NICU Respiratory Therapist
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist - NICU

Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 26 weeks (approximately 6 months)
Shift: 3x12 hour night shifts, 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM, every other week (EOW)
Weekend/Holiday Work: Every other weekend and holidays as needed
Floating: Must be prepared to float between NICU and Pediatric units, and between multiple campuses as needed

Job Description

• Work in a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Must have NICU experience and be proficient with neonatal oscillating ventilators
• Must have experience with Draeger ventilators
• Will float between hospital campuses as needed
• May be asked to orientate students or new hires
• Facility is a short-term acute care hospital with Level II Trauma Center designation

Required Qualifications

• Valid Respiratory Therapist license in Connecticut
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist, including at least 2 years of NICU experience
• Respiratory Therapist experience within the last year
• Current BLS certification
• Experience working with neonate patients
• Experience with neonatal oscillating ventilators
• Experience with Draeger ventilators
• Level 1 trauma experience
• NICU experience

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)

Competency Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam with minimum 85% score, including NICU pharmacology portion
• Color Blind Testing (required for all candidates starting 8/2/2024 or later)
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam (not required for NICU)

Background and Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 12 months of start, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start
• Education verification including foreign equivalency evaluation if applicable
• Employment application with 7-year work history and no gaps greater than 90 days
• Work history verification for last 7 years (attestations not accepted)
• Attestation of prior radiation exposure if applicable

Health and Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam within 12 months of start
• Fit mask test within 12 months of start, updated annually (3M N95 preferred)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray documentation
• Annual TB questionnaire
• Required immunizations or proof of immunity:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B (or declination within 1 year)
• 10-panel drug screen within 12 months of start
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption (required during flu season)
• COVID vaccination series preferred

Additional Facility-Specific Training and Documentation

• Completion of various required training modules and attestations including but not limited to:

  • Stroke Education (not required for NICU)
  • CLABSI Prevention
  • Preventing Pressure Injury
  • Language Services Training
  • CAUTI Education (not required for NICU)
  • Patient Transportation with Oxygen
  • Suicide Risk and Environmental Assessment
  • Pyxis ES MedStation Modules
  • Baxter Pump Interoperability
  • Patient Bedside Rounding (except OR, Behavioral Health, Ambulatory, ER/ED)
  • Ventricular Assist Device Awareness (not required for NICU)
  • Blood Administration Module (except Behavioral Health, Home Health)
  • New Employee Orientation
  • 21st Century Cures Act Module (required for RRT)
  • Chaperone Policy Training
  • EPIC Testing (optional but highly encouraged)

Notes

• Floating between units and campuses is expected based on census and staffing needs
• Travelers may be asked to assist with orientation of new staff or students
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required for this position

This position is ideal for experienced Respiratory Therapists with strong NICU skills, especially those proficient with neonatal oscillating and Draeger ventilators, seeking a travel contract in Connecticut.