Pediatric Respiratory Therapist
Columbia, Missouri
University of Missouri Hospital

Job Opportunity: Respiratory Therapist (Pediatrics)

Location

• Columbia, Missouri

Employment Type

• Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 13 weeks

Work Schedule

• Night shift: 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each)
• Must work at least 50% of holidays (every other week)
• Rotating shifts, holiday work, and work during inclement weather required
• Ability to float to other units as needed

Specialty & Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics, Pediatrics, NICU experience required
• Required years of experience: Not explicitly stated, but NICU/PEDS experience is mandatory (implies pediatric respiratory care experience)
• Prior travel experience: Not specified as required

Licensure & Certifications

• Respiratory Therapist license pending approval in Missouri is acceptable
• Required Certifications:

  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – must have at least one in hand; willing to screen if one is pending
  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) – must have at least one in hand; willing to screen if one is pending
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or ARC provider card required
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – required for RRTs/CRTs in this setting
• Additional certifications may be required depending on patient population; confirm with facility if needed

Physical & Job Demands

• Active role requiring ambulating, reaching, and moving objects over 20 lbs
• Exposure to patients with contagious illnesses
• Must be able to work full shifts, take call, work assigned weekends, and holidays

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID)
• Proof of E-Verify or Attestation
• Background Check: 7-year history, including alias search, counties lived/worked/school, federal and sex offender searches, social security trace, and international checks if applicable
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG Exclusion checks within 60 days of start
• State-specific background checks and registries (Missouri Family Care Safety Registry or Caregiver search) must be completed and on file before start
• Education verification as applicable
• Physical exam within 1 year of start (agency form acceptable)
• Negative drug screen (7 panel) within 60 days of start
• Fit mask test within 1 year of start (specific mask models required)
• Immunizations and health screenings:

  • TDAP vaccination within 10 years or approved exemption
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray per facility protocol; positive TB requires additional documentation/treatment
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity via titer or vaccination records
  • Hepatitis B series or positive titer; declinations not accepted for new candidates after 7/1/2023 unless approved exemption
  • Varicella immunity via titer or vaccination records
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption during flu season (Oct 1 - Mar 31)
• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement and HIPAA compliance forms
• Professional references: 2 required within last 2 years (not necessarily supervisors)
• Resume with minimum 7 years employment history or from graduation with no gaps over 30 days

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Pediatric Respiratory Therapist license in Missouri
• Minimum of 1 year of Pediatric Respiratory Therapist experience within the last year
• Experience working with pediatric patients
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) certification
• High School diploma or equivalent, or an Associate's degree (or equivalent credit hours) in a health science area

Additional Notes

• No local candidates within 50 miles
• Photo for badge required for new candidates only
• Must be able to work at the assigned location for the full contract term
• Must be able to work substantial portion of assigned shifts and take call as needed

This position is suited for experienced pediatric respiratory therapists with NICU experience who are comfortable working nights, holidays, and floating as needed in a high-activity hospital environment. Compliance with extensive background checks, immunizations, and certifications is mandatory.