Q: What's a typical workday like for you?

A: I do patient assessments, evaluate the patients, and manage and provide treatment for patients who have breathing disorders or illnesses. I administer oxygen therapy, nebulizer-aerosolized medications and non-invasive ventilation care to patients on the medical floors. I also do vest therapy - an airway clearance treatment. I am supervised by a respiratory therapist.

Q: How does your role fit into the bigger health care picture?

A: I help manage and educate patients with their disease to live better lives. I work closely with other individuals in the health care team such as nurses and physicians, and I recommend therapy based on my patient assessment.

Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?

A: I mostly interact with nurses and senior respiratory therapists, sometimes with physicians, as well as with patients and their families.

Q: Why did you become a respiratory therapy assistant?

A: I am a senior at St. Catherine University studying for a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy. I wanted to get my toes wet and have a learning experience. I also love working with people and providing care for people who need my help.

Q: What do you like about your work?

A: I really like making a difference in people's lives. Hennepin has a lot of diversity and I like working with different people, talented intellectual people. I like working at a teaching facility and I like how everyone in the health care team is just focused on providing the patients with the best care possible.