Adult Critical Care Respiratory Therapist
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

• Specialty: Adult Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in Critical Care
• Shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7 PM - 7:30 AM)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• On-call: Not required
• Floating: Possible floating within adult population to main hospital only, same policies and equipment
• First-time travelers: Not accepted

Patient Population & Unit Highlights

• Adult critical care units including:

  • Cardiovascular ICU (21 beds)
  • Medical-Surgical ICU (18 beds)
  • Postoperative cardiac, thoracic, vascular surgery patients
  • Heart & lung transplant, durable LVAD, ECMO, IABP, Impella
  • Complex cardiology patients, post cardiac arrest, acute MI, decompensated heart failure
  • ARDS, septic shock, hematologic & oncologic emergencies
  • GI hemorrhage, pulmonary hypertension, perforated viscous

Required Qualifications

• Valid Respiratory Care Practitioner license in South Carolina
• NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification
• Minimum 2 years of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) adult critical care experience, including experience within the last year
• Experience working with adult patients
• Current ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification

Additional Requirements

• Fit test: N95 fit test within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Background checks: Comprehensive background checks including SSN trace, criminal, sex offender registry, and education verification
• Drug screening: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start
• Health documents:

  • Physical exam updated annually
  • Immunizations and titers (Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B) or documented declinations
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 90 days
  • Flu vaccine required during flu season or medical/religious exemption
• Photo: Passport-style photo required for badge issuance prior to start
• References: Proof of 2 clinical references required
• Employment history: Verification of last 3 clinical employers

Work Environment

• Facility Type: Teaching hospital, Magnet designated, Level 1 Trauma center
• Charting system: Epic
• Parking: Paid parking required for nights and weekends (one-time fee)
• Hurricane season: Travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during June-November; consider this before accepting assignment

Scheduling & Time Off

• Block scheduling: Possible with prior approval (not guaranteed)
• Radius rule: 60 miles
• Locals: Considered on a case-by-case basis
• Guaranteed hours: Facility may cancel 1 shift every 2 weeks
• Time off requests: Must be submitted with assignment and approved based on unit needs

Notes

• Radiation badge: Not required for this position
• Floating to sister facilities: Not required
• COVID-19 vaccination: Not required but highly preferred; vaccination records must be uploaded or declination form completed

This position is ideal for experienced adult critical care respiratory therapists seeking a travel contract in a high-acuity teaching hospital environment with advanced cardiopulmonary patient populations.