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

Job Opportunity: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

• Specialty: Adult Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with critical care experience
• Shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• On-call: Not required
• Floating: Possible floating within adult population to main hospital only, same policies and equipment
• First-time travelers: Not accepted

Patient Population & Unit Details

• Facility includes nearly 200 beds with:

  • 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
• Patient types include:

  • Postoperative cardiac, thoracic, and complex vascular surgery patients
  • Heart and lung transplant patients, durable LVAD
  • 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

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

Facility Highlights

• Teaching hospital with Magnet designation and Level 1 Trauma center
• Uses Epic electronic health record system
• Caribbean Blue scrub color
• Parking available with nominal cost for nights and weekends

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including 7-year history, criminal, sex offender registry, and federal exclusions
• Primary source verification of licensure and certifications
• Drug screening: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start
• Health documents:

  • Annual physical exam attesting ability to meet job demands
  • Fit test for N95 mask within 90 days, renewed annually
  • Immunizations and titers: Tdap, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, Hepatitis B, TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold within 90 days)
  • Flu vaccine required during flu season or medical/religious exemption accepted (no declinations)
  • COVID vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
• Competency exams and medication/pharmacology tests as applicable
• Clear, passport-style photo for badge required prior to start
• Proof of 2 clinical references and complete employment application with no unaccounted gaps

Additional Notes

• Hurricane season (June-November) may require emergency response team participation
• Facility allows one shift call-off per two weeks
• Radius rule: 60 miles; local candidates considered on a case-by-case basis
• Block scheduling may be accommodated with prior approval but not guaranteed

This position is ideal for experienced adult critical care respiratory therapists seeking a travel contract in a high-acuity, teaching hospital environment with advanced cardiopulmonary patient populations.