Registered Respiratory Therapist - NICU
San Luis Obispo, California
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist - NICU

Location

• San Luis Obispo, California

Employment Type

• Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 13 weeks

Shift Details

• Night Shift: 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM
• Schedule: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (rotating days, no fixed schedule)

Specialty

• Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) focus with neonatal intubation experience

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of critical care experience
• 2-3 years specifically in NICU with neonatal intubation experience

Required Certifications and Licenses

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential preferred
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required at hire or within 90 days
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required at hire or within 90 days
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification required at hire or within 90 days

Job Responsibilities

• Provide respiratory care services for adult, geriatric, and neonatal patients as ordered by physicians
• Perform neonatal intubation and assist with neonatal transports on occasion
• Administer aerosol and oxygen therapy, ventilator care, and arterial blood gas draws
• Document care, maintain records, and complete electronic medical records and charges
• Assist in training and supervision of new employees
• Support physicians during bronchoscopies and special procedures
• Maintain respiratory therapy equipment and ensure compliance with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) bundles
• Provide patient and family education on cardio-respiratory diseases and treatments
• Participate in quality control, staff scheduling, and competency assessments

Required Documentation and Compliance

• Current picture identification (Driver’s License or State ID)
• Background check covering the last 7 years, including social security trace, county/state/federal court jurisdictions, and national sex offender registry
• Drug testing within 30 days before start (specific drug panels required)
• Physical exam within 90 days before start
• Immunizations and titers:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
  • Negative TB test (QGold or TSpot) updated annually
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (positive titers or vaccination series; declinations may be accepted depending on vaccine)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or facility-specific exemption required during flu season
• COVID-19 seasonal booster or facility-specific declination required
• N95 fit test documentation preferred (may be completed onsite)
• Completion of unit-specific skills checklist and competency exams (e.g., medication, dysrhythmia/EKG, conscious sedation) through approved vendors
• Annual acknowledgment of orientation safety manual
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) or Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification may be required depending on unit

Additional Requirements

• Complete employment application/resume with 7-year work history including gaps
• Two clinical references verified within one year of start
• Photo for badge (passport style, high resolution, no filters/selfies)
• Compliance with all required vaccinations as a condition of employment (medical and religious exemptions may apply)

Notes

• Occasional call for neonatal transports may be required
• The facility includes a Level III NICU and is a designated trauma center
• The position requires the ability to work independently and supervise others as delegated

This summary includes all relevant information for healthcare recruiters and respiratory therapists considering this NICU travel contract position.