NICU Respiratory Therapist
San Luis Obispo, California
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist - NICU (Travel/Contract)

Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)
Specialty: Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics
Employment Type: Travel/Contract

Job Summary

• Provide basic and critical respiratory care services for adult and geriatric patients.
• Work independently and supervise others as delegated.
• Deliver respiratory care for patients with respiratory diseases as ordered by physicians.
• Complete documentation including electronic medical records, flow sheets, and charges.
• Assist with ventilator care, arterial blood gases, aerosol and oxygen therapy.
• Support cardio-respiratory rehabilitation and patient/family education.
• Maintain and prepare respiratory therapy equipment.
• Assist physicians with bronchoscopies and special procedures.
• Participate in quality control, staff scheduling, and competency assessments.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an approved Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum standard for RRT positions (typically 1+ years).

Licenses & Certifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from NBRC OR Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA or ARC).
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

All certifications must be current or obtained within 90 days of hire.

Prior Travel Experience

• No explicit requirement for prior travel experience mentioned.

Essential Functions

• Assess and document appropriateness of prescribed respiratory therapies.
• Administer aerosol and oxygen therapy; maintain patient charts.
• Draw arterial blood gases as per policy and physician orders.
• Provide care to ventilated patients and ensure compliance with ventilator bundles.
• Assist in training and supervising new employees.
• Maintain respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.
• Provide patient and family education on cardio-respiratory diseases.
• Serve as a technical resource to physicians and hospital staff.

Compliance & Health Requirements

• Must comply with all required vaccinations as a condition of employment (medical and religious exemptions may apply).
• Background check covering the last 7 years required.
• Physical exam required within 90 days of start.
• Drug testing required within 30 days before start.
• Negative TB test (QGold/TSpot) required within 30 days of start and annually thereafter.
• Immunizations or positive titers required for:

  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season.
• COVID-19 seasonal booster required or approved declination form.

Additional Requirements

• Current picture identification (Driver’s License or State ID).
• Completion of unit-specific skills checklist.
• Two clinical references verified within one year of start.
• Complete employment application/resume with 7-year work history.
• Competency exams and medication/pharmacology tests as required.
• Fit mask (N95) test preferred; may be conducted onsite if necessary.

Work Environment

• Acute care facility with Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and trauma center.
• Coastal California location with access to community amenities and natural attractions.

This position is represented by SEIU.