NBRC- RRT- Clinical Portion

Get the kettering guide...when I took it 13 yrs ago,, they had a weekend course to prepare for it and gave you the book to take home.

They will definitely ask a question on the difference between epiglottis and croup so be ready. Epiglottitis is much more serious, usually if a baby comes in with that intubation in the OR is what they want. They don't want you to stimulate the baby or make it cry.

buy the kettering manual and online tokens. I had many questions from mechanical ventilation with pressure cotnrol.

thank you all...is the kettering manual specific for clinical sims, or is it for the entire exam. Am asking coz I only have to take the clinical portion. DO they have like 10 - 15 case studies on the exam or is it just mcq's.

I can't remember...go to their website and I'm sure there is more info...

I just remember that everyone who took Kettering got their RRT

Looking out for expert opinion in Toronto, Ontario said: Hey everyone,

I am on the lookout for some help with attempting the RRT- Clinical portion offered by the NBRC. If there's anyone whose attempted the exam and willing to help I'd love to hear from you...

Any tips with types of case studies,books to read, or even if any one's selling some material will gladly help.

Cheers....

Took the RRT clin sims this morning. Studies Lindsay Jones CD for clinical simulations. FAILED by 10 points. Lindsay Jones states that the NBRC is very conservative with vent settings. That was not true. Scroll down, find the most bizarre and senseless vent parameters and that will be the correct one. On one section the correct answer was a VT of 500, Rate of 6, & FiO2 35% for a 80 kg (IDBW) man found unresponsive in the cold and with blood gasses in the toilet. There seems to be no practical logic to the answers.

I am going to be taking the Clinical Simulation for my FOURTH time tomorrow.
I passed the CRT and Written RRT the FIRST time with no problem. I have Lindsey Jones AND KETTERING to study from. The first Clin Sim I failed by 8 or 9 points(of course on Decision Making.) So of course I took it with stride. The last TWO simulations I failed BY ONE DAMN POINT!! JUST ONE!!!!(Again just on Decision Making.) I cant believe it! I know that I know my stuff. I also have to mention that AMP SUCKS. The H & R block I went to was not only SO NOISY- but their computer was a bit on the fritz the last time I used it and marked 2+ answers that I DID NOT WANT.... (Yeah- they KNEW they were in the wrong and actually refunded my last test.) But why would they believe me about the 2+questions that their system screwed up though??? hmmmmmmmm- fishy....
I have been working as a therapist for 2 3/4 years and been in an ICU for 1.5 of that. I HAVE TO PASS MY CLINICAL SIMULATION by December 8th! (Or else the dumb NBRC rule says that I have to take the CRT/Written AND CLIN SIM ALL OVER AGAIN) or else I loose my license. It is now 9/29/10. I only have just over 2 months to do so.
I feel like I have studied EVERYTHING! I keep going over practice exams-- but the whole FAILING BY ONE POINT thing is just killing me. I KNOW that I am a pretty darn good therapist. I even had one of our main Docs take a few practice Lindsey Jones tests on my computer at work and he failed all of them! he thought that the NBRC's rules where either WRONG, outdated, or just plain ridiculous. I agree.
I know that working in "real life" has jaded me-- but it pisses me off that the NBRC wants to "dumb you down" to take these stupid tests. I know all my rules/shortcuts/etc..... It all really makes me HATE the career I choose. I HATE THE NBRC! I hope that I pass this one tomorrow----- or else I will just be coughing up $200 every other week to drive all-the-way back up to Las Vegas to take the dumb thing

Hey clinsimsare lame in Saint George of Utah

Don't bother passing the RRT credential! Because, soon it will be abolished anyway, and it will be replaced by the new credential called Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS); this is scheduled to take effect in Dec. 2011. We're in the same dilemma. After spending lots of fees, time & effort, not to mention the stress that comes with it, in passing the RRT credential. I learned this bad fate in July 2010 when the NBRC secretly posted this new credential. I felt I had been ripped-off all along! I was led to believe that the RRT credential is the highest credential that you'll ever achieved in Respiratory Therapy.

This is the response made by the NBRC to the statement made by the Executive Director of CoArc, Mr. Tom Smalling, during the last convention held in March 2010. He said, " due to variability in seeking RRT credential and therefore reduces the utility of the RRT. Consequently, the NBRC introduces this new credential without consulting the rest of Us-RTs.

this is weird.

huh?

Where can I find more information about this new credential? Just what I need. One more dam exam to eat my money and time. I hate being an RT because of the rediculous exams. I wish I has chosen nursing. For what I have spent on these exams, study guides and lost time from work I could have taken three Hawaiian vacations. Each time I have failed by one point! Good luck to you all

RRT crusader in Richmond, British Columbia said: Hey clinsimsare lame in Saint George of Utah

Don't bother passing the RRT credential! Because, soon it will be abolished anyway, and it will be replaced by the new credential called Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS); this is scheduled to take effect in Dec. 2011. We're in the same dilemma. After spending lots of fees, time & effort, not to mention the stress that comes with it, in passing the RRT credential. I learned this bad fate in July 2010 when the NBRC secretly posted this new credential. I felt I had been ripped-off all along! I was led to believe that the RRT credential is the highest credential that you'll ever achieved in Respiratory Therapy.

This is the response made by the NBRC to the statement made by the Executive Director of CoArc, Mr. Tom Smalling, during the last convention held in March 2010. He said, " due to variability in seeking RRT credential and therefore reduces the utility of the RRT. Consequently, the NBRC introduces this new credential without consulting the rest of Us-RTs.

How did you find out about this? When will they hit us with this?

The Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) will be a speciality exam, similar to the NRP, RPSGT, etc.

It WILL NOT replace the RRT credential.

The NBRC would lose too much money if they eliminated the RRT.

For your viewing pleasure, here is the content outline:

www.nbrc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MnRlfdu6U-c%3D&tabid=36

medicmatt in Buffalo, New York said: The Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) will be a speciality exam, similar to the NRP, RPSGT, etc.

It WILL NOT replace the RRT credential.

The NBRC would lose too much money if they eliminated the RRT.

For your viewing pleasure, here is the content outline:

www.nbrc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MnRlfdu6U-c%3D&tabid=36

Hey Medicmatt in Buffalo, New York

Let's put this ACCS credential into prospective.
As we all know, The SDS, NPS & C/RPFT are all specific specialty credentials.
let's say, ACCS credential is already in place. How would you delegate the job duties for someone with CRT or RRT or ACCS ? How would you ever use the full potential for its credential without criss-crossing its job function?
As a therapist, as we all know, whether you're a CRT or RRT, we're
doing the same job function. make sure the pipeline is not clogged and the patient is breathing.
Why do we have a dual credentials doing the same thing?

@clinsimsare lame in Saint George, Utah

At the moment, there are only 2 versions of the Clin Sims. I had to take it 3 times. First time, I missed by about 15 points. Second time, 5 points, 3rd time was a charm, passed it with flying colors. If there is ONE tip I HIGHLY recommend is to go with "10mL/kg of IDEAL body weight" on vent settings. Example: Pt. is 5'6" and weighs 140lbs (63.6 kg). Go with a VT of 600. So if the pt. is 5'6" and 250lbs, still use a VT of 600. It doesn't matter if it's AC, SIMV, etc. Look for the Vt first. Another tip is DON'T jump to conclusions. Even if you know for sure what the problem is, go through the necessary steps and procedures. The decision making portion of the exam is tough (no doubt about it). Just follow specific rules, and you can pass. Since you have Kettering, just study that. They know exactly how to answer questions. If you want any other tips, feel free to ask.

RRT crusader in Richmond, British Columbia said: Hey clinsimsare lame in Saint George of Utah

Don't bother passing the RRT credential! Because, soon it will be abolished anyway, and it will be replaced by the new credential called Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS); this is scheduled to take effect in Dec. 2011. We're in the same dilemma. After spending lots of fees, time & effort, not to mention the stress that comes with it, in passing the RRT credential. I learned this bad fate in July 2010 when the NBRC secretly posted this new credential. I felt I had been ripped-off all along! I was led to believe that the RRT credential is the highest credential that you'll ever achieved in Respiratory Therapy.

This is the response made by the NBRC to the statement made by the Executive Director of CoArc, Mr. Tom Smalling, during the last convention held in March 2010. He said, " due to variability in seeking RRT credential and therefore reduces the utility of the RRT. Consequently, the NBRC introduces this new credential without consulting the rest of Us-RTs.

Hello RRT crusader in Richmond, I wanted to let you know that your information about the new ACCS will not be replacing the RRT is not exaxtly correct. The "RRT" exam is still the highest credential that a Respiratory therapist can hold. The new test, ACCS will be an additional "Specialty" exam certification like the "neonatal" specialty exam and the SDS exam. These exams are meant to credential one in a more specialized area and are not meant as to replace the RRT exam.

clinsimsare lame in Saint George, Utah said: I am going to be taking the Clinical Simulation for my FOURTH time tomorrow.
I passed the CRT and Written RRT the FIRST time with no problem. I have Lindsey Jones AND KETTERING to study from. The first Clin Sim I failed by 8 or 9 points(of course on Decision Making.) So of course I took it with stride. The last TWO simulations I failed BY ONE DAMN POINT!! JUST ONE!!!!(Again just on Decision Making.) I cant believe it! I know that I know my stuff. I also have to mention that AMP SUCKS. The H & R block I went to was not only SO NOISY- but their computer was a bit on the fritz the last time I used it and marked 2+ answers that I DID NOT WANT.... (Yeah- they KNEW they were in the wrong and actually refunded my last test.) But why would they believe me about the 2+questions that their system screwed up though??? hmmmmmmmm- fishy....
I have been working as a therapist for 2 3/4 years and been in an ICU for 1.5 of that. I HAVE TO PASS MY CLINICAL SIMULATION by December 8th! (Or else the dumb NBRC rule says that I have to take the CRT/Written AND CLIN SIM ALL OVER AGAIN) or else I loose my license. It is now 9/29/10. I only have just over 2 months to do so.
I feel like I have studied EVERYTHING! I keep going over practice exams-- but the whole FAILING BY ONE POINT thing is just killing me. I KNOW that I am a pretty darn good therapist. I even had one of our main Docs take a few practice Lindsey Jones tests on my computer at work and he failed all of them! he thought that the NBRC's rules where either WRONG, outdated, or just plain ridiculous. I agree.
I know that working in "real life" has jaded me-- but it pisses me off that the NBRC wants to "dumb you down" to take these stupid tests. I know all my rules/shortcuts/etc..... It all really makes me HATE the career I choose. I HATE THE NBRC! I hope that I pass this one tomorrow----- or else I will just be coughing up $200 every other week to drive all-the-way back up

Wow I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels this way about the test. I have taken the clinical twice and failed it the first time by 1% and the second time by 2%. I have been procrastinating taking it again but I only have until January... 2 weeks... I feel like I studied everything and I have worked in an ICU for 3 years. I'm good at my job and I know my stuff. This test is ridiculous. I feel for these people that have taken it several times. It is very costly and my computer also glitched a few times the first time I took it, picking answers I did not want to pick. Very frustrating indeed. :(

Tararose1211 in Salt Lake City, Utah said: Wow I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels this way about the test. I have taken the clinical twice and failed it the first time by 1% and the second time by 2%. I have been procrastinating taking it again but I only have until January... 2 weeks... I feel like I studied everything and I have worked in an ICU for 3 years. I'm good at my job and I know my stuff. This test is ridiculous. I feel for these people that have taken it several times. It is very costly and my computer also glitched a few times the first time I took it, picking answers I did not want to pick. Very frustrating indeed. :(

Passing the sims portion will probably be one of the most frustrating things you'll ever try to do. The Lindsey sims worked just fine for me. Don't get me wrong, I failed twiced before finally passing. The key is to listen carefully to the instructional disc. Also in the back of the Lindsey book there is a section on Pathology review. Knowing the pathologies and interventions are essential in passing the sims. It's the decision making that will most likely sink your ship. So focus on that and learn the disease processes and intervention until they become automatic with you and you'll be fine. The passing percentage on the decision making portion varies depending on the difficulty of the exam. Pay close attention to the sims history, it will also help when making a care plan for the patient. Be attentive to VT and VC this will help in selecting the proper vent settings. If you not among the fortunate that do pass on the first attempt, remember there's no limit or waiting period to the number of times you can go for it. For example, if you fail by 1 or 2% go over the areas you know you were weak in and go right back to take it again on the next available test date.

Im going to nursing!!!!!!

Good that I had the opportunity to read it before it was pulled. My situation is very similar to yours. I feel 100% your frustration. Keep your head up and I wish you luck.

scared&shocked in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Took the RRT clin sims this morning. Studies Lindsay Jones CD for clinical simulations. FAILED by 10 points. Lindsay Jones states that the NBRC is very conservative with vent settings. That was not true. Scroll down, find the most bizarre and senseless vent parameters and that will be the correct one. On one section the correct answer was a VT of 500, Rate of 6, & FiO2 35% for a 80 kg (IDBW) man found unresponsive in the cold and with blood gasses in the toilet. There seems to be no practical logic to the answers.

!!!!your silly, maybe the person was copd? better to use lower Vt/ I think maybe your exaggerating though on the 500 80kg LOL

if found cold and unresponsive, if it states the person was found outdoors or homeless consider ARDS.

In those conditions always set your Vt @ 8-12 ml/kg. Whenever you suspect ARDS always lean toward the lower end of the VT settings which is 8 ml/kg. If studying the Lindsey Jones sims you should use the back of the book where the pathologies are when practicing the sims, it is very helpful.

If ARDS is suspected.... use 6ml/kg---- with an IDBW of 80 it comes to 480ml so its about right to have a VT 500ml.

for a normal person it is 8-10 ml/kg (640ml on the lower end) and if neuromuscular use 10-12 ml/kg

Here is the best tip: Pray!! Pray before you study, pray before the exam, touch the exam computer before you take it and pray...it worked for me! just have faith. Here some other tips pertaining to the clin sims...it is hard especially descion making...thats where it'll get u! know mys gravis and gull barre really well, know vent graphics... know pft tests, know the difference from emergency situations from normal when dealing with o2 therapy...able to understand chest xray terms...know irds and surfactant therapy and doses.. definetly know croup and eppiglotis! but thats just a few...so relax and pray and study and you'll be fine! hope this helps! best of luck!

i went to a 9 month crt program in 1992 and have been a practicing crt ever since. i am a charge therapist where i work , i place picc lines and do all the work of an advanced rrt. we recently started placing central lines, i cant do those unless i am an rrt. i sent my transcripts to the nbrc and was told i needed a chemistry class, physics and an algebra as well as 6 aditional credits. this was a year and a half ago. i took all these courses that had nothing to do with respiratory and completed them about a month ago, i sent the nbrc my transcripst and got the go ahead to take the rrt. i have been out of school for 18 years, i bought the kettering tokens and practiced their test. i took my rrt written 2 days ago and passed, clin sim in 4 days. wish me luck

betterthanu is a tool, i just got my rrt but i did more as a crt than youll ever do, have you ever done ecmo? placed a picc line or done an ij central line, i think not, stop being a douche to these people. your post, because of you lack of manners and brains, probally gives hope to all these sad excuses for rt's out here cuz if you can do it, anyone can.

I_Hate_The_ClinSims in Las Vegas, Nevada said: @clinsimsare lame in Saint George, Utah

At the moment, there are only 2 versions of the Clin Sims. I had to take it 3 times. First time, I missed by about 15 points. Second time, 5 points, 3rd time was a charm, passed it with flying colors. If there is ONE tip I HIGHLY recommend is to go with "10mL/kg of IDEAL body weight" on vent settings. Example: Pt. is 5'6" and weighs 140lbs (63.6 kg). Go with a VT of 600. So if the pt. is 5'6" and 250lbs, still use a VT of 600. It doesn't matter if it's AC, SIMV, etc. Look for the Vt first. Another tip is DON'T jump to conclusions. Even if you know for sure what the problem is, go through the necessary steps and procedures. The decision making portion of the exam is tough (no doubt about it). Just follow specific rules, and you can pass. Since you have Kettering, just study that. They know exactly how to answer questions. If you want any other tips, feel free to ask.

What do you mean that there are only 2 versions of the Clim Sims?

rrtnitemare in Iowa said: What do you mean that there are only 2 versions of the Clim Sims?

It means that there are 2 variations of the exam. Let's use something like this as an example... Version A contains scenarios 1-11. Version B contains scenarios 12-22. So that means if someone takes the exam 3 times, they will for sure repeat one version of the exam at least once. I hope that kind of puts it into perspective.

I_Hate_The_ClinSims in Las Vegas, Nevada said: It means that there are 2 variations of the exam. Let's use something like this as an example... Version A contains scenarios 1-11. Version B contains scenarios 12-22. So that means if someone takes the exam 3 times, they will for sure repeat one version of the exam at least once. I hope that kind of puts it into perspective.

THATS NOT TRUE MY FRIEND TOOK THE CLINICAL SIMS FIVE TIMES BEFORE PASSING HE SAVED THE RESULTS EVERY TIME A DIFFERENT TEST.

It took me 3 times to pass the sims. Just don't give up because it is very frustrating. Make sure you know your EKG strips and treatment for each. Also go over disease pathologies,signs,and treatments. I can honestly say that Lindsey Jones material will give you just what you need to pass. The first time I failed by 2%, the second was by 1%, the third was HELLO. Yeah, don't wait too long in retaking the sims. If you can afford it, retake it on the next available test date. Honestly,I took the sims 3 times within a 2 week period. Good Luck.

I also need clinical sims advice, I have Kettering sims study guide and have bought Kettering tokens. I am confused about certain things like, I had points knocked off for doing an abg on a dyspneic patient during assessment, I was told it was too time consuming but on another scenario I lost points for not picking abg during assessment. This so confusing, why the heck do we have to do a Sims portion anyway? We are being taken advantage of big time. We need some good representation in our field. I take the test soon. I pray I pass because 200.00 is a lot of money. Any advice is welcomed.

RT in Belmar, New Jersey said: THATS NOT TRUE MY FRIEND TOOK THE CLINICAL SIMS FIVE TIMES BEFORE PASSING HE SAVED THE RESULTS EVERY TIME A DIFFERENT TEST.

I don't know when your friend took the ClinSims, but as far as I know, there aren't any more than 2 versions. I did notice that they mixed up some of the scenarios from the two exams, but they were all questions that I have seen before.

riisey in Orlando, Florida said: I also need clinical sims advice, I have Kettering sims study guide and have bought Kettering tokens. I am confused about certain things like, I had points knocked off for doing an abg on a dyspneic patient during assessment, I was told it was too time consuming but on another scenario I lost points for not picking abg during assessment. This so confusing, why the heck do we have to do a Sims portion anyway? We are being taken advantage of big time. We need some good representation in our field. I take the test soon. I pray I pass because 200.00 is a lot of money. Any advice is welcomed.

Kettering is probably your best bet in passing the ClinSim. Do exactly as Kettering suggests, and it will be easier to make sense of the exam's scenarios. As far as having points knocked off for that ABG, it sounds to me like that was an "emergency" situation (or something that required immediate care). Only pull ABGs when absolutely necessary, and when you have enough time (during the scenario). I hate the ClinSims as much as anyone/everyone else, but they do provide a fairly good idea on actual practice in the field. What they need to do is to either kill off the CRT exam, or merge it into the RRT written exam. It's pointless to have to take the CRT exam.

I_Hate_The_ClinSims in Las Vegas, Nevada said: I don't know when your friend took the ClinSims, but as far as I know, there aren't any more than 2 versions. I did notice that they mixed up some of the scenarios from the two exams, but they were all questions that I have seen before.

Kettering is probably your best bet in passing the ClinSim. Do exactly as Kettering suggests, and it will be easier to make sense of the exam's scenarios. As far as having points knocked off for that ABG, it sounds to me like that was an "emergency" situation (or something that required immediate care). Only pull ABGs when absolutely necessary, and when you have enough time (during the scenario). I hate the ClinSims as much as anyone/everyone else, but they do provide a fairly good idea on actual practice in the field. What they need to do is to either kill off the CRT exam, or merge it into the RRT written exam. It's pointless to have to take the CRT exam.

Can you tell me if there are calculations and if so, do you remember which ones.

I don't recall any specific calculations. What I do remember is that you need to come up with a correct (or in the ballpark) VT. But that really isn't any serious calculating to do. I used 10mL/kg of IDEAL body weight. As far as calculations go, just remember your basic numbers and things. Hope that helps.

Study your ass off!

Dont do it!!! in Riverside, California said: Study your ass off!

Thanks, I have been. Can you tell me what simulations are prone to be on there. I hate wasting time on something that most likely won't be on there, when I can focus more on what will. I already know Copd, asthma, bronchitis, epiglottitis,neonatal, fire victim and guillain barre, Myasthenia Gravis will be on there. But if you can remember any other pathologies please share. Eternally grateful, T If anyone has any info feel free to send me an email, I want to ace this thing first try, I don't think I have the energy to keep going back.

riisey in Orlando, Florida said: I also need clinical sims advice, I have Kettering sims study guide and have bought Kettering tokens. I am confused about certain things like, I had points knocked off for doing an abg on a dyspneic patient during assessment, I was told it was too time consuming but on another scenario I lost points for not picking abg during assessment. This so confusing, why the heck do we have to do a Sims portion anyway? We are being taken advantage of big time. We need some good representation in our field. I take the test soon. I pray I pass because 200.00 is a lot of money. Any advice is welcomed.

In an emergency situations, controlling the patient's breathing is the most immediate thing to do. Try Lindsey Jones material, it is not as confusing as Kettering.

Calculate at 8 ml/kg & 10 ml/kg and look for anything in between.
Chest traum go as low as 6 ml/kg.

Remember to go over the basic EKG strips & their treatments. As far as the sims are concerned, practice on what would you do next if the answer you're looking for isn't present. The NBRC has clin sims you can purchase for $60.00. It may help you to get into the NBRC mode of thinking.

Passing the sims in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: Remember to go over the basic EKG strips & their treatments. As far as the sims are concerned, practice on what would you do next if the answer you're looking for isn't present. The NBRC has clin sims you can purchase for $60.00. It may help you to get into the NBRC mode of thinking.

Thanks, the Ekg strips are no problem I have taken Acls forever seems like and I used to do echocardiograms. I bought sims from Kettering, the sims from NBRC are too expensive, they are too money hungry for me. I find it awfully ridiculous for them to give you only one short sim for free after we have paid all this money for their expensive ass boards.

RRT crusader in Richmond, British Columbia said: Hey Medicmatt in Buffalo, New York

Let's put this ACCS credential into prospective.
As we all know, The SDS, NPS & C/RPFT are all specific specialty credentials.
let's say, ACCS credential is already in place. How would you delegate the job duties for someone with CRT or RRT or ACCS ? How would you ever use the full potential for its credential without criss-crossing its job function?
As a therapist, as we all know, whether you're a CRT or RRT, we're
doing the same job function. make sure the pipeline is not clogged and the patient is breathing.
Why do we have a dual credentials doing the same thing?

Exactly! I just spoke to a Lauren from the NBRC and asked that exact same question. She could not give me a good answer. This makes no sense. I hate Respiratory now. It's all a money pit with the NBRC. We will now pay as much as a Physician to take the Boards. How can we let them get away with this? Employers will soon stat to ask for ACCS as a requirement for employment and they will not offer any more money for it!

RL in Essex, Maryland said: Exactly! I just spoke to a Lauren from the NBRC and asked that exact same question. She could not give me a good answer. This makes no sense. I hate Respiratory now. It's all a money pit with the NBRC. We will now pay as much as a Physician to take the Boards. How can we let them get away with this? Employers will soon stat to ask for ACCS as a requirement for employment and they will not offer any more money for it!

You guys are exactly right! We are not well represented and this is why we are taken advantage of. Our study material costs a small fortune, the boards cost a small fortune and god forbid you want to take a specialty exam. This is absolutely rediculous. Nobody seems to care that therapist are turning in their ventilators for I.V. poles, why is that? I have been a therapist for 16 years and it is absolutely horrid how they treat us and then Nbrc is allowed to decide to take our credentials away if we don't pay up. Something needs to be done because no one has the money to take these specialty exams they keep coming up with, it is not that people are lazy and dont want it but when you price it so high how can people afford too. Rrt is an example, even though I took it, I only got a dollar raise for it because I was already doing registry work, there is no difference. Then they make you pass 2 parts, wrrt and sims which you have to pass info gathering and decision making. I guess we paid 100.00 each for the sims. I am just saying, why are we being forced to take exam that don't even make a difference in how we practice or in our pay. I love being a therapist and helping people but my kids don't eat air. Thanks RRT. P.s. please excuse any typos I am on my phone.

ttbreath2@gmail.com in Bainbridge, Georgia said: You guys are exactly right! We are not well represented and this is why we are taken advantage of. Our study material costs a small fortune, the boards cost a small fortune and god forbid you want to take a specialty exam. This is absolutely rediculous. Nobody seems to care that therapist are turning in their ventilators for I.V. poles, why is that? I have been a therapist for 16 years and it is absolutely horrid how they treat us and then Nbrc is allowed to decide to take our credentials away if we don't pay up. Something needs to be done because no one has the money to take these specialty exams they keep coming up with, it is not that people are lazy and dont want it but when you price it so high how can people afford too. Rrt is an example, even though I took it, I only got a dollar raise for it because I was already doing registry work, there is no difference. Then they make you pass 2 parts, wrrt and sims which you have to pass info gathering and decision making. I guess we paid 100.00 each for the sims. I am just saying, why are we being forced to take exam that don't even make a difference in how we practice or in our pay. I love being a therapist and helping people but my kids don't eat air. Thanks RRT. P.s. please excuse any typos I am on my phone.

So true, So right...I HATE NBRC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe that employers that insist on their employees to have RRT, they should have to pay a difference of at least $10.00. Not $2.00 that they pay now. CRT to RRT= $2.00 difference. That is out of order. CRT's work in ICU's, ED's, NICU's some place and etc.along side RRT's.

How many test do a R.N's have to take...1, NCLEX and then they are off to make their money.

How many test do Respiratory Therapist have to take...as many as the NBRC tells us to!

Clinical simulation is not very hard. Most of the test is common sense. Reviewing pathologies will help make better decision making. When I prepare to take the exam, I study the Ketttering test guide and practice taking the clin-sims from a RRT practical book. I study it over and over and repeated the practice clin-sims until I felt comfortable.

Don't do it!!!!!! in Riverside, California said: Clinical simulation is not very hard. Most of the test is common sense. Reviewing pathologies will help make better decision making. When I prepare to take the exam, I study the Ketttering test guide and practice taking the clin-sims from a RRT practical book. I study it over and over and repeated the practice clin-sims until I felt comfortable.

Clinical sims were not bad but I think it is rediculous to have to pass 2 parts of the sims. Silly!!!

@ttbreath2

I agree. However the profession is growing and it is only going to become harder to pass these exams. Passing these clin-sims is one of the ways to weed out sub-performing therapists. I recognize that these exam do not dictate if a person may be a good or bad therapist, nonetheless it is imperative that every license therapist stride to the highest level possible.

That most definately doesn't weed out anyone sub par, I can't nor, am I confident that a therapist who passes is the cream of the crop. I myself passed and have worked in this field for over 16 years. Most of us want to see these tests as more of a benefit to our field and less of a money maker for the Nbrc. Of course they will become harder with all the new schools popping up everywhere, $$$$$$

I absolutely agree. These credentials helps the profession become more credible. Although these credentials appear to be money pits, how else will the profession grow? It appears many are against bachelor's degree level, how can respiratory therapy be taken more seriously if the education is not there?