Respiratory Therapist

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 ResponsibilitiesVentilator 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 RequirementsCredentials: 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 TrendsShift Availability: Night shifts (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM) are the most prevalent contract openings, though day shifts open up periodically.