Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Job Description: NICU Respiratory Therapist (Per Diem)

•     Hours: 1900 – 0730

•     Job Type: Per Diem

•     Shift: Nights (12-hour shifts)

•     Department: Pulmonary Services / Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Position Summary

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) provides specialized respiratory care to neonatal patients and assist with functions necessary to support departmental operations. In addition, the RCP performs advanced respiratory therapy specifically within the NICU and critical care environments under minimal supervision. He/she shall complete established competencies for the position within designated periods and retain all applicable licensures and certifications necessary to provide specialized neonatal care.

Pulmonary Services is a full-service 24-hour department performing both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Responsibilities

1.    Performs direct and indirect respiratory care services in the NICU; including but not limited to: mechanical ventilation management (conventional, Jet, and high frequency), administration of pharmacological agents, blood gas sampling/analysis, clinical documentation, and care planning tailored to the neonatal population.

2.    Practices in accordance with regulatory standards and maintains compliance with facility policies and procedures.

3.    Establishes and maintains professional relationships with neonatal nurses, neonatologists, pediatricians, and other multidisciplinary care providers.

4.    Acts as a resource/consultant for other respiratory care practitioners and healthcare team members regarding neonatal respiratory interventions.

5.    Responds to emergency situations and facility CODEs, specifically attending high-risk deliveries, neonatal resuscitations, and NICU emergencies.

6.    Maintains competencies to ensure compliance with all regulatory statutes and specialized NICU clinical standards.

7.    Reports unusual patient conditions/reactions when identified to an immediate supervisor or attending physician, including completion of a facility electronic occurrence report as appropriate.

8.    Prepares and maintains electronic documentation of all work/services rendered, providing thorough written/verbal hand-off communication to oncoming staff during shift changes.

9.    Helps perform quality control and maintenance on neonatal respiratory care equipment, including incubators, ventilators, and blood gas analyzers.

10.   Helps maintain a safe working environment, including utilizing facility resources efficiently and effectively.

11.   Accurately identifies and addresses neonatal patient population-specific needs, considering gestational age, developmental stage, and complex pathophysiology.

12.   Participates in performance improvement activities, including department and facility-based quality measures focused on neonatal outcomes.

13.   Assists with orientation, education, and training of department staff regarding NICU-specific protocols as appropriate.

14.   Facilitates patient transport in/off campus.

Qualifications

Required:

1.    Current Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in the State of California.

2.    Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

3.    Graduate of a 2–4-year AMA therapist program, or equivalent.

4.    Licensure must be maintained and current at all times.

5.    Current American Heart Association BLS Certification (maintained current at all times).

6.    Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification (maintained current at all times).

7.    Minimum of three (3) years of acute care experience, including dedicated NICU experience.

8.    Completion of Desert Regional Medical Center’s intubation certification program within 90 days of hire (maintained current at all times).

Preferred:

1.    BSRT (bachelor’s in respiratory therapy)

2.    NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty)

3.    Membership in a professional organization (i.e., AARC, NBRC, etc.).

Desert Regional Medical Center Hospital is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work with advanced technology and be part of a healthcare community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients.

At Desert Regional Medical Center, we understand that our greatest asset is our dedicated team of professionals. That’s why we offer more than a job – we provide a comprehensive benefit package that prioritizes your health, professional development, and work-life balance. The available plans and programs include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off
• Career development and continuing education opportunities
• Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, auto & home insurance

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location and is determined by employment status

Desert Care Network serves the healthcare needs of the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin regions in Southern California with three hospitals Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio and Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. The hospital network provides advanced care with services such as comprehensive stroke care, a cancer center, a Level 1 Trauma Center and the only Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Coachella Valley. Desert Care Network is committed to healthcare equality. Join our team!