Job Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - NICU is a highly specialized clinician responsible for providing advanced respiratory care to critically ill neonates, premature infants, and infants with complex cardiopulmonary disorders. This role involves the assessment, treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, and care of patients from birth to term-corrected age, working within a multidisciplinary team to optimize respiratory function and patient outcomes.

Years of Experience: 2 year(s)

2 years Level 3 or 4 NICU or PICU experience required.

Skills REQ: Critical Care and Trauma Experience, NICU or PICU experience

Certifications: BLS, CRT, NRBC, preferred, ACLS*, NRP*, PALS*, RRT*

Charting System: Epic

Shift: Night 3x12-Hour (19:00 - 07:00)

Assignment Length : 26 or 13 weeks

First Timers Accepted : Yes

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Neonatal Respiratory Care:

  • Initiate, manage, monitor, and adjust mechanical ventilation (conventional, HFOV, non-invasive) and other advanced life support techniques (e.g., Nitric Oxide therapy , ECMO support) for neonates.
  • Perform and interpret arterial blood gas (ABG) and other point-of-care testing, making appropriate ventilatory adjustments based on results and patient status.
  • Administer aerosolized medications, bronchodilators, and pulmonary hygiene therapy.

• Assessment and Monitoring:

* Conduct comprehensive respiratory assessments of neonates, including auscultation, vital sign monitoring, and assessment of work of breathing and oxygenation status.
* Monitor, record, and interpret physiological data, reporting any changes or complications immediately to the attending physician or nurse practitioner.
* Maintain and troubleshoot all respiratory equipment, ensuring proper functionality and safety.

• Emergency Response:

* Provide expert respiratory support during high-risk deliveries, neonatal resuscitations ( _NRP_ certified), and emergent transports.
* Assist with intubation, airway management, and chest compressions during Code events.

• Collaboration and Documentation:

* Collaborate effectively with neonatologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other ancillary staff to develop and implement individualized care plans.
* Educate parents and staff on respiratory equipment, procedures, and home care needs.
* Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of all therapy, assessments, and patient response in the electronic health record (EHR).

Required Skills and Competencies

• Expert knowledge of neonatal pulmonary pathophysiology and advanced mechanical ventilation strategies specific to neonates.
• Proficiency in managing and troubleshooting complex respiratory equipment (e.g., various ventilators, non-invasive devices, oxygen delivery systems).
• Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in high-stress, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to function independently and as a strong, communicative member of a team.
• Excellent manual dexterity and comfort performing procedures on fragile, critically ill infants.
• Commitment to patient safety, infection control practices, and evidence-based respiratory care protocols.