Respiratory Therapy

Introduction

The professional discipline of respiratory therapy involves the use of continually changing technical equipment and practices. Fiscal restraints in public health care, often mean practice and education support for the front-line clinician stretch. Maintenance of competency becomes equally important with the integration of new equipment and patient care guidelines, for the therapist with 20 years experience as it is with the new graduate. In the cyclical nature of health workforce shortages, employee retention is a focus for any employer. Retention programs for other health care disciplines have identified autonomy, communication and recognition as key components for organizational commitment. (Hanania, 2005, 118)

Follwing is the key components of organizational commitment:

Positive communication with department leaders fosters a culture of mutual trust. It is a valuable contributor to employee loyalty. In a synthesis, of employee motivation theories.

Critical factors contributing to staff retention are Isolated professional development, recognition of effort, and work environment.

Assisting employees in career planning are an additional strategy that can provide succession planning, and contribute to organizational success ". (Hanania, 2005, 118)

I am interested in health care career, and this is a good time to start my preparation for it. I have to take plenty of courses in science, math, and health. To become a respiratory therapist, I will need to attend an accredited program at a community college or university. I will also need to pass a test, the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam, to receive the official credentials to work in the field. However, an associate degree required to take the CRT exam and become certified. To work in critical care areas and open more doors of opportunity, I can also give an additional, advanced exam to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT).

Career Evaluation

The seniors who complete their internships and graduate will have the training to be Respiratory therapy assistants. Graduates of the Respiratory therapy program need to pursue post-secondary education if they want to seek a career as a respiratory therapist. The degree program concludes with the students completing internships that begin in January. Personality traits of Respiratory therapists are skilled professionals who care for critically ill patients and give value to the members of the health care team. Respiratory therapists are part of the Life Star helicopter team. Many works in sleep labs, evaluating people with sleep apnea, and in home care, working with people who require specialized equipment that only respiratory therapists have the expertise to use. (Hanania, 2005, 116)

Continuous Learning to Be Successful In This Career

After the communication meeting, the employee given a copy of the competency assessment for self- directed review and individual skills indicated for follow-up with the clinical educator. This database has become a valuable tool and creative uses are still identified. Some of these include: (Law and Baron, pp 928)

Competency ratings can be averaged for an employee across all skills and domains, assisting the educator to identify annual trends and learning needs. (Foa and Dancu, pp 196) Competency averages can be sorted by seniority, to determine overall ...