A Career in Respiratory Therapy, Essay Example

Respiratory care is a profession that provides care to individuals of all ages who have trouble breathing or who are unable to breathe on their own. Patients in the care of respiratory therapists often suffer from diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, stroke, heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, birth defects, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, or sleep apnea. Respiratory therapists also provide rehabilitation and education services, as well as diagnostic tests. (RCB)  In addition, there is a range of support services that respiratory therapist provide to patients such as life support, administration of medications through aerosol applications, maintenance of equipment and patient response, retrieve blood samples for chemical analysis, perform stress tests, sleep studies and monitor patients for respiratory status. (RCB)  The current paper discusses the current employment options for respiratory care, salary and job statistics, as well as includes information obtained from a current licensed respiratory therapist.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012, the median pay for respiratory therapist was $55,870 per year and $26.86 per hour. The level of education, at entry level, was indicated at an Associate’s degree. In addition, the necessary experience in the field requires zero years of experience and on-the job training. Furthermore, the number of available jobs reported in 2012 reached a height at 119,300 with a 19% job outlook for 2012-2022. The job outlook refers to the projected percent change in employment in a particular field. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

A professional respiratory therapist was interviewed in order to obtain a hands-on outlook on the field of respiratory care. The interviewee was asked to describe the day in the life of a respiratory therapist, as well as provide positive factors and negative factors about the profession.  In addition, the interviewee was asked if they would still choose respiratory care if they could do it all over. The respiratory therapist whom I interviewed was a seasoned therapist and has been in the field for over 10 years and who works in a hospital in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Her response to her normal day was, “A very hectic day with numerous patients of differing ages, genders, and diagnoses”.  She also indicated that it was always full of surprise and emotion.  She said the reason there is so much emotion is because working in the ICU, you are taking care of the most critically ill patients.

The interviewee was asked to indicate three positive aspects of being a respiratory therapist, the interviewee responded with the following: “Respiratory therapy has many positive outlooks, such as great pay, job availability, and the sense of fulfillment”. I asked her to further respond to the sense of fulfillment statement.  She indicated that when you treat a patient and they respond and are thankful, you know why you are there and do your job every day. In regard to the negative aspects of the job, the interviewee responded with, “Long hours, difficult with own children and sadness”. She implied that the long hours make it difficult on your family, especially with young children and even as they grow older.  Sometimes you miss holidays, plays, sports games, and in general life family activities.  In addition, she stated, “Sadness occurs when you lose a patient, especially a young child”. After the interview questions, I thanked her and asked if she would stay in this field if she could go back and choose anything.  She replied, “I would definitely stay in this field.  I think there are positives and negatives to every career, but I have chosen a career that fits me emotionally and financially.”

Upon completing the research for this paper and conducting an interview, I am very happy with my decision to further my career as a respiratory care therapist. I initially chose this field because I like to help others and I am also interested in the medical field. I would like to work in the neonatal field, as I would like to provide care to newborns and infants. I feel this is a choice that gives back to our society and is of fulfilling nature.

Works Cited

RCB.  What is Respiratory Care?  Respiratory Care Board of California. Retrieved from: http://www.rcb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/rcb_inpire_brochure.pdf

Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Occupational Outlook Handbook.  Respiratory Therapists. 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm