PICU Respiratory Therapist
Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston Area Medical Center Women and Children's Hospital

Job Opportunity: Respiratory Therapist (RRT or CRT) - PICU Focus

Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Details

• Shift: 3x12 hour night shifts (7 PM - 7 AM), weekdays with some weekends and float
• Work Settings: PICU, ER, Critical Care, General Care (Adults and/or Pediatrics)
• Floating: Required within scope to meet facility needs, including sister facilities
• Weekend Requirement: Yes
• Orientation: Every other Tuesday
• Local Radius Rule: 75-100 miles considered for local candidates
• Guaranteed Hours: 72-80 hours per pay period

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Specialty: Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics
• Years of Experience Required: Minimum 1 year (higher value confirmed)
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required
• Certifications Required:

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) license
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA only
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - AHA only
  • NALS (Neonatal Advanced Life Support) for Pediatrics
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only
• Licensing:

  • Valid state license accepted, pending state license accepted
  • Valid Driver’s License required
• Additional Requirements:

  • Must be ready to work independently in PICU and ER settings, sometimes with only 2 therapists on night shift
  • Ability to float as needed
  • Must submit Return to Work (RTO) requests two weeks prior to schedule and get manager approval

Facility Highlights

• Short Term Acute Care Hospital
• Level IV Trauma Center
• Major teaching hospital
• 838 staffed beds
• Electronic charting system: Cerner
• Free parking for travelers
• Scrub color provided

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start, signed by appropriate healthcare provider, confirming good health and no physical limitations
• Annual fit mask testing (N95 3M 1860 Small or Regular, Aura 9205) required; onsite fit testing may be accommodated
• Required vaccinations and titers:

  • Tdap (mandatory, no declinations accepted; medical/religious exemptions require approval)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 vaccines or positive titers required; boosters if negative/equivocal)
  • Hepatitis B (series or positive titer required; declination allowed if series completed and negative titer)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titers required; boosters if negative/equivocal)
  • Seasonal Flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season
  • COVID-19 vaccination not mandatory; proof of vaccination or signed declination accepted
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 3 months of start; annual TB questionnaire for positive responders
• Drug screen within 30 days of start, including a comprehensive panel (amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, opiates, etc.)
• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, sex offender search, and national/international checks if applicable
• Annual renewal of certain background checks and certifications as required

Additional Compliance & Training

• Completion of facility-specific orientation (2 days: Thursday and Friday) including Cerner Infusion Management
• Completion of required inservice training modules prior to start (approx. 4 hours)
• Review and acknowledgment of facility policies including dress code, blood administration, time and attendance, and vaccination exemption forms if applicable
• Annual skills checklist for specialty required
• References: One professional reference from a manager, supervisor, or charge nurse within the past year

Summary

This travel Respiratory Therapist position requires a minimum of 1 year of experience, with strong preference for PICU and ER experience. The role involves night shifts with some weekend work and floating responsibilities. Candidates must hold current RRT or CRT licensure and required certifications (ACLS, PALS, NALS, BLS). The facility is a large Level IV Trauma Center with a teaching hospital environment, offering a supportive setting with free parking and provided scrubs. Compliance with extensive health, background, and training requirements is mandatory. Prior travel experience is not required.