Q: What's a typical workday like for you?
I have been a respiratory therapist for 27 years and work in a long-term care facility. I help residents with breathing difficulties, using nebulizer treatments, oxygen or vest therapy, tracheal management and any modalities necessary for airway clearance. I start the day assessing residents with immediate needs and get updates from nursing staff on residents with impeding respiratory issues. I initiate therapies with residents who have respiratory care assess-and-treatment orders. I work with the admissions coordinator on possible admissions where on-site visits may be necessary.
Q: How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?
The number of residents with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has increased tremendously. They tend to have recurring visits to the hospital. Respiratory therapies provided in long-term care decreases hospitalizations and lowers costs.
Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?
I work with a multidisciplinary team of nurses, admissions staff, the rehabilitation department, social workers, maintenance, housekeeping, residents and their families.
Q: Why did you become a respiratory therapist?
I always wanted to go into healthcare. I moved to the Twin Cities to pursue a career as a perfusionist, but the program was full. A friend studying respiratory therapy suggested I try this profession. It was a perfect fit.
