Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

About the Position

This travel opportunity places a Registered Respiratory Therapist in the respiratory therapy unit of a hospital in Waimea, Hawaii. The role is designed for a professional who exercises considerable independent clinical judgment, applying scientific knowledge to solve practical respiratory care problems in accordance with physician orders. You will be responsible for independently administering respiratory tests and treatments to a diverse patient population, including critically ill, pediatric, and neonatal patients.

As a traveler, you must be flexible and prepared to work shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. A critical prerequisite for this position is holding valid Hawaii Respiratory Therapist licenses. Candidates are strongly encouraged to research housing options in the area before applying, as this is a remote location requiring specific logistical preparation.

Day in the Life

Your day will involve initiating, monitoring, and maintaining life support systems, such as volume and pressure cycled respiration units for patients requiring continuous ventilation. This includes performing emergency intubations, setting ventilator controls, and consulting with physicians to determine the appropriate mode of therapy, such as IMV, CPAP, or BiPAP. You will also manage the weaning process, secure airways, and perform necessary suctioning and tube changes.

You will serve as a vital member of the resuscitation team, administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and managing airways during critical transfers to the Intensive Care Unit. Your responsibilities extend to providing comprehensive patient evaluations, interpreting chest x-rays and laboratory results, and recommending treatment plans directly to physicians. You will administer age-specific treatments, including nebulizer therapies and chest physiotherapy, while monitoring patients for adverse reactions and adjusting machine controls to ensure optimal outcomes.

Additionally, you will operate specialized equipment for pulmonary function testing and pulse oximetry, conduct sleep studies (polysomnography), and assist with electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode placement. A significant portion of your role involves patient and family education, instructing individuals on breathing exercises, aerosol treatments, and disease management processes to support their recovery and long-term health.

Hiring Process & Application

To proceed with this 13-week contract, candidates must possess the required Hawaii licenses and be ready to start ASAP. Once confirmed, please send a message to the facility via the Medefis portal including your date of arrival on the island and a list of any remaining compliance items.

Required Onboarding Steps:

• Complete the Core Exam (Allied/Non-Nursing)
• Complete the Respiratory Therapist Exam
• Complete the Respiratory Therapist Skills Checklist

Culture & Compliance

We adhere to strict safety and infection control policies, requiring all staff to report unsafe equipment immediately. The role demands maintaining a clean, well-stocked, and safe environment for both patients and staff, as well as upholding the strictest confidentiality regarding all facility and employee information. This position offers a unique opportunity to serve in a specialized unit while contributing to the health of the Waimea community.