Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) contract jobs in Richmond, VA typically offer
13-week assignments with standard
36-hour weekly schedules (3x12 shifts). These contract positions span several specialties, including adult critical care, inpatient rehab
Core Job Responsibilities
- Ventilator Management: Initiate, monitor, and manage invasive mechanical ventilation and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (BiPAP/CPAP).
- Patient Assessments: Perform focused cardiopulmonary exams, evaluate breath sounds, interpret airway patency, and modify care plans.
- Therapy Administration: Deliver aerosolized medications, oxygen therapy, and chest physiotherapy.
- Emergency Response: Provide airway care, resuscitation, and rapid response support during clinical emergencies.
- Diagnostics: Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) draws, analyze lab values, and run bedside spirometry.
Typical Contract Requirements
- Credentials: Active National Board for Respiratory Care Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
- Licensure: Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Respiratory Therapist license.
- Certifications: BLS is required;ACLS, PALS, or NRP are heavily preferred depending on unit placement (e.G., NICU).
- Experience: Most contract agencies require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of recent acute care hospital experience.
Current Compensation & Market Trends
- Shift Availability: Night shifts (7: 00 PM –7: 00 AM) are the most prevalent contract openings, though day shifts open up periodically.