Adult Critical Care Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - University Hospital

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

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: 3x12 hour shifts (7:00 AM - 7:30 PM), holidays required
Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
On-call: No
Floating: Possible floating to adult population within the same hospital with similar policies and equipment; no floating to sister facilities

Job Description

Seeking an experienced Adult Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with critical care expertise. Candidates with Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certification may be considered but preference is for RRT.

Patient Population & Unit Highlights

• Nearly 200 beds including:

  • 2 ICUs (Cardiovascular ICU with 21 beds, Medical-Surgical ICU with 18 beds)
  • 2 step-down floors
  • 4 general acute care floors
  • 21-bed emergency department
• Complex patient cases including:

  • Postoperative cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery patients
  • Heart and lung transplant, durable LVAD patients
  • Temporary mechanical circulatory support (ECMO, IABP, Impella)
  • Complex cardiology patients (post cardiac arrest, acute MI, decompensated heart failure)
  • Medical-surgical ICU patients with ARDS, septic shock, hematologic and oncologic emergencies, GI hemorrhage, pulmonary hypertension, perforated viscous

Facility Type

• Teaching hospital
• Magnet designated
• Level 1 Trauma center
• Charting system: Epic

Required Qualifications

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

Schedule & Work Conditions

• Floating within adult population only, no floating to sister facilities
• Guaranteed hours with allowance for one shift call-off every two weeks
• Radius rule: 60 miles
• Locals may be accepted on a case-by-case basis

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including 7-year history, criminal, sex offender registry, and federal exclusions
• Primary source verification of licenses and certifications
• Drug screening (10-panel) within 90 days of start
• Fit test for N95 mask within 90 days of start, renewed annually
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 90 days
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination documentation
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccination or declination
  • Flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption (flu season August-April)
• Physical exam updated annually attesting ability to meet job demands
• Color blind testing prior to start
• Competency exams as applicable
• Clear, passport-style photo for badge required before start

Additional Notes

• Hurricane season (June-November) may require assignment to emergency response teams
• Orientation modules must be completed prior to start; failure to complete may result in being sent home
• COVID-19 vaccination is highly preferred but not required; declination form must be completed if not vaccinated
• All required documents and certifications must be valid and not expiring within 30 days of assignment start

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity, teaching hospital environment with a diverse and complex patient population requiring advanced respiratory care skills.