NICU Respiratory Therapist
Durham, North Carolina
Duke University Hospital

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.