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)
  • Hard Stop Requirements:

    • Level IV NICU experience
    • 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)
• Prior Travel Experience: Not explicitly required (First-timer travel candidates are accepted)
• Schedule Requirements:

  • 6 weekend shifts per schedule (schedule published in 6-week blocks)
  • On-call not required
• Orientation: Bi-weekly
• Other Requirements:

  • Flu vaccination is mandatory; no exemptions or declinations accepted

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Background Checks:

  • Must be completed within 90 days of start
  • Includes SSN trace, county searches for past 7 years, alias, nationwide, sex offender, international (if applicable), education verification, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, OFAC sanctions list search (within 30 days)
• Health Documents:

  • Physical exam within 12 months
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 12 months
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine every 10 years
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella immunizations or positive titers (no exemptions)
  • Hepatitis B titer, vaccine series, or declination
  • Varicella immunization or positive titer (boosters required if low/equivocal)
  • Drug testing: Negative 10-panel within 30 days of start (instant tests not accepted)
  • Flu seasonal vaccination for 2025-26 season (mandatory for new candidates starting Oct-Mar)
  • Polio vaccine or signed attestation
• References:

  • Two professional references from employment within last 12 months, at least one supervisor
• Employment Application: Required with 7 years of work history
• Skills Checklist: Must be updated annually

Additional Notes

• Candidates must set up a Duke Guest Account prior to clearance to access orientation and work systems.
• Competency exams and unit-specific training are required.
• Color blind testing required for phlebotomists (not disqualifying if not passed).
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training provided during orientation (valid for 2 years).
• All required online modules must be completed prior to orientation.
• Candidate must comply with all facility-specific onboarding and documentation deadlines.

This position is suitable for respiratory therapists with NICU and pediatric critical care experience looking for a travel contract in North Carolina. First-time travel therapists are welcome.