Respiratory Therapist - NICU
Durham, North Carolina
Duke University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist - NICU

Location

• Durham, North Carolina

Employment Type

• Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 13 weeks

Work Schedule

• Day shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 AM – 7:30 PM)
• Weekend Requirement: 6 weekend shifts per schedule (schedule published in 6-week blocks)

Patient Population

• Neonates, Infants, Pediatrics, Adolescents, Adults

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in NICU, pediatric critical care, pediatrics, and emergency department (ED)
• Level IV NICU experience is mandatory
• Experience with high frequency jet ventilator and oscillating ventilator
• Experience with pediatric cardiac anomalies

Required Certifications and Qualifications

• Valid Registered Respiratory Therapist license in North Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of Respiratory Therapist experience, including pediatric respiratory therapy
• Respiratory Therapist experience within the last year
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Orientation

• Bi-weekly orientation sessions

Required Documentation and Compliance

• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license)
• Social Security Card (if used for I-9 verification)
• Background checks within 90 days of start, including:

  • SSN trace, county, alias, nationwide, sex offender, international (if applicable)
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks
  • Education verification confirming graduation from an accredited Respiratory Care program
• Drug test: Negative 10-panel (including THC) within 30 days of start (no instant tests)
• Physical exam within 12 months of start
• Immunizations and health requirements:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine every 10 years (no exemptions)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccination or positive antibody titers (no exemptions)
  • Hepatitis B titer, vaccine series, or declination
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer (may start with 2nd booster pending)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine required during flu season (no exemptions)
  • Polio vaccine or signed attestation
• Competency exam and unit-specific competency checklist to be completed within 3 weeks after start
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Blue Card training provided onsite if not already held
• Facility-specific online modules must be completed prior to orientation
• Candidate must set up a facility guest account prior to clearance for access to orientation and work systems

References and Employment History

• Two professional references required from employment within the last 12 months; at least one must be a supervisor
• Employment application with 7 years of work history required

Additional Notes

• First-time travelers are welcome to apply
• Local candidates within 75 miles are considered with adjusted rates
• No on-call requirement for this position

This position is ideal for experienced respiratory therapists with strong NICU and pediatric critical care backgrounds who are comfortable working in a high-acuity environment with advanced ventilator technologies.