NICU Respiratory Therapist
Durham, NC
Olaro
3x12 hrs, Nights
$2,228/weekOverview
- Start Date02/09/2026
- Shift Breakdown3x12 hrs
- ShiftNights
- Duration13 weeks
- SettingHospital
Pay
Description
Job Opportunity: Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics (RRT NICU)
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Position Details
Role: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) for NICU
Patient Age Group: Neonates, Infants, Pediatrics, Adolescents, Adults
Experience Required:
- Minimum 2 years in NICU, pediatric critical care, pediatrics, and emergency department (ED)
- Level IV NICU experience is a hard requirement
- Experience with high frequency jet ventilator and oscillating ventilator
- Experience with pediatric cardiac anomalies
Certifications Required:
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
- BLS (Basic Life Support)
- NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
Licensure:
- Must have North Carolina RRT license in hand (processing takes 2-4 weeks)
Schedule Requirements:
- Weekend shifts required: 6 weekend shifts per schedule (schedule published in 6-week blocks)
- On-call: Not applicable
Additional Requirements:
- Flu vaccination is mandatory; no exemptions or declinations accepted
- First-time travelers are welcome
- Local candidates within 75 miles are considered
Orientation & Training
- Orientation sessions held bi-weekly
- Unit-specific competency exams required
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training provided during orientation (valid for 2 years)
Background & Compliance Requirements
- Background check within 90 days of start, including SSN trace, alias searches, nationwide and international checks if applicable
- EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 90 days of start
- Education verification required for RRTs (must have graduated from an accredited Respiratory Care program)
- Drug testing: Negative 10-panel within 30 days of start (instant tests not accepted)
- Physical exam within 12 months of start
- Immunizations and health documents required:
- Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 12 months
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (every 10 years)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (vaccines or positive titers; no exemptions)
- Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or declination)
- Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer; boosters if low/equivocal)
- Seasonal flu vaccine required for new candidates starting October through March (no exemptions)
- Polio vaccine or signed attestation
Documentation & Verification
- Two professional references required from employment within the last 12 months (at least one supervisor)
- Employment application with 7 years of work history required
- Skills checklist must be updated annually
- Facility-specific documents and online modules must be completed prior to orientation
- Must set up a Duke Guest Account prior to clearance for access to orientation and work systems
Summary
This is a travel contract opportunity for an experienced RRT with specialized NICU and pediatric critical care skills. The role requires strong ventilator experience, multiple certifications, and compliance with strict health and background requirements. Weekend work is mandatory, and flu vaccination is strictly enforced. Orientation and training are provided, with ongoing competency assessments. Prior travel experience is not required.
Employer
Olaro
13 nurses recommend working with Olaro
Pros
Very friendly, extremely helpful and patient, explains the steps needed well and clearly. Very understanding and kind. Dave always made sure to keep in contact and help control my fears as I started my first travel assignment.
Cons
None.
Recommends working with Olaro

Olaro is a trusted partner in healthcare staffing, connecting nurses and allied healthprofessionals with opportunities nationwide. For over 35 years, we’ve helped cliniciansexpand their horizons by matching them with assignments that fit their lifestyle, careergoals, and personal ambitions.
At Olaro, we value your expertise and support your growth at every step. We offercompetitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and access to diverse clinical experiencesthat build your skills and open doors to new possibilities. With 24/7 support, streamlinedonboarding, and a team committed to your success, you’ll always have a proven guideby your side.
Whether you want to explore new locations, broaden your clinical experience, orachieve better work–life balance, Olaro provides the flexibility and support to help youthrive. Join us, and let’s shape the future of healthcare together.
About Durham, NC
As a Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist in Durham, NC here's what you should know:- The cost of living in Durham is slightly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Wages generally match up well with the cost of living.
- Durham experiences hot and humid summers with average highs around 89°F and mild winters with average lows around 30°F.
- Short-term rentals and furnished housing options are readily available in Durham, making it easy for travel nurses to find suitable accommodations.
- Durham is fairly car-friendly, but it also has a public transportation system including buses and a light rail system for easy commuting.
- Durham is a diverse city with a wide range of age groups.
- Common health issues include allergies and asthma due to pollen.
- There is a growing population of travel nurses in the area.
- Durham offers a vibrant food scene with diverse restaurants, a thriving arts and music community, opportunities for sports enthusiasts, and plenty of outdoor activities including hiking and biking trails.
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