Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist
Richland, WA
First Connect Health
3x12 hrs, Days, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Title: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) – NICU Specialist

Location: Richland, WA

Contract Duration: 13 Weeks

Shift: Choice of Days (07:00 – 19:00) or Nights (19:00 – 07:00)

Job Summary

A Facility in Richland, WA, a 337-bed facility, is seeking a specialized RRT for their high-acuity Level III/IV NICU. This is a critical role designed for therapists who possess expert-level skills in neonatal ventilation and stabilization. While the primary focus is the NICU, Kadlec’s team-oriented model requires flexibility to support the Neuro Trauma ICU and other adult critical care areas as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Neonatal Ventilation: Manage complex respiratory cases using High Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV), Oscillating Ventilators, and Pressure/Volume controlled ventilation.
• Specialized Neonatal Equipment: Operate the Bunnell Life Pulse High-Frequency Jet Ventilator, specifically used for infants with pulmonary air leaks or severe RDS.
• High-Risk Delivery Support: Assist the neonatal resuscitation team during high-risk deliveries, providing immediate airway stabilization and intubation assistance.
• Complex Diagnostics: Draw and interpret umbilical and arterial blood gases (ABGs) and perform bedside spirometry.
• Inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO): Administer and monitor iNO therapy for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
• Internal Floating: Maintain flexibility to float between the NICU and adult critical care units, including the Neuro Trauma ICU.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience. Must have Level III or IV NICU experience. * Secondary Experience: Prior experience in a Neuro Trauma ICU is highly preferred.
• Licensure: Valid Washington State Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license required at time of submission.
• Certifications:
  • RRT (NBRC)
  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) Mandatory
  • PALS, ACLS, and BLS (AHA)
• Technical Proficiency: Epic EMR experience is required.

Assignment Details & Expectations

• Shift Stability: The facility aims to keep agency staff on one consistent shift (Days or Nights) for the full 13 weeks; shift confirmation is usually provided 1–2 weeks before start.
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend rotation per CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).
• On-Call: Not required.
• Orientation: 40 hours of clinical orientation; 40 hours of non-billable pre-start modules.
• Floating: Mandatory internal floating between departments.
• Traveler Status: Open to first-time travelers.

Understanding NICU Levels

The Level III and IV designations indicate that this facility is equipped to handle the most vulnerable patients:

• Level III NICU: Capable of caring for babies born before 32 weeks, weighing less than 1,500g, and those requiring sustained life support or surgical repair of complex conditions.
• Level IV NICU: The highest designation, providing on-site pediatric surgical repair of serious congenital or acquired conditions and maintaining a full range of pediatric medical subspecialists 24/7.