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I'm an RRT - now what?

By Julian Lewiecki posted 02-14-2011 16:46

  
The reason for this blog is to challenge RT's to have a vision for the future.  There are tremendous changes occuring in Healthcare and many of us have been forced to position ourselves in new areas.  Being involved in respiratory therapy for 30 years has opened my eyes to look for opportunities and areas of potential growth.  I did not go to college to become a respiratory therapist; I did not know what a respiratory therapist was at the time, but when the opportunity came up, I jumped on it. I pursued a management track and was successful there for the last 25 years.  I felt it was important to continue my education and took advantage of a generous tuition reimbursement program that was offered by my employer.  This was about 15 years ago and I was able to obtain a Masters degree while working full time and having a family to support.  It took a while but has paid off by allowing me to move into other areas of hospital management that may not have been available to me otherwise.  I do not know what the future holds in Healthcare but the point of this blog is to suggest that one stay vigilant and continue to invest in areas of interest and potential growth.  I look at it like having a spare tire in the trunk of your car, you do not know if you will ever need it but if you do it can save you a lot of time and trouble.........
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William Baker
04-08-2011 21:31

I'd have to agree with you two gentlemen - Respiratory Therapy has been very very good to me as well! I've grown with it over the years now some 33 years gone by since my start. I've been self employed since 91 so I too was bitten by the entrepreneurial business bug. We have 8 employee's, 3 including myself being RT's. We as a shop (can I call it a practice) have a great opportunity to practice Respiratory Care in Homecare. The cases we get present a challange to us.. and they pay us for it! Imagine that! Lots of sleep cases, some airways, lots of oxygen with a variety of diagnosis, even some ventilators,. Its great to make the decisions in the field and keep the patient base on track! Running at optimium! Making positive changes in peoples lives, a last trip home, a visit to a grandchild or graduation, maybe a reunion with old friends or comrads, another year with a life long spouse. The rewards are great! The stories amazing, they are the collection of life. When given the chance I like to speak to new students,let'em know that it does work out, there future is in the making, to watch closely..it may not be what they thought it would be. God Speed!
"There are only two ways to live life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~Albert Einstein

Michael Nibert
02-14-2011 11:58

Julian,
This is a powerful testimonial! Many Senior Therapists can attest to the message that you have blogged. After 40 years in this profession, I simply utilize the term "Be a Cheerleader" for this profession and mentor the young that are behind us in years of service. I have been blessed in many ways and I am now in private entrepreneurial business as a Respiratory Care & Health Care Educational Consultant. I would not be here unless I had traveled the roads of life. Thank you for speaking your mind and we all need to continue our ammassador efforts for the reasons we are in this health care prfession.