Respiratory Therapist - NICU
Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Mercy Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - NICU

Location

• Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Employment Type

• Travel / Contract

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Shift Details

• Night shift: 6:45 PM to 7:15 AM (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each)
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend maximum, potentially every third weekend

Facility Type

• Acute Care Hospital
• Teaching hospital with Level 2 Trauma Center
• Total staffed beds: 258

Job Description

• Primarily working with adult patients; occasional work in NICU
• Provide comprehensive respiratory therapy including:

  • Patient assessment and education
  • Invasive and non-invasive ventilation
  • Arterial blood gas (ABG) collection and analysis
  • CPR
  • Inhaled medication administration
  • Complex oxygen therapy
  • Airway clearance and inflation techniques
  • Bedside spirometry
• NICU responsibilities include bCPAP, HFNC, mechanical ventilation for neonates > 30 weeks gestational age
• Floating between two hospital campuses as needed (no floating outside these campuses)
• No on-call required

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Respiratory Therapist license in Minnesota
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, with experience within the last year
• Current and valid ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• Current and valid PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• Current and valid NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) certification issued by American Heart Association or American Academy of Pediatrics

Licensure

• Minnesota state license accepted, including pending licenses
• Must have primary source verification of license

Additional Requirements

• Background checks including criminal history within the last 7 years, EPLS/GSA/SAM, and HHS/OIG checks required
• Minnesota DHS Net Study Fingerprint clearance required before start; candidates cannot start with fingerprints pending unless a specific clearance letter is provided
• Physical exam within 12 months prior to start required
• Immunizations and health screenings required:

  • Tdap (with no declinations accepted unless approved exemption; restrictions apply if exempt)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella: proof of 2 vaccines or positive titer required (no exemptions accepted)
  • Hepatitis B: proof of immunity or vaccination series or signed declination
  • Varicella: proof of immunity or vaccination series (no exemptions accepted)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination documentation required for 2025-2026 season (declinations accepted)
• OSHA Respiratory Safety clearance required prior to start for fit testing
• Completion of facility-specific preorientation online modules within 72 hours of receiving access (approximately 5.5 hours for RRT)
• Medication and pharmacology competency exams required
• Annual skills checklist required

Work Environment

• Charting system: Epic (Excellian)
• Scrub color: Olive Green
• Free parking available

Scheduling Notes

• Block scheduling may be accommodated but not guaranteed
• Maximum requested time off ideally no more than 5 days
• Client may cancel up to 3 shifts without penalty

Candidate Restrictions

• Local candidates within 100-mile radius not accepted
• Prior travel experience is not required

This position offers an opportunity to work in a well-equipped acute care teaching hospital with a focus on respiratory care for adults and neonates. The role requires strong clinical skills, relevant certifications, and compliance with state and facility-specific health and safety requirements.