Job for Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapy is used in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and care of patient’s cardiopulmonary problems.  Increasing numbers of persons suffering from respiratory diseases need complex treatment and rehabilitation, creating a need for specialists to assist doctors and nurses.  As a result, RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS (also known as respiratory care practitioners), have become an essential part of the health team.

Respiratory Therapists work under the direction of physicians and follow their prescriptions for treating patients.  Their duties range from giving temporary relief to persons with asthma, pulmonary edema, or emphysema to giving emergency care for asphyxiation, heart failure, stroke, drowning, or shock. Respiratory Therapists are among the first persons called to work with doctors and other specialists to give treatments for acute respiratory conditions, head injuries, and drug poisoning.  Therapists’ duties can also include treating gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, tetanus, and the respiratory care of newborn infants.

Respiratory Therapists make sure that physician’s orders are carefully followed.  They set up and operate respirators, masks, incubators, and positive breathing machines designed to give respiratory assistance to patients.  They use other mechanical devices such as precursors’ to stimulate the flow of mucus from the lungs, as well as aerosol inhalants and sprays that supply the lungs with medication.  They do blood-gas analyses.  They explain treatment to patients so as to gain cooperation and to allay fears.  They also instruct patients and their families on the performance of breathing exercises, handling of equipment, and continuance of treatment at home.

Therapists monitor equipment, observe patient reactions, assess conditions, assure comfort, and recommend changes in therapy to physicians. They record relevant information on patients’ charts.  They may also use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in medical Research and to diagnose disorders.  Respiratory Technicians, who perform similar duties but with less critical patients, assist them, other duties may include the maintenance, sterilization, proper assembly, and testing of the machines and equipment they use.

Respiratory Therapists work in modern, well-equipped medical facilities that are adequately lighted and ventilated.  Considerable walking, prolonged standing, and some lifting of patients and equipment are necessary.  Hazards include muscle strain from lifting and bending, as well as exposure to infectious and communicable diseases. Following safety standards and precautions minimize hazards.  Interruptions of regular assigned tasks to handle emergency cases and accident victims may result in emotional stress. Therapists may have to provide their own lab coats.

It’s the fine distinctions that sometimes make all the difference; intubation a trachea is a lot more effective than intubation an esophagus, after all! When it comes to salary questions, asking the right question makes for more accurate answers. Find out why asking “what are median respiratory therapist salaries” is a better question than “what is the average respiratory therapist salary” from Dr. Salary and his article, Why is Median better than Mean for a Typical Salary? “Respiratory Therapists earned an average of $17.26 per hour in 1996.  Those at a supervisory level or senior level may expect to receive up to $25.00 or more an hour.