Respiratory Therapist - NICU
Durham, North Carolina
Duke University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - NICU Experience

Location: Durham, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

Seeking a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience. The patient age group ranges from neonates to adults, with a focus on neonates, infants, pediatrics, and adolescents.

Required Qualifications

• Experience:
  Minimum 2 years of experience in NICU, pediatric critical care, pediatrics, and emergency department (ED).
  Must have Level IV NICU experience.
  Experience with high-frequency jet ventilators and oscillating ventilators is required.
  Experience with pediatric cardiac anomalies is preferred.

• Certifications:

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) license in North Carolina (NC RRT) — must have license in hand as processing can take 2-4 weeks.
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

• Schedule Requirements:

  • Weekend shifts required: 6 weekend shifts per schedule (schedule published in 6-week blocks).
  • On-call not required.

• Other Requirements:

  • Flu vaccination is mandatory; no exemptions or declinations accepted.
  • Physical exam within 12 months of start required.
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months required.
  • Drug testing required within 30 days of start.
  • Various immunizations required (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Polio, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap).
  • Background checks including education verification and multiple federal/state screenings required.
  • Must complete competency exams and facility-specific onboarding requirements.

Additional Information

• First-time travelers are welcome.
• Local candidates within 75 miles are considered.
• Orientation sessions occur bi-weekly.
• Candidates must set up a facility-specific guest account prior to clearance.
• Two professional references required, with at least one supervisor reference from employment within the last 12 months.
• Candidates must complete all required online modules and competency checklists as part of orientation and onboarding.

Summary

This is a travel Respiratory Therapist position requiring strong NICU and pediatric critical care experience, with specific ventilator expertise and multiple pediatric certifications. The role involves weekend shifts and strict compliance with immunization and health screening requirements. Prior travel experience is not required.