Registered Respiratory Therapist - Neonatal/Pediatric ECMO Specialist
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Children's Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist - Neonatal/Pediatric ECMO Specialist

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

This hybrid role combines responsibilities of a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and ECMO Specialist focused on neonatal and pediatric respiratory critical care. The position requires skillful operation and management of ECMO systems on critically ill patients. When ECMO assignments are unavailable, the therapist will provide general respiratory therapy support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate bedside pumps and assemble ECMO circuits
• Prime circuits and respond to emergencies within 10 minutes
• Manage CentraMag and Mag pumps
• Administer blood products, medications, and draw labs from ECMO circuits
• Travel with patients and provide in-room support
• Change out ECMO circuits and respond to clotting issues
• Must be familiar with centrifugal ECMO systems (not roller pumps)
• Routine management and operation of respiratory equipment

Schedule: Every third weekend required

Required Qualifications

• Valid Respiratory Therapist license in Massachusetts
• Minimum of 1 year of Respiratory Therapist experience
• Respiratory Therapist experience within the last year
• Pediatric Respiratory Therapist experience

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics
• Minimum years of experience: Not explicitly stated; assume at least entry-level to mid-level respiratory therapist experience with ECMO skills
• Prior travel experience: Not required

Required Certifications & Competencies

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• RRT or RRT-NPS credential
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) may be required depending on unit extension
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) preferred
• Verification of professional certification (e.g., NBRC for Respiratory Therapist)
• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam (pediatric focus)

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start, cleared to work without restrictions
• Immunizations and proof of immunity or vaccination for:

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B (series or declination)
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap
  • Seasonal Flu vaccine or approved exemption (required during flu season)
  • COVID-19 vaccine series or approved exemption
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within required timeframe
• Drug screening (9-panel) within last 12 months (not required for advanced practice nurses)
• Respiratory Safety clearance (RespSafety questionnaire and fit testing)
• Background checks including 10-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and state-specific clearances
• Professional references from two of the last three employers
• Employment application with 10-year work history and explanation for gaps over 30 days

Additional Notes

• Must be able to respond quickly and manage critical care ECMO equipment
• Hybrid role requires flexibility to cover both ECMO specialist and general respiratory therapy duties
• Massachusetts license can be pending at time of booking but must be obtained before or during assignment start
• Every third weekend work required

This position is ideal for respiratory therapists with neonatal/pediatric ECMO experience seeking a travel contract in a critical care setting.