Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Howard University Hospital | Washington, DC

Role Summary

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at Howard University Hospital, you will deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and life-support respiratory care to patients across our inpatient and critical care areas — administering prescribed therapies, managing mechanical ventilation, evaluating patient response, and collaborating with physicians and the interdisciplinary team to optimize each patient’s plan of care. Reporting to the Supervisor of Respiratory Care, you will exemplify HUH’s commitment to patient safety and evidence-based practice as part of a dedicated Respiratory Therapy team serving one of the nation’s most storied academic medical centers.

If you are a skilled RRT with a passion for clinical excellence and patient-centered care, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact at Howard University Hospital.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver and coordinate respiratory care with members of the interdisciplinary team in accordance with physician orders, department procedures, and evidence-based clinical guidelines; determine appropriateness of prescribed therapy for the identified pathophysiological state; explain planned procedures to patients; and maintain accurate records of therapy delivered
• Follow all departmental guidelines on safety and infection control while providing patient care and when setting up, adjusting, and disconnecting respiratory equipment
• Set up, maintain, monitor, and manage all ventilators approved for use in the Hospital per the Mechanical Ventilation Policy, Weaning Policy, and Extubation Policy
• Conduct prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation, spontaneous and artificial ventilation, maintenance of a patent airway, and removal of bronchopulmonary secretions
• Evaluate and monitor patient response to treatment; modify treatment techniques based on response to aerosolized medications, MDIs, and oxygen therapy; and recommend modifications to the respiratory care plan for patients on mechanical ventilation
• Review existing patient data including admission information, current respiratory orders, patient history, physical examination, pulmonary function values, blood gas results, EKGs, and additional laboratory data; inspect chest X-rays for changes in consolidation, atelectasis, pneumothorax, and tracheal tube position
• Collect and evaluate pertinent clinical information through inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and patient interview
• Collect diagnostic data through X-rays, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function studies, and other laboratory tests
• Report all untoward incidents occurring during treatment to the patient’s nursing personnel and the supervisor
• Contribute to discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other members of the healthcare team and by participating in patient care conferences; instruct patients, families, and caregivers in home respiratory programs to ensure continuation of the therapeutic plan
• Record therapy results according to Hospital policies and regulating agencies, and communicate findings and ongoing care needs to appropriate members of the healthcare team
• Adhere to all Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals
• Select, assemble, and check equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness, including correction of malfunctions; perform routine testing, maintenance, and adjustments of respiratory therapy equipment
• Perform quality control procedures on blood gas analyzers
• Serve as Charge Therapist when assigned; attend department meetings and in-service programs
• Perform electrocardiograms when an EKG technician is not on duty; operate and maintain the ECG machine; record ECGs; input data into the auto-ECG program; and alert medical staff of abnormalities and life-threatening arrhythmias
• Perform and evaluate spirometry (pre- and post-bronchodilator), pulmonary mechanics, and blood gas analysis; stay current on technological developments in Respiratory Therapy
• Promote adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, the Howard University Code of Ethics, the Health Sciences Standards of Conduct, and HIPAA Privacy Policies; attend all mandatory compliance training; and maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff

Required Qualifications

• Graduate with a minimum of an Associate’s Degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Current, active Respiratory Care licensure in the District of Columbia
• Current BLS or ACLS certification through the American Heart Association
• Working knowledge of all forms of oxygen therapy delivery and associated equipment
• Proficiency in the delivery of medical gases, airway management, mechanical ventilation, and diagnostic respiratory procedures
• Ability to recognize and respond to signs of respiratory distress; remains with the patient and escalates appropriately until expected clinical response is achieved

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience as a clinical practitioner in the field of Respiratory Therapy
• Proficiency with all ventilator modes in use at HUH, including SIMV, PRVC, CMV, PCV, PSV, APRV, and BiPAP
• Experience in an academic medical center or Level 1 Trauma Center environment

What We Offer

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester
• A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital (HUH) is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. With a legacy dating back to 1862 — when it operated as Freedmen’s Hospital, providing care and refuge to those who had been denied it elsewhere — HUH has grown into one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is a designated DC Level 1 Trauma Center. Today, HUH continues its proud tradition of delivering exemplary, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care to the community, while providing exceptional learning and professional development opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Position Details

Department: Respiratory Therapy

Division: Division of Nursing

Reports To: Supervisor, Respiratory Care

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: Local 2094

Schedule: Full-Time | Nights | 7:30 PM – 8:00 AM | 36 hours/week

Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (EOW)

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the Local 2094 collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $18.88 – $30.21/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.