Registered Respiratory Therapist - NICU
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)
  • Level IV NICU experience is a hard requirement
  • 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-timers are welcome
• Weekend Requirement: Yes, 6 weekend shifts per schedule (schedule published in 6-week blocks)
• On-Call: Not applicable
• Flu Vaccine: Required with no exemptions or declinations accepted

Orientation & Scheduling

• Orientation sessions held bi-weekly
• Schedule organized in 6-week blocks

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Background checks including SSN trace, county checks for past 7 years, sex offender, international searches (if applicable), education verification, and others must be completed within 90 days of start
• Drug testing: Negative 10-panel within 30 days of start (no instant tests)
• Physical exam within 12 months of start
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Flu vaccine (mandatory, no exemptions)
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (every 10 years)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccinations or positive titers (no exemptions)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or declination)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer; boosters if low/equivocal)
  • Polio vaccine or attestation
• Two professional references required from employment within last 12 months (at least one supervisor)
• Employment application and skills checklist must be completed and updated annually
• Candidate must set up a Duke Guest Account prior to clearance for access to orientation and work systems

Additional Notes

• Local candidates within 75 miles are considered
• Candidates must comply with all facility-specific competency checklists and online modules prior to or during orientation
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training provided during orientation (valid for 2 years)
• Color blind testing required only for phlebotomists (not applicable here)

This position is ideal for RRTs with NICU and pediatric critical care experience looking for a travel contract in North Carolina with a reputable healthcare system.