I've been following the conversation regarding new therapists versus old therapists for the past week to ten days on the Management List Serve and have tried to stay out of the conversation, but finally decided to jump in with my two cents. I've become a little concerned with the tone regarding experienced therapists.
In today's healthcare care climate the workforce is aging and it's important that we do not exclude those therapists with many years of experience just because of their age. Many of us "old farts" still have much to contribute and not all of us have bad habits. Some of us have had the misfortune of having their position eliminated, and it's harder for us to obtain a new job because of this. No one will say it, but there is age discrimination. I'm not sure if it's because of our so called "bad habits" that many of you have referred to, or if it's because you might have to pay us a little more money than an inexperienced graduate.
I started in Respiratory Therapy in 1975 as an on-the-job trainee and later went to respiratory therapy school and obtained an associate's degree. Five years later I obtained my RRT and then went on to obtain my CPFT and NPS credentials. I'm currently studying for the Critical Care Exam and then plan on obtaining my AEC credentials as well. After that, it's my Master's degree. I'm up to date with all of my shots; ACLS, PALS, NRP and STABLE. I say this not to brag, but to point out that not all of us are ready for the pasture yet (I'm a Missouri native).
Hiring is a difficult process that does not always work out as well as we would like. I do hire new graduates where I currently work. I limit the number, so as not to have all new graduates working the same shift. I also understand and support those institutions that do not hire new graduates because he/she would be working alone.
I no longer hire CRTS or those RRT eligible therapists that have never gone on to obtain their RRT credential. That alone tells me a lot about their motivation. New graduates have one year where I currently work in which to obtain their RRT. I feel that this is important to move the profession forward.
I look for three things when hiring a new employee:
- High Energy and Enthusiasm
- High Emotional Intelligence
- High Integrity
If they don't have #3, then #'s 1 and 2 are irrelevant.
John Ennis, BS, RRT-NPS, CPFT