NICU Respiratory Therapist
Columbus, Georgia
Piedmont Columbus Regional - Midtown

Job Opportunity: RRT-NICU (Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics)

Location: Columbus, Georgia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 14 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Respiratory Therapist with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience to work in a Level 3 NICU Regional Transport Center. The role involves managing advanced respiratory support modalities and attending high-risk deliveries.

Required Experience

• Minimum 1 year of specialty experience in Respiratory / Neuro Diagnostics (NICU)
• 1st time travelers are accepted
• Prior travel experience: Not explicitly required

Patient Population

• Neonates

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
• RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist)
• Georgia State License

Clinical Skills & Responsibilities

• Manage bubble CPAP, CPAP, NIV, conventional ventilation, oscillators
• Utilize nitric oxide therapy
• Attend high-risk deliveries
• Perform capillary blood gases and draw from lines

Work Environment & Schedule

• Level 3 NICU Regional Transport Center
• Unit systems include Epic, Pyxis, Draeger, Servo I, Viasys Vela, Sensormedic Oscillator, Viasys Avea
• Ratio/census varies
• Scrub color: Gray
• Return to Office (RTO) maximum 7 days
• Weekend shifts: Every other weekend
• Floating: Yes, within facility and possibly to sister campus within scope of practice
• Call requirements: Yes
• Holiday work expectations:

  • If 1 major holiday falls during assignment, expected to work it
  • If 2 major holidays fall, expected to work both
  • If 3 major holidays fall, expected to work 2 of them
• Major holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day

Compliance & Orientation

• Full compliance required to start on time
• Non-compliance results in a 2-week pushback due to bi-weekly orientation schedule
• Number of non-billable orientation hours depends on contract length (e.g., 14 weeks = 14 hours)

Required Documentation & Health Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License/State ID (photo ID required)
• Background check within 30 days of start, including education verification and criminal history
• Diplomas required for RRTs
• State license verification within 30 days of start (Georgia license required)
• Annual NURSYS verification for RN, LPN/LVN, AP if applicable
• Physical exam within 12 months of start
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 12 months; TB questionnaire updated annually
• Immunizations or positive titers for:

  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B (series, titer, or declination)
  • Varicella
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 30 days of start (instant drug screen acceptable under certain conditions)
• Flu vaccination or signed declination required during flu season (Nov 1 - Mar 31)

Competency Exams & Additional Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam (required for RNs and LVNs by Aya)
• Color blind testing required
• Competency exam required for nursing and allied health by Aya
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required for certain specialties (noted for reference)
• Review and sign Code of Conduct and Dress/Professional Appearance policies prior to start

References & Verification

• Two clinical references required by Aya (not required by client)
• Skills checklist updated within 12 months
• Verification of most recent employer required (can be pending at start with proof of processing)

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity NICU setting with advanced respiratory care technologies and a supportive team environment. Ideal candidates will have strong neonatal respiratory skills, required certifications, and the ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, holidays, and call.