Neonatal ICU Respiratory Therapist
Charlottesville, Virginia
University of Virginia Medical Center

Job Opportunity: RRT-NICU

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Specialty: Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Details

• Shift: Nights
• Hours: 36 or 48 hours per week
• Schedule: Every other weekend and every other holiday
• Unit: Children's hospital with a self-scheduling model (manager will explain; desired schedule not guaranteed but accommodated when possible)
• Work setting: NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) with preference for Cardiac PICU experience
• Must have Level 4 NICU experience
• ACCS certification preferred
• Required certifications:

  • RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• Licensure:

  • VA license pending acceptable if temporary license can be obtained before start
  • Must have another state license to be eligible for temporary license

Experience Requirements

• Specialty years of experience: Must have Level 4 NICU experience (interpreted as advanced NICU experience; no explicit years stated, so assume advanced level required)
• Prior travel experience: Not explicitly required

Certifications & Competencies

• Required:

  • RRT certification
  • BLS
  • PALS
• Preferred:

  • ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist)
  • Cardiac PICU experience
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit specifics (e.g., ACLS, NRP) but not explicitly stated as required for this role

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including 7-year criminal check, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG
• Education verification (official transcripts required)
• Drug testing (10-panel including marijuana and fentanyl) within 2 months of start, updated annually
• Immunizations and health screenings:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (no exemptions)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray (2-step PPD or Qgold acceptable)
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella (2 vaccines or positive titer, no declinations)
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody titer (positive required or antigen titer if antibody low/negative)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or titer; declination accepted but must be documented)
  • Flu vaccination required annually (no exemptions)
• Physical exam attesting ability to meet physical demands, updated annually
• Facility-specific forms and acknowledgments (e.g., professional appearance, TB screening, traveler compliance)
• Pass/Fail cardiac rhythm assessment during orientation (not required for NICU but noted for adult inpatient RNs)

Additional Notes

• Fingerprinting requirements may apply depending on unit
• Some certifications and testing requirements may vary by unit or specialty; consult manager for specifics
• Self-scheduling model with manager support but no guaranteed schedule

This position is ideal for experienced Respiratory Therapists with advanced NICU skills seeking a travel contract in a pediatric hospital setting.