orders and established standards. You will assess patients, operate and monitor respiratory equipment, and document findings during each shift.

The role requires critical thinking, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure while delivering high-quality respiratory care and supporting interdepartmental workflows.