The challenges facing the new graduate pediatric RCP are significant. Acutely ill children, in combination with a high technology environment, mandate that the new graduate must have the finest education, extended clinical experiences under the guidance of a preceptor and appropriate support systems to make the successful transition from respiratory therapy student to professional respiratory therapist.

Our comprehensive 3-month Residency includes:

One-on-one clinical training with expert preceptors for all clinical experiences -Your specially trained preceptors will work with you to provide challenging patient care experiences. Your preceptor will teach you technical skills, share clinical knowledge and help you develop your clinical decision making skills. Our Residents receive over 250 hours of one-on-one precepted time.

Classroom education – The CHOC Residents receive 150 hours of classroom and skills lab education, taught by our healthcare specialists. This training gives you the tools necessary to successfully make the transition from graduate to professional RCP.

Dedicated mentors – Your mentor isn’t a preceptor or your manager, but a RCP on staff at CHOC who will support you and help you navigate the complexities of respiratory care. Residents who have a mentor find that they have enhanced critical thinking, self-esteem, independent thinking, and emotional maturity.

Support groups – All Residents participate in support groups led by facilitators. These groups offer you a safe, confidential environment in which to share your experiences and help you develop the tools you need to deal with the stresses associated with being an RCP.

Extensive, individualized rotations for all appropriate hospital areas – These rotations allow you to become familiar with all the units and areas of the hospital where we provide patient care.

Additional benefits of this paid Residency include:

• Promotional opportunities upon completion of the
• Residency
• Generous shift differentials
• Retirement plan, including tax-deferred savings
• Comprehensive, flexible employee benefits package

Pediatric specialty areas:

• Pediatric Medical/Surgical Unit
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
• Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
• Transports
• Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• High Risk Deliveries

Frequently asked questions about the RCP Residency:

How many hours per week do the RCP Residents work?
68 – 76 hours per pay period (pay period is 2 weeks).

Will I be working weekends and holidays?
Each Resident follows the schedule of the preceptor. The Resident works on the weekends and holidays that match with the preceptor’s schedule to complete the hours needed.

What time and scheduling commitments are involved with the Residency Program?
The pay period is divided between 8 hour class days and 12 hour shifts on the units. ¼ of the 3 months is devoted to RCP Residency core pediatric classes. ¾ of the 3 months is devoted to time on the unit with your preceptor and looping to other areas of the hospital.

Number of days per week: varies from week to week depending on number of unit days and Residency classes. Plan on 4 days per week when combining classroom and unit time.

The first month is day shift as well as subsequent months where class days are combined with unit days.

Flexibility is very important. The RCP Residency Coordinator will assist you as much as possible to meet occasional scheduling needs.

What is the RCP Residency hourly pay rate?
The beginning hourly rate for the RCP Resident is the same as an RCP I. After completion of the Residency, you will automatically be promoted to an RCP 2. The Director of Respiratory Services has the exact figures and will spend time with you discussing your individual pay.

What benefits does the Residency program offer?

• Medical and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Shift differentials
• Bonuses
• Tuition reimbursement (available after two years of employment)

Who can answer any further questions I have regarding the RCP Residency?
If you would like to speak to someone from the RCP Residency, please feel free to call us any time.

Contact the RCP Residency in Pediatrics Office, Monday-Friday, at 714-289-4705.