www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00... I give you 5 reasons why you should not become a Respiratory Therapist. Being an RT is amazing but it does have its downsides.
My dad was a RT for over 35 years, longer than I’ve been alive. I just got a job at a hospital at the beginning of this year, the same one my dad worked at for over 20 years and retired at. All I think about is RT, I’m starting my prerequisites and going to hopefully become and RT one day.
I'm glad you mentioned not being able to cry and needed to go see someone else with a smily within minutes. That right there might make RT out of my future. I'm an extremely empathetic person and the smallest things make me cry. I appreciate knowing this information. Thank you so much.
Bro, RT of 10 years here. Hate to say it but I've always had one foot in, one foot out the door with this career. It's been really good to me because of the decisions I've made but the environment itself can be absolutely soul crushing and demoralizing.
I can’t agree with you any more! That’s why i have a job on the side to clear my mind part time. It helps me being able to get away for a few days out of the week. Do you guys do 12’s or 8’s? Thanks for subscribing to the channel btw!
Hey man, you're not alone. I'm 5 years in, and I can no longer do it. I told my gf (soon to be wife) for my mental health I need to work towards a new career. The disrespect for our time, the lack of help from "leadership" positions, the futile treatments we are asked to give day in and day out. The terrible part is it's an actual fun job with an amazing scope, and the pay, steady income is incredible, but there's unfortunately too much negativity and toxicity to justify the "living wage" the job provides.
I just dropped out of RT school. Not sure why this job draws all the rude, mean and a-hole students. The worst part of my classes were all the mean immature girls in the program. Most toxic environment I've ever been in!
I’m sorry for your experience! Was it just your school in particular or are the other schools in your area the same? Are you going to transition into another field now?
Dude may I suggest PTA school. First of all most RRT are prior wannabes from other programs who figure that RT is easy. Then when they have a hard time or can't cut that they then become rude, mean, a-hole students. Not to mention that never ends as most RT departments are filled with obnoxious know- it -all.
@@christopherbarton5754 Thinking of doing either trying to get an AA in radiologic tech, RT, or trying to become a nurse. I'm currently 29, needing to start fresh in a technical school. What is PTA? Physical therapist assistant?
Not all RT students are like that. I'm sorry you had that experience. I went to a community college and we were all adults trying to find better situations. We helped each other and looked out for one another. While it's true that sometimes RRTs may come off as condescending or rude in the hospital as one commenter described, it's usually because we have to explain the same simple concepts endlessly to the same people who persistently try to do things like wean the flow on a nonrebreather mask or venturi system without understanding that doing so is literally like smothering a patient by depriving them of airflow, then get an attitude with us when we turn it back to the appropriate setting and act like we're idiot neb jockies with no education, not realizing we have to pass 2 adaptive board exams and maintain our continuing education requirements for both our national body and for any states in which we need to maintain our licensure. It's frustrating to be constantly demeaned and belittled by the same people that call you first in a panic when their patients stop breathing. We spend too much of our time trying to defend or justify the appropriate modifications of our patients care plans to ordering providers who refuse to acknowledge our specialized expertise, perhaps not realizing that we are more than glorified certificate holders. The constant barrage of discredited to our education and ability can be imbittering. I will say that it is not like that everywhere. Someone mentioned on the main comment thread that having protocols in place really helps reinforce our credibility by allowing us the autonomy to practice within our scope. I can attest to that. Traveling as an RRT has been a real blessing for me. One retention method employers try to use is the "The grass is always greener" argument, implying that the same problems exist everywhere or that you'll be trading one set of problems for potentially worse problems elsewhere. While that may be true in some instances, if you're not happy with your circumstances, I highly recommend traveling rather that caving into intimidation tactics. It's like testing the water at different facilities. If you find one you like, consider settling down there when you're ready. Didn't mean to write a novel. If you got this far thanks and sorry for rambling. 😅
RRT here for 20 years. My college program experience was also awful with the petty backstabbing. It foretold what the future would be. RT dept attract many emotionally unintelligent people. I’m so burnt out after COVID. Good for you grasshopper!!! Be free in a better environment
In Indiana we are Respiratory Care Practitioners. My R.C.P. friend had the E.R. early in the covid pandemic. He went home and he and his two sons and wife got covid. His wife a NICU nurse got so sick she recently got a lung transplant. You must be an RT if you love excitement and remaining calm in very stressful situations. RTs are the people the poem If by Rudyard Kipling wrote.
I was a respiratory therapist for four years and I enjoyed the first couple years but then it just got kind of boring and repetitive so I went to medical school and now I’m a hospitalist. Best decision ever.
I've been retired from RT for less than a year. I had to laugh when you described where the department might end up. After 45 years I've seen most of them. My last hospital they took our roomy department and gave it to sterile processing. We were given the store room of the gift shop. The pulmonary function lab got bigger, the outpatients love being close to the front door. The rest of the department was tiny. Our equipment was all over, we had vents in the conference room.
I've been an RT (CRTT) for 35 years, I would put at #1 "being physically and verbally abused by patients and their family" . Probably at #2 "Hey respiratory...can you go get me a _______ (fill in the blank) or help me pull up this patient (or whatever). Best of luck to anyone in/or entering the field......The only person who appreciates you, will be yourself. Sorry this seems negative, but society has evolved in better and worse ways...
That really sucks!! I’ve been working in the healthcare field in various settings. This is an unfortunate occurrence. Do you find that this is something that happens regularly in rt? I’m really considering rt and my friend’s sister has been an rt for 30 years & loves it.
Been an RT for 5 years. I'm looking at leaving for a career in finance. The amount of unnecessary abg's, nebs, bipap starts... the blatant disrespect for our time on a constant basis is demoralizing, but it's "leadership" and management that will drive you away. The amount of middle positions in a hospital, the "educators, supervisors, management... we almost have more educators and supervisors than bedside staff most days, and they will gladly lock themselves in their office and work on a PowerPoint than help assist with an RT whose about to receive their 8th ventilated admission during a shift. Etc etc. Anyone reading this, stay far away from this field. I do not know how you managed 35 years. Congratulations !
@@BekiTMBTIgo for it! Only you will know if you like it or not. I am in my second term to become an RT. Dont listen to others opinions because everyone has their tolerance.
I hate being an RT. But this trash is what i chose. I didn't know what i was getting into. And now i'm too old, broke, and physically messed up, to go after anything else. I can't imagine trying to work and go back to school for anything else. The hospital gets all my energy, and i'm left feeling like a wreck on my days off. Did i mention being broke? Yup, this trash doesn't pay very well at all. There's a sucker born every minute, and they'll all RTs.
I’ve done peds (PICU and NICU), home care, pediatric PSG (sleep studies), and pulmonary rehab (lung transplant focused) in my 6 years of Respiratory. You def don’t have to work in a hospital if you don’t want to. I am now in PA school.
Did you enjoy the pediatrics stuff? How hard was it to get a job working with kids? Did you work exclusively in pediatrics? I'm going to be starting my program next fall and was a teacher before deciding to try RT, so I'm very interested in working with kids still. Thanks!
@@bbq0225 I got an internship at the pediatric hospital while in school and worked there after graduation but I had classmates who just applied right after graduation and got the job. It’s no hard just apply to the peds hospital in your area. A pediatric hospital is exclusively newborn to 18- 21 years old. We worked with all ages of children. I enjoyed peds because I love working with children but one thing to consider is you have to work with parents too which is challenging at times.
@@asiabyrd16 Oh ok! I'm hoping it's that easy once I'm done with school in two years, and also hoping covid has slowed down. Thanks for replying! What are you wanting to specialize in once you're a pa?
Fun clips, love it! I am a social worker and have been wanting to pivot to a health care career, was so thinking of respiratory therapy. I feel like I can do it, just need more confidence. Any advice for someone who has no experience and wants to seek out a program?
I think its great you didn't mention "don't become an RT if you can't deal with seeing sputum/bodily fluid". I used to think that stuff was nasty. However, only after a few weeks into term 1 I'm understanding the anatomy of the lungs and secretion of mucus. It's like I never thought it was disgusting. Lol.
It’s funny because i hear that so often from nurses. The thought of secretions was nasty but like you said, in no time i actually enjoyed suctioning patients. Especially if it’s some gnarly pneumonia. Are you in RT school currently?
@@DoldierMedia I am! We are half way through term 1. I opted for a fast track RT program so we just got straight to the point. A little more expensive but I'll take it over a community college any day.
Good luck to you my brother. I always tell the RNs when they cringe at the secretions, "I'd rather handle secretions above the waist, than below the waist." The most satisfying for me is when you nasotracheal suction a patient & you hit jackpot & fill the suction tubing up.
Thanks. Can so relate to this. So surprised that the situation is the same here in India. In India Respiratory therapy hasn't been recognized much and I was thinking in the States it would be different. Hmmm... #RT.❤
may i please know about the current status of RT job oppurtunity and how long did it take for you to complete this course and if you dont mind can i know about the salary
Excellent video. I’d throw in underwhelming raises. Not to mention Nurses and CNA’s get the bulk of incentive and bonus pay. For some reason Respiratory just gets skipped over (poor treatment from management.) Our “office” is cramped and tiny. lol !!! I enjoy the job but it’s underwhelming in many ways (including pay.)
Basically most RT departments are managed by those with barely a bachelors degree and most RRT are associate degrees. So you are trying to stand equal with nurses having bachelors and masters and even doctors degrees. RRT is simply never going to be fully respected until this changes and they begin performing more critical patient care and achieve higher degrees. Examples are PT are now Doctors of physical therapy, Nurse aenesthetist are clinical doctorals as well. Performing ABGs, doing HHNs, and simple vent changes are not enough. Only until recently did RT departments stop OJT individuals from practicing. After 30 years in the field this to me is the basic problem.
I agree 100%. RT needs to step their game up. Not only in degrees but also in patient care. They want respect but will sit for 3-8 hours a shift. Then when the RN calls for something in THEIR SCOPE OF PRACTICE they get mad. Like… bruh you were sitting for an hour, what are you mad at. Go do something. I actually got fired by a facility because I’d stay at my assigned area and monitor patients with the RNs. They thought I was “slow” and “sucked” because I never sat & hung out with them. They wanted me to hangout in the Dept with them and basically work like them. But I didn’t.
Been doing this for 10years. I’m honestly burned out. Anybody else gotten out of healthcare or go into a different area that isn’t in the hospital? I’m looking to bail lol
Man, maybe I'm the lucky one but I really enjoy respiratory therapy. I've been a fire medic for almost 30 years and 11 years ago I got my cert as an RRT. I do work per diem and did work though COVID, and yes I got Covid too. What am I missing?
Exec video series,BTW, quick question, how do you avoid catching TB and the like and what percent of working RTs contract illnesses such as these while OTJ (roughly in your opinion), thanks
Thank you! So there’s almost no way of avoiding things like being exposed to TB, etc. typically patients at risk of TB are screened beforehand so that they instantly get tested, but you’ll still get called in a few times a year to get tested because you were exposed to someone who is a TB rule out. I personally don’t know anyone who actually contracted tb at work. Usually we get flu or rsv before anyone else and you’ll be sick often while working and usually don’t even know what you have.
So i would say it’s rare for one of us to actually catch a serious sickness due to masks and gloves and following ppe guidelines, but you’ll catch mild to moderate illnesses all the time and it just becomes the norm.
Hey bro...I completed my bsc degree in biotechnology, microbiology and chemistry...then I did diploma in paramedical course in respiratory therapy technology...can I get job in other countries like canada usa
I've been a respiratory therapist for 9 years and I'm so burnt out. The breaking point was covid. The disrespect we get from nurses, NP's, doctors, patients, and even our own department is insane. I've wanted to quit so many times but I like helping people and the money is really good. You would think with covid that our profession would get more recognition and respect but NOPE. The only people that's more disrespected than respiratory in a hospital are CNA'S/PCA'S/PCT'S and housekeeping.
I agree with you. I got into RT from my own pulmonary experience. I actually genuinely care about patients. I actually got fired from one place because I stayed at my assigned area and monitored patients, stocked my equip room, looked at progress notes, checked on ED etc. I wanted to be a good RT but people thought I was “slow” and “shitty” since I never hung out in the Dept. RTs didn’t like me. I’d be disrespected by my own people. I’d ask if they needed help but it seemed like an annoyance for them. RNs were ok. They were actually more supportive than the RTs. I wish this profession was more supportive within itself. I just don’t get it. Like… I’m just trying to work and I’m being bullied & treated like crap. Hang in there.
RT for 36 years. Most of the time I've liked my job but the last few years have been really tough. COVID was part of that, but not all of it. Where I work our duties have been expanded. For instance, now have a real NICU, but no RTs actually in NICU all the time. I'll have ER, floor patients, and NICU on the same shift and just hope I don't get a call to the ER when a 30 weeker is born. Also, I hate NICU.
I know a Chinese guy in Toronto who make tons of money via this job. of course, he makes us the customers happy and he happy but not the insurance companies.
I’m about to start my second semester in RT school. Although I love it and have learned so much, I am starting to fear I made the wrong choice and should’ve gone for nursing? Or maybe I’m just scared of the unknown and people have been getting in my head that nursing is so much better 🤦🏼♀️
Omggg i've been stuck between nursing and rt too. But i am enrolled in rt now. How are you? Did you regret it? My class will start next month and reading your comment makes me anxious :( did you shift or continue studying rt?
As a 10 year RRT I'm going to get my LPN. Jobs in many areas are 10 to 1 with similar pay. I would have gone into nursing if I was considering which to choose
I do get that from where I'm from, but i am only a rt technician... I don't care rather they recognise me or not because i don't go looking it... i tell you do it with compassion, for me at the end of the day i am glad i helped someone or given my all to save a life... You should quit being an RT and give it to.someone who doesn't care about your reasons because i am one of that person😉😉
I've been an RRT since 84. I've seen our department grow from LPN's and CRTT's to all RRT's. But, our department has also become a tossed salad of modalities and reponsibilities throughout the years. We do it all and then some. EKG's, newborn hearing screening, PPD testing for community and hospital staff members, education, smoking cessation, pulmonary functions testing, bronchoscopy assist, cardioversion assisting, A-line insertions, intubations, RSV sampling, and on and on, ad nauseam... RT has become a dumping ground for shit nobody else wants to do. Sound familiar? And, most of this stuff we can't charge for. We even get calls to do stuff we aren't trained for. And lunches? Forget about having a warm meal. Do not chase RT, people. Go into nursing. You'll get a greater choice of job, more money, and alot more recognition and job satisfaction.
@@CrazyBunniePanda Ya gotta ask yourself "where am I gonna be in ten years, twenty years, etc if I don't finish nursing?" Are you gonna still be selling used cars? I truly believe that only a very small % of people are happy in their profession. I could have spent 2 more years for a masters degree in athletic training. I took RT instead. Bummer. If I had to do it all over again, I'd chase engineering. But, I'm 68 years old and my work life is over.
I appreciate this comment here. I work as a Paramedic now and just recently (just last year) left the truck and entered the hospital. It's... okay. Could be better. But the pay is disrespectful and we can't utilize our full scope in here. So we are stuck as basically doing whatever the Nurses either don't want to do or can't do. Been debating between bridging over to RN or doing an Associate RT program. With my history of intubation, RSI/DAI, and respiratory diseases due to my Paramedic training and Paramedic practice, I have been leaning more heavily towards that route. But from what I am reading here and elsewhere, I'd likely be better off getting the RN and just doing Critical Care work - either ground transport or flight transport - instead. 😬
No. What it will give you is basic knowledge in a little bit of everything. As an RRT, you will have a greater grasp of the profession comp. to techs. It's okay to gather experience in hospital. Your value will increase the more you bravely dig into the trenches over time. If you have at least a BS in respiratory, you will be given more responsibility. Be a team leader. Teach everyone. Shy away from nothing.
@@infinex3904 By biomed engineering, are you talking about the job in the hospital or as a an engineer designing medical equipment? My nephew works for a hospital network and covers 6 hopitals in a local group. He loves it. But, doesn't like being on call for everybody. Pay is great. Every job sucks. So, ya know. Six of one.....
@@DoldierMedia Im at Sutter down the street ! Someone told me the big Russian was named Danger Dan LOL. I did my clinical rotations at your hospital around spring of 2020. Great to run into your channel. !
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV ROMANS 10:9-11 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame” Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” Luke 19:10 God wants us to believe in His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, who died for our sins :D When we truly believe in our hearts that Jesus is the Son of God, who died for our sins so we could have eternal life with God, we are saved from the eternal fire and have eternal life in Christ Jesus!! 💖 May God bless y’all!!
Number 6: New grads in major cities will have a hard time finding work. It took me a year of applying after I obtained my RRT because of the over saturation of RT’s in big cities. Hospitals and rehabs in my area required years of actual experience just to even look at your resume. My advice consider rural areas or traveling after school. PS. This was pre COVID but even so after the pandemic I feel like we will see a lot of layoffs with RT’s.
I agree. In larger cities. There are too many RT’s and it’s difficult for new grads to get jobs. The only reason i didn’t include it was because i think that applies to every medical profession in large cities. Nurses have a difficult time getting a job and most of my friends who work in different medical fields have a hard time getting hired. Where do you work now? Did you go straight to a hospital?
@@DoldierMedia This was 2012-2013 and from what I remember RT’s, MA’s, and X-Ray Techs were the toughest jobs to get your foot into. This was Phoenix, AZ and my first job was with rural city about and hour and a half from Phoenix. I was hired as As Needed and was guaranteed at least one day a week. They would give me 24 hour noticed and I was always called to cover 2nd shift. I would make the hour and a half drive the day of my shift and rent a hotel room for 45 buck a night. If it wasn’t for my brother basically supporting me through this I don’t know how I would have survived, there were weeks I only worked one day. Finally after 8 months, so 20 months after graduation, they offered me a full time position. I just wish my school would have been more transparent about this. I remember the kept saying by the time we graduated the demand for RT’s was expected to rise by 18 percent. My class had 10 graduates but sadly most of them, who had families, had to leave the field due to lack of progress in finding a job.
@@annalizbarba3501 I went through Carrington College but I would recommend you use a school that offers a bachelors program. When I went to school in 2010 Carrington College did not offer a bachelors degree and when I applied at a school with a bachelors program they would not accept my transcript from Carrington for their bachelors program.
u must live midwest cause rt jobs are hot now especially agency gigs. Here in the east coast there are tons of jobs due to the rt shortage. I know of a bunch of places hiring. I guess it depends in your area but if your in nj, ny, connecticut there should be no excuse to not find a good paying job
All allied Healthcare members are one, we are one body. Just because Rts are not Nurses and physicians, does that make us any less a member? We are all important, we are all needed: "20But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it"-1 Corinthians 12:20
I am sorry but you are wrong my man. You have a lot of growth which you could do as an RT. Especially after the approval of AART and much more . You might don’t want to grow but there are a lot which you could do. Nice video over all brother
Interesting I'm looking to get into this field but these comments are scaring me😂. I've been in the pharmaceutical industry for the past 15 years... working from home primarily but am sick of the unstable field.
Choose R.N., NOT respiratory therapist. Physicians refer to respiratory as 'ancillary', lumped in with C.N.A.s. Despite taking the same general education, prerequisites and sciences respiratory earns about 20% to 30% LESS THAN R.N.s. R.N.s and M.D.s ate lunch, conversed idly, and even dated/married; yet, NEARLY never, can the same be said of the LOWLY respiratory therapist. My usual contribution to the 'team' was, " SaO2 is something %" followed by, "ok, ya sure", by the Pulmonologist. 37 years of such 'team work' was not pleasant, or worth it. Further, the nature of the discipline greatly diminishes the areas needed, thus opportunities are diminished. Choose R.N., NOT respiratory therapist.
Misery needs company. You need a life, man. You spam every video on CZcams saying the same thing. You are just a bitter person. For it to be such a bad field, you sure stayed in it a long time. You were most likely fired and now you’re mad. Go away troll
@@787puertorico exactly, this lazy excuse of a human could’ve specialized in sleep, pulmonary function testing, rehabilitation, or even teaching. But of course, he was either too incompetent to finish to pass the exam for the credentials or didn’t even pass the program at all 😂 Going on a tirade on something he couldn’t do so he wants to discourage others 🤦
@@tommydub7785 having completed nearly 40 years in this poor paying career, I very much want all not get screwed over by one of these unscrupulous R.T. schools. REGARDLESS OF WHAT SOME DIM WITS BELIEVE, good luck little one. Think if you call mama👩 everything'll be okay? Good luck👍 to all, others.
RTs are the greatest , we know everything about everything , we are relied upon, we rush to everything , professional growth it’s great with experience. Yea the RT department is away from every other department, but it’s serenity with other RTs , cause some health care professionals are not intelligent 💯🤌🏾🤣🤷🏽♂️
My dad was a RT for over 35 years, longer than I’ve been alive. I just got a job at a hospital at the beginning of this year, the same one my dad worked at for over 20 years and retired at. All I think about is RT, I’m starting my prerequisites and going to hopefully become and RT one day.
I just call them Nurse. If they dont care to learn or ask my name I just call them nurse.
I'm glad you mentioned not being able to cry and needed to go see someone else with a smily within minutes. That right there might make RT out of my future. I'm an extremely empathetic person and the smallest things make me cry. I appreciate knowing this information. Thank you so much.
We are always in the foreground during an emergency but only the nurses and doctors realize your value. It is a PTSD pit.
Bro, RT of 10 years here. Hate to say it but I've always had one foot in, one foot out the door with this career. It's been really good to me because of the decisions I've made but the environment itself can be absolutely soul crushing and demoralizing.
I can’t agree with you any more! That’s why i have a job on the side to clear my mind part time. It helps me being able to get away for a few days out of the week. Do you guys do 12’s or 8’s? Thanks for subscribing to the channel btw!
Hey man, you're not alone. I'm 5 years in, and I can no longer do it. I told my gf (soon to be wife) for my mental health I need to work towards a new career. The disrespect for our time, the lack of help from "leadership" positions, the futile treatments we are asked to give day in and day out. The terrible part is it's an actual fun job with an amazing scope, and the pay, steady income is incredible, but there's unfortunately too much negativity and toxicity to justify the "living wage" the job provides.
Excellent video! Appreciate what you guys do.
Thank you! Thank you for the sub!
I just dropped out of RT school. Not sure why this job draws all the rude, mean and a-hole students. The worst part of my classes were all the mean immature girls in the program. Most toxic environment I've ever been in!
I’m sorry for your experience! Was it just your school in particular or are the other schools in your area the same? Are you going to transition into another field now?
Dude may I suggest PTA school. First of all most RRT are prior wannabes from other programs who figure that RT is easy. Then when they have a hard time or can't cut that they then become rude, mean, a-hole students. Not to mention that never ends as most RT departments are filled with obnoxious know- it -all.
@@christopherbarton5754 Thinking of doing either trying to get an AA in radiologic tech, RT, or trying to become a nurse. I'm currently 29, needing to start fresh in a technical school. What is PTA? Physical therapist assistant?
Not all RT students are like that. I'm sorry you had that experience. I went to a community college and we were all adults trying to find better situations. We helped each other and looked out for one another. While it's true that sometimes RRTs may come off as condescending or rude in the hospital as one commenter described, it's usually because we have to explain the same simple concepts endlessly to the same people who persistently try to do things like wean the flow on a nonrebreather mask or venturi system without understanding that doing so is literally like smothering a patient by depriving them of airflow, then get an attitude with us when we turn it back to the appropriate setting and act like we're idiot neb jockies with no education, not realizing we have to pass 2 adaptive board exams and maintain our continuing education requirements for both our national body and for any states in which we need to maintain our licensure. It's frustrating to be constantly demeaned and belittled by the same people that call you first in a panic when their patients stop breathing. We spend too much of our time trying to defend or justify the appropriate modifications of our patients care plans to ordering providers who refuse to acknowledge our specialized expertise, perhaps not realizing that we are more than glorified certificate holders. The constant barrage of discredited to our education and ability can be imbittering.
I will say that it is not like that everywhere. Someone mentioned on the main comment thread that having protocols in place really helps reinforce our credibility by allowing us the autonomy to practice within our scope. I can attest to that. Traveling as an RRT has been a real blessing for me. One retention method employers try to use is the "The grass is always greener" argument, implying that the same problems exist everywhere or that you'll be trading one set of problems for potentially worse problems elsewhere. While that may be true in some instances, if you're not happy with your circumstances, I highly recommend traveling rather that caving into intimidation tactics. It's like testing the water at different facilities. If you find one you like, consider settling down there when you're ready.
Didn't mean to write a novel. If you got this far thanks and sorry for rambling. 😅
RRT here for 20 years. My college program experience was also awful with the petty backstabbing. It foretold what the future would be. RT dept attract many emotionally unintelligent people. I’m so burnt out after COVID. Good for you grasshopper!!! Be free in a better environment
In Indiana we are Respiratory Care Practitioners. My R.C.P. friend had the E.R. early in the covid pandemic. He went home and he and his two sons and wife got covid. His wife a NICU nurse got so sick she recently got a lung transplant.
You must be an RT if you love excitement and remaining calm in very stressful situations. RTs are the people the poem If by Rudyard Kipling wrote.
Hi Bob, I’m also in Indiana and thinking about becoming a respiratory therapist. Do you mind if I ask you questions please?
I was a respiratory therapist for four years and I enjoyed the first couple years but then it just got kind of boring and repetitive so I went to medical school and now I’m a hospitalist. Best decision ever.
Lmao I’m a housekeeper and the RT’s literally had their break room right next to the morgue
I’ve been to 3 hospitals where that’s where they had the break room lol
I've been retired from RT for less than a year. I had to laugh when you described where the department might end up. After 45 years I've seen most of them. My last hospital they took our roomy department and gave it to sterile processing. We were given the store room of the gift shop. The pulmonary function lab got bigger, the outpatients love being close to the front door. The rest of the department was tiny. Our equipment was all over, we had vents in the conference room.
I've been an RT (CRTT) for 35 years, I would put at #1 "being physically and verbally abused by patients and their family" . Probably at #2 "Hey respiratory...can you go get me a _______ (fill in the blank) or help me pull up this patient (or whatever). Best of luck to anyone in/or entering the field......The only person who appreciates you, will be yourself. Sorry this seems negative, but society has evolved in better and worse ways...
Is anesthesia better than respiratory????
That really sucks!! I’ve been working in the healthcare field in various settings. This is an unfortunate occurrence. Do you find that this is something that happens regularly in rt? I’m really considering rt and my friend’s sister has been an rt for 30 years & loves it.
Been an RT for 5 years. I'm looking at leaving for a career in finance. The amount of unnecessary abg's, nebs, bipap starts... the blatant disrespect for our time on a constant basis is demoralizing, but it's "leadership" and management that will drive you away. The amount of middle positions in a hospital, the "educators, supervisors, management... we almost have more educators and supervisors than bedside staff most days, and they will gladly lock themselves in their office and work on a PowerPoint than help assist with an RT whose about to receive their 8th ventilated admission during a shift. Etc etc. Anyone reading this, stay far away from this field. I do not know how you managed 35 years. Congratulations !
@@BekiTMBTIgo for it! Only you will know if you like it or not. I am in my second term to become an RT. Dont listen to others opinions because everyone has their tolerance.
I hate being an RT. But this trash is what i chose. I didn't know what i was getting into. And now i'm too old, broke, and physically messed up, to go after anything else. I can't imagine trying to work and go back to school for anything else. The hospital gets all my energy, and i'm left feeling like a wreck on my days off. Did i mention being broke? Yup, this trash doesn't pay very well at all.
There's a sucker born every minute, and they'll all RTs.
I’ve done peds (PICU and NICU), home care, pediatric PSG (sleep studies), and pulmonary rehab (lung transplant focused) in my 6 years of Respiratory. You def don’t have to work in a hospital if you don’t want to. I am now in PA school.
I'm curious on how old you are going back to school to become a PA? I'm currently 29 looking to get an AA in either nursing, RT, or radiologic tech.
@@Fornwith I am 29. Do it!
Did you enjoy the pediatrics stuff? How hard was it to get a job working with kids? Did you work exclusively in pediatrics? I'm going to be starting my program next fall and was a teacher before deciding to try RT, so I'm very interested in working with kids still. Thanks!
@@bbq0225 I got an internship at the pediatric hospital while in school and worked there after graduation but I had classmates who just applied right after graduation and got the job. It’s no hard just apply to the peds hospital in your area. A pediatric hospital is exclusively newborn to 18- 21 years old. We worked with all ages of children. I enjoyed peds because I love working with children but one thing to consider is you have to work with parents too which is challenging at times.
@@asiabyrd16 Oh ok! I'm hoping it's that easy once I'm done with school in two years, and also hoping covid has slowed down. Thanks for replying! What are you wanting to specialize in once you're a pa?
Fun clips, love it! I am a social worker and have been wanting to pivot to a health care career, was so thinking of respiratory therapy. I feel like I can do it, just need more confidence.
Any advice for someone who has no experience and wants to seek out a program?
Just graduated LOVE IT were paid well here in Canada
The whole pathogens thing really don't bother me. You never know what people have on the streets when they're coughing everywhere.
I think its great you didn't mention "don't become an RT if you can't deal with seeing sputum/bodily fluid". I used to think that stuff was nasty. However, only after a few weeks into term 1 I'm understanding the anatomy of the lungs and secretion of mucus. It's like I never thought it was disgusting. Lol.
It’s funny because i hear that so often from nurses. The thought of secretions was nasty but like you said, in no time i actually enjoyed suctioning patients. Especially if it’s some gnarly pneumonia. Are you in RT school currently?
@@DoldierMedia I am! We are half way through term 1. I opted for a fast track RT program so we just got straight to the point. A little more expensive but I'll take it over a community college any day.
Good luck to you my brother. I always tell the RNs when they cringe at the secretions, "I'd rather handle secretions above the waist, than below the waist." The most satisfying for me is when you nasotracheal suction a patient & you hit jackpot & fill the suction tubing up.
Wait until it hits your bare skin… we will see how it goes then. 🤪
Most of the time I’m not grossed out either, but everyone has their limit. 🙂
Thanks. Can so relate to this. So surprised that the situation is the same here in India. In India Respiratory therapy hasn't been recognized much and I was thinking in the States it would be different. Hmmm... #RT.❤
may i please know about the current status of RT job oppurtunity and how long did it take for you to complete this course and if you dont mind can i know about the salary
Excellent video. I’d throw in underwhelming raises. Not to mention Nurses and CNA’s get the bulk of incentive and bonus pay. For some reason Respiratory just gets skipped over (poor treatment from management.) Our “office” is cramped and tiny. lol !!! I enjoy the job but it’s underwhelming in many ways (including pay.)
Basically most RT departments are managed by those with barely a bachelors degree and most RRT are associate degrees. So you are trying to stand equal with nurses having bachelors and masters and even doctors degrees. RRT is simply never going to be fully respected until this changes and they begin performing more critical patient care and achieve higher degrees. Examples are PT are now Doctors of physical therapy, Nurse aenesthetist are clinical doctorals as well. Performing ABGs, doing HHNs, and simple vent changes are not enough. Only until recently did RT departments stop OJT individuals from practicing. After 30 years in the field this to me is the basic problem.
There are associate degree nurses thank you.
I agree 100%. RT needs to step their game up. Not only in degrees but also in patient care. They want respect but will sit for 3-8 hours a shift. Then when the RN calls for something in THEIR SCOPE OF PRACTICE they get mad. Like… bruh you were sitting for an hour, what are you mad at. Go do something. I actually got fired by a facility because I’d stay at my assigned area and monitor patients with the RNs. They thought I was “slow” and “sucked” because I never sat & hung out with them. They wanted me to hangout in the Dept with them and basically work like them. But I didn’t.
@@platinumgreyx8976RN sits on their ass as well. NA carry their asses
Hey respiratory! Thank you for this.
That's all I had to hear was it not being a very broad profession. Yes, nursing you can do plenty other than just bedside. Thanks for your video.
I appreciate your videos!
Thank you! Any requests for a video?
Thank you! Supper educational
Thank you!
Preach… especially about the area far away from any life form is where our department usually is 😢
Been doing this for 10years. I’m honestly burned out. Anybody else gotten out of healthcare or go into a different area that isn’t in the hospital? I’m looking to bail lol
Best video!! Better than my academic advisor who only want my money.
Man, maybe I'm the lucky one but I really enjoy respiratory therapy. I've been a fire medic for almost 30 years and 11 years ago I got my cert as an RRT. I do work per diem and did work though COVID, and yes I got Covid too. What am I missing?
Exec video series,BTW, quick question, how do you avoid catching TB and the like and what percent of working RTs contract illnesses such as these while OTJ (roughly in your opinion), thanks
Thank you! So there’s almost no way of avoiding things like being exposed to TB, etc. typically patients at risk of TB are screened beforehand so that they instantly get tested, but you’ll still get called in a few times a year to get tested because you were exposed to someone who is a TB rule out. I personally don’t know anyone who actually contracted tb at work. Usually we get flu or rsv before anyone else and you’ll be sick often while working and usually don’t even know what you have.
So i would say it’s rare for one of us to actually catch a serious sickness due to masks and gloves and following ppe guidelines, but you’ll catch mild to moderate illnesses all the time and it just becomes the norm.
Hey bro...I completed my bsc degree in biotechnology, microbiology and chemistry...then I did diploma in paramedical course in respiratory therapy technology...can I get job in other countries like canada usa
What are the work schedules like? Do they do 12 or 8?
I've been a respiratory therapist for 9 years and I'm so burnt out. The breaking point was covid. The disrespect we get from nurses, NP's, doctors, patients, and even our own department is insane. I've wanted to quit so many times but I like helping people and the money is really good. You would think with covid that our profession would get more recognition and respect but NOPE. The only people that's more disrespected than respiratory in a hospital are CNA'S/PCA'S/PCT'S and housekeeping.
I agree with you. I got into RT from my own pulmonary experience. I actually genuinely care about patients. I actually got fired from one place because I stayed at my assigned area and monitored patients, stocked my equip room, looked at progress notes, checked on ED etc. I wanted to be a good RT but people thought I was “slow” and “shitty” since I never hung out in the Dept. RTs didn’t like me. I’d be disrespected by my own people. I’d ask if they needed help but it seemed like an annoyance for them. RNs were ok. They were actually more supportive than the RTs. I wish this profession was more supportive within itself. I just don’t get it. Like… I’m just trying to work and I’m being bullied & treated like crap. Hang in there.
Hi
@@platinumgreyx8976 that's just ppl bruh
You think being an RT is hard…. try being a Paramedic…..not a firefighter but a Paramedic…..smh no love at all
Life isn’t a competition to see who has it worse, Amber. Good luck to ya.
@@lynsiephillips7370 she's not lieing though
We didnt ask
Great video
Thank you!
Thanks for the sub!
RT for 36 years. Most of the time I've liked my job but the last few years have been really tough. COVID was part of that, but not all of it. Where I work our duties have been expanded. For instance, now have a real NICU, but no RTs actually in NICU all the time. I'll have ER, floor patients, and NICU on the same shift and just hope I don't get a call to the ER when a 30 weeker is born. Also, I hate NICU.
That’s perfect in and out
I love being an RT. Been doing it for over 25 years.
damn this sucks. Thanks for brutal honesty
I know a Chinese guy in Toronto who make tons of money via this job. of course, he makes us the customers happy and he happy but not the insurance companies.
I’m about to start my second semester in RT school. Although I love it and have learned so much, I am starting to fear I made the wrong choice and should’ve gone for nursing? Or maybe I’m just scared of the unknown and people have been getting in my head that nursing is so much better 🤦🏼♀️
So do both! You never want to ask yourself “what if?” Try it, you might love it!
Omggg i've been stuck between nursing and rt too. But i am enrolled in rt now. How are you? Did you regret it? My class will start next month and reading your comment makes me anxious :( did you shift or continue studying rt?
@@yayaya-ms4cw how is it going?
Have you thought about changing your career?
No i haven’t. I’ve been really happy with respiratory. But i have thought about opening a business or expanding and doing something else.
As a 10 year RRT I'm going to get my LPN. Jobs in many areas are 10 to 1 with similar pay.
I would have gone into nursing if I was considering which to choose
Keep it up!
Thank you! Are you an rt?
@@DoldierMedia I sell Traegers... I cause the smoke you fix it
I have a friend that I think would enjoy this job we may need to have a good talk
Oh what’s up man! Haha
Do you also not know oldies music? Lol
Put some respect on it!
You like the video? Lol
The day RTs stop sitting down for 3-8 hours a shift, we’ll talk.
Are there many options for working as an RT in an outpatient setting for people with chronic conditions? The kind that are not necessarily contagious?
No
I do get that from where I'm from, but i am only a rt technician... I don't care rather they recognise me or not because i don't go looking it... i tell you do it with compassion, for me at the end of the day i am glad i helped someone or given my all to save a life... You should quit being an RT and give it to.someone who doesn't care about your reasons because i am one of that person😉😉
I've been an RRT since 84. I've seen our department grow from LPN's and CRTT's to all RRT's. But, our department has also become a tossed salad of modalities and reponsibilities throughout the years. We do it all and then some. EKG's, newborn hearing screening, PPD testing for community and hospital staff members, education, smoking cessation, pulmonary functions testing, bronchoscopy assist, cardioversion assisting, A-line insertions, intubations, RSV sampling, and on and on, ad nauseam... RT has become a dumping ground for shit nobody else wants to do. Sound familiar? And, most of this stuff we can't charge for. We even get calls to do stuff we aren't trained for. And lunches? Forget about having a warm meal. Do not chase RT, people. Go into nursing. You'll get a greater choice of job, more money, and alot more recognition and job satisfaction.
What if you hate nursing? Any other suggestions?? I’m in a nursing program and hate it.
@@CrazyBunniePanda Ya gotta ask yourself "where am I gonna be in ten years, twenty years, etc if I don't finish nursing?" Are you gonna still be selling used cars? I truly believe that only a very small % of people are happy in their profession. I could have spent 2 more years for a masters degree in athletic training. I took RT instead. Bummer. If I had to do it all over again, I'd chase engineering. But, I'm 68 years old and my work life is over.
@@rigelmoon9030 well, hopefully in 10 years I’m not a nurse or selling used car :p
As a female in the nursing dept, I'm starting school to be an RT. From my experience, RTs are way more sane.
I appreciate this comment here.
I work as a Paramedic now and just recently (just last year) left the truck and entered the hospital. It's... okay. Could be better. But the pay is disrespectful and we can't utilize our full scope in here. So we are stuck as basically doing whatever the Nurses either don't want to do or can't do.
Been debating between bridging over to RN or doing an Associate RT program. With my history of intubation, RSI/DAI, and respiratory diseases due to my Paramedic training and Paramedic practice, I have been leaning more heavily towards that route. But from what I am reading here and elsewhere, I'd likely be better off getting the RN and just doing Critical Care work - either ground transport or flight transport - instead. 😬
If you had to go back and do it all over again, would you?
I definitely would! The only thing I would do different is start even earlier in my life.
@@DoldierMedia thank you sir, I got accepted to RT program and I am processing all the information to make a final decision.
@@DiegoRamirez-uy1xy how has it been so far?
Im thinking bout going to a trade for RT but i cant pass this assement right now lol
is it a good pre med?
No. What it will give you is basic knowledge in a little bit of everything. As an RRT, you will have a greater grasp of the profession comp. to techs. It's okay to gather experience in hospital. Your value will increase the more you bravely dig into the trenches over time. If you have at least a BS in respiratory, you will be given more responsibility. Be a team leader. Teach everyone. Shy away from nothing.
@@rigelmoon9030 can I ask you something which one is better in job scope and salary bsc respiratory therapist or bio medical engineering
@@infinex3904 By biomed engineering, are you talking about the job in the hospital or as a an engineer designing medical equipment? My nephew works for a hospital network and covers 6 hopitals in a local group. He loves it. But, doesn't like being on call for everybody. Pay is great. Every job sucks. So, ya know. Six of one.....
@@rigelmoon9030 anyway I chosed bio medical engineering hope it's a good course
@@infinex3904 ..Good for you. Engineering of any kind can lead to other professions and advancement. RT is a dead end job. Nuff said.
Truth
i did my clinicals at krmc and i swore i met a guy look and talk just like you. hmm i might be trippenn
What city is krmc located in?
@@DoldierMedia Kaiser Roseville
Oh that’s me! Lol where you working at right now?
@@DoldierMedia Im at Sutter down the street ! Someone told me the big Russian was named Danger Dan LOL. I did my clinical rotations at your hospital around spring of 2020. Great to run into your channel. !
That’s too funny lol
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 NIV
ROMANS 10:9-11 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame”
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.””
Luke 19:10
God wants us to believe in His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, who died for our sins :D When we truly believe in our hearts that Jesus is the Son of God, who died for our sins so we could have eternal life with God, we are saved from the eternal fire and have eternal life in Christ Jesus!! 💖 May God bless y’all!!
My name is “Respiratory.” Interesting because I know other people’s actual names. 🧐
😂
Hay quá
Number 6: New grads in major cities will have a hard time finding work. It took me a year of applying after I obtained my RRT because of the over saturation of RT’s in big cities. Hospitals and rehabs in my area required years of actual experience just to even look at your resume. My advice consider rural areas or traveling after school.
PS. This was pre COVID but even so after the pandemic I feel like we will see a lot of layoffs with RT’s.
I agree. In larger cities. There are too many RT’s and it’s difficult for new grads to get jobs. The only reason i didn’t include it was because i think that applies to every medical profession in large cities. Nurses have a difficult time getting a job and most of my friends who work in different medical fields have a hard time getting hired.
Where do you work now? Did you go straight to a hospital?
@@DoldierMedia This was 2012-2013 and from what I remember RT’s, MA’s, and X-Ray Techs were the toughest jobs to get your foot into. This was Phoenix, AZ and my first job was with rural city about and hour and a half from Phoenix. I was hired as As Needed and was guaranteed at least one day a week. They would give me 24 hour noticed and I was always called to cover 2nd shift. I would make the hour and a half drive the day of my shift and rent a hotel room for 45 buck a night. If it wasn’t for my brother basically supporting me through this I don’t know how I would have survived, there were weeks I only worked one day. Finally after 8 months, so 20 months after graduation, they offered me a full time position. I just wish my school would have been more transparent about this. I remember the kept saying by the time we graduated the demand for RT’s was expected to rise by 18 percent. My class had 10 graduates but sadly most of them, who had families, had to leave the field due to lack of progress in finding a job.
@@otakuvillain6829 what school did you go to? I’m in Phoenix as well and I’m the waiting list.
@@annalizbarba3501 I went through Carrington College but I would recommend you use a school that offers a bachelors program.
When I went to school in 2010 Carrington College did not offer a bachelors degree and when I applied at a school with a bachelors program they would not accept my transcript from Carrington for their bachelors program.
u must live midwest cause rt jobs are hot now especially agency gigs. Here in the east coast there are tons of jobs due to the rt shortage. I know of a bunch of places hiring. I guess it depends in your area but if your in nj, ny, connecticut there should be no excuse to not find a good paying job
All allied Healthcare members are one, we are one body. Just because Rts are not Nurses and physicians, does that make us any less a member? We are all important, we are all needed:
"20But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it"-1 Corinthians 12:20
Do RT get paid well …?
yeah
Depends on what you consider "well."
Okay, if everyone should go to Nursing, who’s gonna do the other jobs? World stands on a balance.
Lol thats true. My name is RT about 75 % of the time
I am sorry but you are wrong my man. You have a lot of growth which you could do as an RT. Especially after the approval of AART and much more . You might don’t want to grow but there are a lot which you could do. Nice video over all brother
I work in sleep medicine as an RT! Much more chill
what school did you go to? a community college?
@@notsurewhat2put yes 2 years community college
Is it all night shifts?
@@Analyn100 no days
Respiratory therapists are leaders not just followers
Interesting I'm looking to get into this field but these comments are scaring me😂. I've been in the pharmaceutical industry for the past 15 years... working from home primarily but am sick of the unstable field.
😂 basically if you’re petty and need external validation, this job ain’t for you. 😉
what does a PA school means?
Google it
Choose R.N., NOT respiratory therapist. Physicians refer to respiratory as 'ancillary', lumped in with C.N.A.s. Despite taking the same general education, prerequisites and sciences respiratory earns about 20% to 30% LESS THAN R.N.s.
R.N.s and M.D.s ate lunch, conversed idly, and even dated/married; yet, NEARLY never, can the same be said of the LOWLY respiratory therapist. My usual contribution to the 'team' was, " SaO2 is something %" followed by, "ok, ya sure", by the Pulmonologist. 37 years of such 'team work' was not pleasant, or worth it. Further, the nature of the discipline greatly diminishes the areas needed, thus opportunities are diminished. Choose R.N., NOT respiratory therapist.
Misery needs company. You need a life, man. You spam every video on CZcams saying the same thing. You are just a bitter person. For it to be such a bad field, you sure stayed in it a long time. You were most likely fired and now you’re mad. Go away troll
you seem to comment the same thing on other videos are you ok 😂
@@787puertorico Consistency is how to address the duplicity of these R.T. schools. Good luck 👍.
@@787puertorico exactly, this lazy excuse of a human could’ve specialized in sleep, pulmonary function testing, rehabilitation, or even teaching. But of course, he was either too incompetent to finish to pass the exam for the credentials or didn’t even pass the program at all 😂 Going on a tirade on something he couldn’t do so he wants to discourage others 🤦
@@tommydub7785 having completed nearly 40 years in this poor paying career, I very much want all not get screwed over by one of these unscrupulous R.T. schools. REGARDLESS OF WHAT SOME DIM WITS BELIEVE, good luck little one. Think if you call mama👩 everything'll be okay? Good luck👍 to all, others.
O!!!!!!!! I'll never ever be an RT!!!!!!!! It's not for me...
Who asked you to be?
abcd34545 lmaao
I see a lot of hate for RTs please go heal and GOD forbid you don’t ever need one.
RTs are the greatest , we know everything about everything , we are relied upon, we rush to everything , professional growth it’s great with experience. Yea the RT department is away from every other department, but it’s serenity with other RTs , cause some health care professionals are not intelligent 💯🤌🏾🤣🤷🏽♂️
Check out the 5 reasons you should get into RT. I go over some good stuff lol