would you pick RT again?

sdrrt858 in San Diego, California said: graduated in feb and landed a new grad job less than a month later at a hospital I had no previous contact with here in San Diego. it's possible so quit whining and coming up with excuses about not being able to find a job. Oh yeah since its in CA it comes with CA pay to help keep me out of the 'ghetto'. common sense says referrals help keep the dynamics and morale in a department high since they know or know of each other and their personalities. why would anyone want to hire a bitter, whining, negative individual to poison their department?

Hi sdrrt858, Congratulations on your recent graduation!. Love your positive attitude, as would any employer, so I'm not surprised how easily you landed a job in your new career as a Respiratory Therapist. Not everyone realizes, employers are continually searching for the best employees, so as Students, Clinical Rotation is crucial. It is here when Students demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking skills. This is where they must shine and "attitude means everything". I agree with you. "Misery loves company(poison)". It brings everyone down when we have to work 8 to 12 hours with "Ms./Mr. Grumpy". Our day goes faster and easier, when we stay positive and help each other. Remember, "It's not about us, it's about our patients. We're here for them". Hard to believe this is my 14th year working as a Respiratory Therapist. Where has the time gone?. This coming April 10th will be the end of my 11th year with my current employer and I will be celebrating at a Service Awards Dinner. It's been an exciting ride. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I wish you all the best.

sdrrt858 in San Diego, California said: graduated in feb and landed a new grad job less than a month later at a hospital I had no previous contact with here in San Diego. it's possible so quit whining and coming up with excuses about not being able to find a job. Oh yeah since its in CA it comes with CA pay to help keep me out of the 'ghetto'. common sense says referrals help keep the dynamics and morale in a department high since they know or know of each other and their personalities. why would anyone want to hire a bitter, whining, negative individual to poison their department?

Lucky you. Congratulations. As a Vietnamese, I don't mind being yelled at or receiving disrespect from physicians or nurses. I only want to be able to work. If I am accepted in the program at Ohlone College, I will start my very first class in the Fall. I'm not going to worry about anything much except the possible fact that no hospital will hire me after my graduation.

Thank you and congrats to you on your achievement and enjoy your celebration! Minhy in my opinion being verbally abused and disrespected should be unacceptable regardless of your ethnicity. Race plays no role in how one should treat another. They are hiring an asset to the company and you should want to be treated as such. Exert your knowledge properly and the respect will come.

SDRRT858 in San Diego, California said: Thank you and congrats to you on your achievement and enjoy your celebration! Minhy in my opinion being verbally abused and disrespected should be unacceptable regardless of your ethnicity. Race plays no role in how one should treat another. They are hiring an asset to the company and you should want to be treated as such. Exert your knowledge properly and the respect will come.

Thank you for your encouragement.
I'm not saying that being verbally abused or disrespected is acceptable. However, I'm not Caucasian, so I have mentally prepared what is coming at me when I enter the work field. I experienced that when I was a cashier in an auto shop. The funny thing is that I was badly treated by a Chinese cashier, and I just ignored it. Therefore, I don't mind being badly treated by an RN or a doctor as long as my future employer considers me as a professional health care worker and pays me fairly. The most important thing is I can have a job.
Even nurses have tough time finding work.

RT TO MD in Independence, Missouri said: Thanks Sebastien from Quebec. I've always loved Canadian's and know you guys are logical with your thinking. Unlike my American counterparts (just joking). Anyway, you're absolutely right Sebastien in what I'm trying say. I'm not knocking RT's. I'm just being honest in that it's okay if you have a limited amount of ambition or if life circumstances have made you content with being a respiratory therapist. Know what respiratory therapy encompasses and if that is what you think will make you happy, then go for it. If not, then look elsewhere. I'm not sugar coating anything when I say this, "RT'S HAVE A GLASS CEILING". Don't fool yourself into thinking that you're a pulmonologist or anything greater than a person that pushes buttons (vents), draw blood (ABG's), or neb jockey. If that's what you want to do for the rest of your life, fine. If you think taking orders is not what you want to do, then look into other fields. Personally, I'm not a miserable person as the previous poster Brian from Georgia implied, but a realist.

...and an arrogant MD in the making.

I hope you become the RARE doctor that actually views it as a health care "Team", and encourages proactive RTs to voice concerns/recommendations due to changes in the pt's lung conditions, because, as you know, we have been monitoring these throughout the shift.
But you probably won't since, by your own admission: "(we) have a limited amount of ambition, (and are nothing) greater than a person that pushes buttons (vents), draw blood (ABG's), or neb jockey.

Amy in Jacksonville, Florida said: I've been a RRT for 15 years. Yes - every job has its ups and downs. Yes - we are the redheaded stepchildren of medicine. If you are out looking for 'glory and praise' in your job, this may not be for you. If you want to help people, this IS the job for you. We are an important part of the medical team. Anytime a patient is in distress, RT is first to be called. We are the ABC (airway,breathing and cardiac) of the team. It does get to me that we are not more recognized or are referred to as nurses, but I know that I am vital to a patients recovery. I know that at night I can rest my head on my pillow knowing that I 'did good'. Not every hero is recognized.

Well said!

cbsboaz in Albertville, Alabama said: I'm going to say this as my last post on this particular thread. Bottom line to all of you RT's who are successful in finding work as a therapist you are either in an area of the country where there is an obvious shortage.

I graduated in May of 2009 and have still yet to find decent gainful employment. The reason respiratory as a field isn't respected is because the working therapists in it aren't interested in getting their field respected as it is with NURSING. The job market is oversaturated with therapists because the older therapists haven't fought for the respect of this field by showing how we are needed in more areas of healthcare.

So for all of you veteran therapists out there who talk smack about it being a great field. Keep in mind thats only the case because you were lucky enough to be born/graduated 20 years before the rest of us.

The reality is that you graduated in 2009, and unfortunately for you, the US economic free-fall hit the hospitals about the same time in the form of hiring freezes.
From the school I went to, all 2007, and 2008 graduates were hired. Very few of the 2009 graduates got hired full time. More 2010 grads got hired just out of school than the 2009 grads - it was just a symptom of the economic situation.
I agree that current RTs need to get involved in regional and national associations, and be proactive in advancing the profession, but we do NOT need to do this for YOU!
If you really believe your words, are YOU a member of your regional or national association? What are YOU doing to advance the respect of the profession?
Don't just sit back and wait for things to be handed to you - get proactive!

Best of luck in your endeavors.

Response in Dayton, Ohio said: Respiratory is a good profession. However, that said in mind, one of the most abused drugs within the hospital setting is Albuterol (a bronchodilator)maybe next to propofol. For example, if an 80-year old women has fluid overload due to an IV rate going at 75 - 100, a nurse will call for a breathing rx (Albuterol). Instead of assessing what is going on with the pt and treating them, such as lasix or backing off of the fluid; Respiratory is called to give the Albuterol Rx even if they have crackles instead of wheezing. What happens is that half of a Respiratory department wants to better their assessing skills while other co-workers only want the traditional robotic work loads without thinking. This is why there is no autonomy in this profession.

I hear you.

When I encounter a situation such as you describe with a pt being overloaded, you can bet your buns that I am going to grab the RN and explain what is really going on - not just give a useless neb. My first question is "Is the patient fluid overloaded". I make her tell me the I/O (just to make sure SHE is even aware of them). I tell her "If you really want this problem to go away and not escalate to the point of Bipap, then you need to administer the CORRECT med/intervention, and a bronchodilator is not it".
I have found the Rapid Response RN (RRRN) to be a great ally in getting done what needs to be done when the floor RN is unable or unwilling to do so. Some RN's will only listen to other RN's, because they think "the RT is just being lazy and not wanting to do the neb." It would probably take less time to just give the neb, but then, I would not have been acting as my patient's advocate (and I would probably get another page in about 30 minutes).

Our job is what we make of it. If we want to be a Neb-monkey, be that, but if we want to be a health care professional, be that.

hi,
i was wondering, does anyone know about job opportunities for respiratory therapists in europe? thanks.

melanie in Brooklyn, New York said: hi,
i was wondering, does anyone know about job opportunities for respiratory therapists in europe? thanks.

To my knowledge, the RT profession does not exist in Europe... tasks are shared between RNs and MDs. I do know, however, that RTs are hired by contract in Sauda Arabia and that it pays pretty well...

Hi I'm about to graduate w/ my BAS in RT in a month and I know jobs r not easy to come by right now. But what I'm wondering is if anyone has gotten their RRT-SDS, and what is the difference between it and being RPSGT sleep tech? Would it make me more appealing to a hiring manager if I were to get my RRT-SDS? And one more thing, how do I go about getting studying material for the SDS? Thank you so much to anyone who may be able to help me.

alexBW in La Mesa, California said: Hi I'm about to graduate w/ my BAS in RT in a month and I know jobs r not easy to come by right now. But what I'm wondering is if anyone has gotten their RRT-SDS, and what is the difference between it and being RPSGT sleep tech? Would it make me more appealing to a hiring manager if I were to get my RRT-SDS? And one more thing, how do I go about getting studying material for the SDS? Thank you so much to anyone who may be able to help me.

I want to know about SDS too...

I am in Gainesville,Fl and I very been searching for a job like crazy for the last month all over Florida. It is kinda hard when you are a new grad but I have my RRT with my ACLS and BLS. Any hints to help me find a job?

sdrrt858 in San Diego, California said: graduated in feb and landed a new grad job less than a month later at a hospital I had no previous contact with here in San Diego. it's possible so quit whining and coming up with excuses about not being able to find a job. Oh yeah since its in CA it comes with CA pay to help keep me out of the 'ghetto'. common sense says referrals help keep the dynamics and morale in a department high since they know or know of each other and their personalities. why would anyone want to hire a bitter, whining, negative individual to poison their department?

SDRRT858, I'm glad you have found a job in San Diego, it keeps my hopes up. It has been very hard as I have been trying since July 2010 when I got my license. You are right whining and excuses are not going to help you. I have gone to a Sharp Pulmonary seminar which I paid for and a Resmed seminar that I was invited to. I just try to be proactive and keep networking to meet new people. I have filled out tons of apps all over SD and CA. I'm going to keep trying and go to future seminars as I find out about them. I'm going to do some volunteer work at a local Sharp hospital and hopefully something comes of that. When you don't have any experience in the field it is hard to get hired as a new grad. Just keep on pushing and it will pay off! I will start my career in San Diego or in CA no doubt about that...

Sebastien in Terrebonne, Quebec said: I've been an RT at a 700 bed hospital for three years now. I work part-time. As soon as I started working in this field, I knew it wasn't for me. We don't have enough advancement possibilities. The best you can hope to get after a few years in the hospital is Assistant-Chief or Chief. PFT is pretty dull. Right now I work in the ICUs NICU, and ER. I think overall this is not a bad job for someone who's looking into a mixture of technical/clinical work. And we're decently paid.

So, no, I wouldn't go back to being an RT if I could turn back time. But I'm not blamming the profession itself for that... but me. I was 16 when I made my decision to go into RT. I later realized that I needed a carrear where you're very independent and would require me to take important decisions.

As of today, I'm still working 2 days a week in Resp. but I've started Law School.

So, in conclusion for you folks out there considering maybe enrolling into your local RT program..., don't hesistate! Make sure you understand the job requirements, and ask a local hospital if they could shadow someone for a day. We do it at my center.

Anyways
Peace out

you sound like a whinner to me

HunnyBunny in San Jose, California said: The reality is that you graduated in 2009, and unfortunately for you, the US economic free-fall hit the hospitals about the same time in the form of hiring freezes.
From the school I went to, all 2007, and 2008 graduates were hired. Very few of the 2009 graduates got hired full time. More 2010 grads got hired just out of school than the 2009 grads - it was just a symptom of the economic situation.
I agree that current RTs need to get involved in regional and national associations, and be proactive in advancing the profession, but we do NOT need to do this for YOU!
If you really believe your words, are YOU a member of your regional or national association? What are YOU doing to advance the respect of the profession?
Don't just sit back and wait for things to be handed to you - get proactive!

Best of luck in your endeavors.

i cant see anyone wanting to hire you ,,,,,whinning miserable person

I havent even taken my sims yet and I have a job......

Petite17 in Eatontown, New Jersey said: Hello.... I am 48 years old and planning on starting school for Respiratory Therapy. I have shadowed a few RT's and loved it. However, recently I am hearing rumors that the future job outlook for RT's is bad, and some hospitals may even be phasing this position out completely. I live in central New Jersey and would hate to spend the next two years in school only to find out there are no jobs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi Petite17-I am 43 years old and thinking about starting school for RT. Please let me know how your experience went.
thanks!

sean in Carlsbad, California said: I'm new student at age of 46 years old that I'm going to school for RT. I have been in sales field for past 15 years. I get burn out in that field. I think what ever any body wants in life the can get it. May be I will get burn out but still have good future job.

Hi Sean-I am 43 years old and thinking about starting school for RT. Please let me know how your experience went...thanks

Hello Los Angeles! Thanks for your email...Well I first posted my comment 2 years ago, I am now 50. After I finished my prereqs I was starting a new job at the time and decided to take a little time off from school. I just started back this semester, and only have Anatomy and Physiologoy I and II, and microbiology to take before the actual respiratory classes. I start the program in Sept 2012, and if all goes well I will be 53 when I finished. To some people that may sound old, but I feel young, and still have many work years of ahead of me. I have worked in the corporate aworld for most of my career life now I am following my passion. I I am working in a local hospital and gaining many great contacts which I hope will be able to help me find a job when the time comes. If a career in respiratory is what your thinking about, I would recommend shadowing someone to see if this career is something you would like. If you love helping people this could be a great career for you, not to mention you are at a great age, only 43! Don't let anyone discourage you...go for it! I hear many people say there is no room for advanced as a RT, however for me at my age, I would be happy working as an RT. Jobs are what you make of it.. We could always teach down the line also! Good luck to you!! Keep us posted!

Correction....my apologies your 48...still a great age!!! I was 48 when I first went back to school after being out over 30 years...I loved school and still do. You meet a lot of nice people of all ages. Some of the subjects I need to work harder at like math, but I go for extra help, work with other students it's great. I'm loving the experience go for it!!

petite17 in Red Bank, New Jersey said: Correction....my apologies your 48...still a great age!!! I was 48 when I first went back to school after being out over 30 years...I loved school and still do. You meet a lot of nice people of all ages. Some of the subjects I need to work harder at like math, but I go for extra help, work with other students it's great. I'm loving the experience go for it!!

Hi Petite17-Thank you for your informative email. You were correct the first time, I am 43 not 48 (dont push it! lol). I have been in corporate America my working life just making the executives rich and was just recently laid off. I want to do something meaningful and rewarding in my life. I have a bachelors degree in business so I hope this will help with my credentials.
I think shadowing is a great idea. I am going to contact my area hospitals for opportunities. I hope the job market is lucrative in the LA area. Please continue to let me know your progress!

I was laid off as well back in 2008, after working and commuting to NYC for many years. When I was laid off I imediately knew what I wanted to do and enrolled in school shortly after. So things really do happen for the best...follow your heart. Find the right person to shadow and show you the ropes. If you go to a hospital where they are not receptive go to another one! Most hospitals are very welcoming and would love to show you. Again good luck!

[i would not choose respiratory therapy over again

petite17 in Red Bank, New Jersey said: Hello Los Angeles! Thanks for your email...Well I first posted my comment 2 years ago, I am now 50. After I finished my prereqs I was starting a new job at the time and decided to take a little time off from school. I just started back this semester, and only have Anatomy and Physiologoy I and II, and microbiology to take before the actual respiratory classes. I start the program in Sept 2012, and if all goes well I will be 53 when I finished. To some people that may sound old, but I feel young, and still have many work years of ahead of me. I have worked in the corporate aworld for most of my career life now I am following my passion. I I am working in a local hospital and gaining many great contacts which I hope will be able to help me find a job when the time comes. If a career in respiratory is what your thinking about, I would recommend shadowing someone to see if this career is something you would like. If you love helping people this could be a great career for you, not to mention you are at a great age, only 43! Don't let anyone discourage you...go for it! I hear many people say there is no room for advanced as a RT, however for me at my age, I would be happy working as an RT. Jobs are what you make of it.. We could always teach down the line also! Good luck to you!! Keep us posted!

hey petite17.. will you be attending UMDNJ in the fall next year? I'm currently going to MCC and plan on starting in September 2012 as well. I was wondering, what are you doing now working in the hospital? Do you have a paid position there or are you just shadowing a RT?

Hey Mike,
I'm working in a paid position at the hospital, doing several different things...I love it. I am a patient advocate, helping to ensure a patient's smooth transition to home after a patient is discharged. I also work in admitting as a fill in for some extra hours. I'm enrolled at Brookdale Community College currently taking AP1. The hard part is I'm finding it very challenging juggling work and school. Although it's only one class, it's a very intense class as you probably know, and finding the energy for studying after work can be tough. I'm actually taking a day off today to study for two major tests next week. But I'm hanging in there. Have you finished all your prereqs for the program? Are you working now? Thanks for your email...I would love to hear from you.

Yea I'm taking micro right now which is my last pre requisite. I know what you're saying though.. between work and class, I'm finding it harder and harder to stay on top of the studying myself. Hanging in there though. I'm working, but not in a hospital. I really need to start making some connections and get some experience so that I find a job when I get out. Can anyone become a patient advocate? Is there any prior health care experience required?

I am a Respiratory Therapist and truth be told, this job stinks. You can be positive or negative but the reality is, it's not a very motivating field. No room for advancement, no where else we could really be employed other than hospitals or Sub acutes. DME companies are a joke, and who wants to do PFT's or sleep labs. I regret going into this field and I kick my self in the butt every day for not listening to some of my clinical site instructors. I was positive while I was at school and at my first full time gig. The field is overly saturated, too many schools putting out RT's, and hardly any facilities for employment. I have worked with so many RT's who only have PRN positions and work 2 or 3 jobs at the same time, all are PRN. Oh and the guys at AARC are a joke as well, only reason i am a stinking member is for the discounted/free CEU's. I enjoy reading these post, they are very entertaining, especially the post from the positive RT's. LOL dedication and working hard, I see no point in working 4 times harder than say an RN and get paid way less. That is why half the RT staff smoke and provide 3rd hand smoke to our patients. To you future wanna be RT's, save your time and effort and apply it towards nursing, radiology, or physical therapy. That is where the money and jobs are at. Oh and remember, in Respiratory, is not what you know, but who you know.

Just to offer an update on my situation. I have been out of school now for 2 and a half years and have yet to find an RT job still. I told my mom the only reason I don't regret going to school for respiratory is because I met my wife while in TN for school. I am originally from Alabama. When people tell you that you should go into any area except respiratory they're not kidding. In 2 and a half years the only job I've been able to find is as a receptionist part time in a nursing home because since I have an education labor jobs blacklist you b/c they think you're only temporary since you have a degree in the medical field. So here's a very in-depth look into reality for those of you willing to read and capable of seeing reality for what it is. You ready? RT's are only for the most part employed in hospitals and when it comes to DME companies lets face it they only employ ONE THERAPIST. Since working in the nursing home I've seen every field other than respiratory walk through these doors in some capacity. The nursing home has a PT dept. so they have plenty of physical therapy assistants. They even have a contract with a mobile/home radiology company who comes in to do x-rays. Yet, not a single RT has ever walked through the doors in that capacity.

Lemme tell you why! The facility employs mostly LPN's who think that they can learn what RT's do and practice if effeciently in roughly 30 minutes as it pertains to CPAP, BiPAP, Neb treatments, and oxygen delivery. Since being employed here I've watched them violate the nurse practice act on multiples levels up to and including taking 6 mins. to get oxygen on patients in respiratory distress, telling CNA's to give certain meds and take patients off breathing treatments, not checking SpO2 or breathe sounds post breathing treatments and so on and so forth. I once had someone on here say that it was somewhat disgraceful for an RT just to be a neb jockey in a nursing home. Who else will watch out for patients

Oh and a big P.S. from me on these ignorant nurses. Back in January of this year they were apparently under the illusion that even though I work as a receptionist but have a degree and license in respiratory that they thought they employed me as a respiratory therapist. They made this mistake in that they wanted me to give an in-service to the nurses yet only wanted to pay me my receptionist hourly rate to do it. Yes I can hear some of you screaming as I type this!! Let that be a lesson about just exactly how regarded you RT's are by nurses. To sum it up though the only reason they're allowed to do what we're trained for is because their scope of practice has never been changed since it was written decades ago when in reality they actually did do part of our job.

I am currently a student of a RT program and I already feel that I am entrapped in a hole. I was wondering after RT what's next since there's not that much advancement.

I am thinking of the following career opportunities after graduation:

1.Masters in Allied Health Education and Administration.
2.Masters in Occupational Therapy.

How lucrative would I be if I am able to gain admission into one of the two above for a masters program.Which is better?

Secondly, are there RT student positions out there during clinical? Does one get hired through this route as a student?

No, I would not. I just graduated in June of 2011. Still have no job. Most of my class still has not been hired. The 3 of my class that have been hired is because they had their foot in the door. It is very sad. I began this program so eagerly. My aunt is an RT as well, so I was excited about this career. She's tried to get me in at her hospital, but no success. I know that in the future I will be employed at least per diem somewhere in the L.A. area. But I'm probably gonna be going back to school because I don't see much job security in this field of RCP. I don't see myself ever getting a full time job or receiving benefits because the jobs are simply non-existent.

I'm still a positive person and think that RCP is a wonderful career but it just doesn't get the respect it deserves and also there are no jobs. Bummer! :(

Bob in Des Moines, Iowa said: If you had to pick a career over again knowing what you know now about RT,

would you still choose to be a respiratory therapist?

NO I graduated in April 2011, and when I was in the program my instructors claimed a high demand. Half of my class still has no jobs and are seeking other employment. I just feel like the jobs that are available, they want experienced RRTs not the new ones. Can't win for losing.

I feel sad because I am a RRT and licensed in NM. No one wants to give me a chance because I have no experience. I wish someone would give me the chance to prove myself because I am competent in my field.

I have been an RCP for 6 years and I got in at the last minute. I not only landed a full-time job straight out of school, but got a $2500 sign on bonus in Southern Cal when hired. Times have certainly changed. RT schools are cranking out students faster than they are needed. Only the best of the best are being hired...and only for per diem jobs at that. I feel bad for all these new grads.
Because I always wanted more, I and went forward with an MBA (Healthcare Emphasis)and took advantage of the reimburstments the hospital offered. Right now everyone is sticking to their jobs and new RT, as well as management jobs, are really tight. I haven't been able to find anything either so I continue to do a job requiring an 18 month program with a graduate degree. I am looking all over the country at this time and will end up leaving family and home to find a position.
My advise: Don't get into this field unless you are willing to work part-time for the foreseeable future or move away to some place you might not like. If you do, start working on a BS, if not an MBA. If you have a choice, go into another field of healthcare (Nursing, X-Ray, etc) and also get at least a BS.

My opinion.

GNO in Houston, Texas said: I am currently a student of a RT program and I already feel that I am entrapped in a hole. I was wondering after RT what's next since there's not that much advancement.

I am thinking of the following career opportunities after graduation:

1.Masters in Allied Health Education and Administration.
2.Masters in Occupational Therapy.

How lucrative would I be if I am able to gain admission into one of the two above for a masters program.Which is better?

Secondly, are there RT student positions out there during clinical? Does one get hired through this route as a student?

I am an RCP and received my MBA with a Healthcare Emphasis last year. I have had zero job offers so far, but I am in So California and will have to move. The options are endless though, especially when the economy picks up: Educator, Manager, Director, etc. I went with MBA (HC emph) because I am also looking at Project/Product management jobs with companies that manufacture Bipap/CPAP and ventilators. OT and PT is also a good option, but I heard they are requiring (or will be) Doctorates.

I have been a rt for only 4 months. Im looking to move to make more money and im not sure where to move. Where is a good area for an rt? Right now I only make 16 an hour. Im only a Crt but when I take my rrt ill only make 18. Any suggestions?

How about changing professions?

meg9642 in Montgomery, Alabama said: I have been a rt for only 4 months. Im looking to move to make more money and im not sure where to move. Where is a good area for an rt? Right now I only make 16 an hour. Im only a Crt but when I take my rrt ill only make 18. Any suggestions?

I work in southern california and i have a decent income but there are no jobs for new grads. I also worked in nashville, TN they pay pretty well in that area.. Try Baptist hospital in Nashville. They pay well and you get a lot of experience. Good luck!

as a student i've seen the light of what an RT should be. In smaller community hospitals where RT's were highly respected which made the field very promising and enjoyable. In lieu, as a career therapist of only a mere 3 years, i've been working in a large world renowned teaching hospital and it is a different story. I absolutely dislike hospital to the point where it's making me consider a career change for the fact that there is a lack of respect when it comes to being an RT. Although you will get respect should you put in the hard work and be proactive, but its tiring constantly trying to build a rapport with egotistic rotating residents. Although I am considering career change, im also considering leaving the over rated teaching hospital for a smaller community hospital in hopes for a satisfying role. Either way, i do plan on further educating myself as education is something no one cant take away from you. Yes there are limits as an RT, if you choose to have the minimum of an a.s. degree. Some may be content with that, i was for a bit. But i personally want career advancement. I love what i do as an RT, and i've had my glory days as well as the opposite. I would do it again as being a commendable therapist takes passion. It takes a passionate therapist to further educate themselves on ones own time to fully understand disease processes of other vital organs that take effect to the lungs. Respiratory Therapy can be an easy career if you dont care about what you and dont mind the mundane neb treatments and take orders to push buttons on a vent. It can be difficult too if you do care and want to help people out by getting to know their disease process. Im a hard core RT at heart and hope to be one of those guys one the cover of RT magazine one day hehe. I'll do this all my life, just at a higher grade whether it be directing/managing, research or teaching, or a flight therapist ;)

Would I pick Respiratory Therapy again? Yes, I would pick this career again! The field of respiratory therapy is still a fairly young career when compared to medical doctors and nursing. The field of respiratory therapy developed out of the need to address cardiopulmonary disorders such COPD,CHF,Asthma, etc. The profession is still in its development and it will continue to grow. Consequently, the problem with respiratory therapy is that many who are in the field of respiratory therapy are not open to the thought of advancing and even frown upon the thought of advancing in the educational section of the profession. The only way respiratory therapy will advance and gain more "respect" is by education. Further education and further research in the field of respiratory therapy will be key to establishing a better future in this field. The few who get into respiratory therapy expect to do major procedures like intubation and inserting a-lines, but have a hard time giving someone a nebulized treatment. There is potential for this career to be more awesome but it is up to those coming in the field that need to push for these changes. How to push for these changes? Obtain more education and moving away from the negative thoughts of burned out therapist. Every profession has pro and cons the best part of respiratory therapy is that it can have more positives outcomes.

Bob in Des Moines, Iowa said: If you had to pick a career over again knowing what you know now about RT,

would you still choose to be a respiratory therapist?

No. Respiratory Therapists are very limited as compared to nurses. A nurse can work in the OR, recovery, cath lab, physician office, insurance companies, schools, company nurse, endoscopy and bronchoscopy labs, floor nurse, ER, Non Invasive Cardiology, sales reps and so on. Just so much more opportunities. If I knew a few years ago what I know now I would go into nursing.

RT TO MD in Independence, Missouri said: I'm not implying that RT's are losers. Most the RT's I know are fairly smart people who, 1) are content with being the middle man, or 2) had a situation in their life where their circumstances prohibited them from seeking further education. You're one of the few RT's I know that love your job (Brian) so kudos to you. Healthcare is a great field if you're interested in helping others and there's room for everyone's level of ambition. (From housekeeper to physician) At this state, I'm not content with being an RT. It's just my ambition level. I like to have more autonomy with my profession. That's all. I don't think I'm an unhappy person or should leave the profession. I do plan on being and MD so if you ever see that miserable doctor barking orders at the RT's then you'll know it's me! Good luck all and yes, there's nothing wrong with being an RT. Just don't expect too much.

Be a P.A. doing the doctor's dirty work will he gets all the cash? Most P.A.s are frustrated former pre med students. You still have to work under a doctor's license. Besides, 60% of doctors regret going to medical school. Many are going to switch careers if medicine gets socialized. I have seen RTs that take more initiative than doctors.
I've seen some pretty clueless doctors. I have seen doctors make huge mistakes, even pulmonologists, that wouldn't have happened had they asked an RT. Doctors are mixed bag. Many are elitist egomaniacs with power issues and a messiah complex, or just plain arrogant and mean. Others are wonderful and you cherish every encounter. Much of field of medicine in the U.S. is about handing out medication. D.O.s are more effective.
Who do they call when they call a code blue? A doctor? No. An RT. Who is weaning the patient off the life support making, with his/her coworkers, half a million dollars for the hospital per month? Doctors are overpaid and RTs are underpaid.

Sebastien in Montreal, Quebec said: To my knowledge, the RT profession does not exist in Europe... tasks are shared between RNs and MDs. I do know, however, that RTs are hired by contract in Sauda Arabia and that it pays pretty well...

50K is not particularly good pay considering the dangers.

nash in Hollywood, Florida said: i cant see anyone wanting to hire you ,,,,,whinning miserable person

Sorry to disappoint you but I was hired straight out of school with multiple job offers.

Julio in Palmdale, California said: No, I would not. I just graduated in June of 2011. Still have no job. I know that in the future I will be employed at least per diem somewhere in the L.A. area. But I'm probably gonna be going back to school because I don't see much job security in this field of RCP. I don't see myself ever getting a full time job or receiving benefits because the jobs are simply non-existent.

I'm still a positive person and think that RCP is a wonderful career but it just doesn't get the respect it deserves and also there are no jobs. Bummer! :(

If you are willing to relocate, it looks like Lucille Packard Children's hospital is hiring. For those that do not know, this is Stanford's children's hospital.

This site won't let me post the whole web link, but you can use the main portal and click on "Find Jobs" at the bottom.

jobs.stanfordmed.org

Looks like they don't require experience.

Don't discount a position just because it is PRN. Once you get your food in the door, once the full time positions open, you are first in line.

Good Luck.

"Foot" in the door

HunnyBunny in San Jose, California said: If you are willing to relocate, it looks like Lucille Packard Children's hospital is hiring. For those that do not know, this is Stanford's children's hospital.

This site won't let me post the whole web link, but you can use the main portal and click on "Find Jobs" at the bottom.

jobs.stanfordmed.org

Looks like they don't require experience.

Don't discount a position just because it is PRN. Once you get your food in the door, once the full time positions open, you are first in line.

Good Luck.

Looks like this site is making the posting of a link difficult. The website needs the https in front of it, NOT http.

HunnyBunny in San Jose, California said: Sorry to disappoint you but I was hired straight out of school with multiple job offers.

HonnyBunny, how much do they pay to new grads in the San Jose area?

Lora in La Jolla, California said: HonnyBunny, how much do they pay to new grads in the San Jose area?

When I started 5 years ago, the economic implode hadn't happened yet. Fresh out of school RRT started out in the low to mid $30's per hour plus about $5.00/hr night shift differential. (Most full time job openings for new grads were night shift).

I guess in today's job market, you take what job you can get, but when I graduated, I had the luxury to pick the hospital I wanted to work at. I picked the one I did based on the other staff and working conditions over money.

I had heard that the Kaiser hospitals pay a higher rate, but I don't know about their benefits or working conditions.

I understand that the "pay for your degree" schools are pumping out RT grads at an alarming rate and saturating the market down in SoCal. I have not noticed that to be the case in San Jose. It has been my experience that the local hospitals "generally" hire students from the local community colleges; those students that came through their hospital during clinical rotations.

Hope this answered your question.