Crissa De Jesus
Crissa Black is an experienced Respiratory Therapy Supervisor at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where she plays a vital role in managing the daily operations of the respiratory care department. With over 26 years in the field and six years in a supervisory role, Crissa oversees payroll, scheduling, and staffing coordination while ensuring her team delivers the highest standard of patient care. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and support, working closely with both day and night shift teams to maintain seamless respiratory care services across the hospital.
Crissa’s path into respiratory therapy is both inspiring and unconventional. Originally pursuing a career in cosmetology, she decided to transition into healthcare at the encouragement of her grandmother—a decision that led her to discover her true passion for helping others. Throughout her career, she has witnessed and adapted to major changes in the field, including the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, she played an essential role in supporting critically ill patients while implementing safety measures to protect both staff and patients.
Deeply committed to professional growth and community service, Crissa is actively involved with the American Heart Association, where she volunteers for initiatives like the Tampa Heart Walk and promotes CPR education for first responders and the public. She continues to advocate for the advancement of respiratory therapy, emphasizing the importance of cross-training, expanding clinical skills, and embracing evolving medical technologies to meet the needs of patients in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.
• CPR
• American Heart Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the inspiration I gained from a home healthcare worker who cared for my grandmother, which guided me on my journey into the respiratory therapy field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to shadow experienced respiratory therapy professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the field beyond basic treatments.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering respiratory therapy is to find joy in your work, stay committed to your career, and remember that while the job can be challenging, loving what you do makes all the difference.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in respiratory therapy right now is staffing shortages, intensified by the impact of COVID-19, which has led hospitals to rely on agency staff and offer incentives to encourage employees to take on extra shifts.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, quality time with loved ones, and enjoying meaningful moments together.