I know that not every RT school graduates its class in May but I always think of spring as "graduation season." As most folks know, I was a member of the RT faculty at the University of Missouri before joining the team at the AARC. I was honored to be able to travel to Columbia last weekend to share in the graduation festivities with the MU RT class of 2013 and their faculty. As I watched these graduates receive their diplomas, I reflected on my own graduation (a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away) and the life lessons learned in that first year out of school. So, with the help of my colleagues who have also reflected upon the immediate time after RT graduation, here are some "learn from our mistakes" pieces of advice.
- Attitude is everything! No, really. A negative attitude can hurt your work environment more than you think. Dragging around a negative attitude impacts how your co-workers perceive you (which translates into how much help you'll get when you need it), what your patients think of you and the RT department, and how well your allied health colleagues integrate you into the decision-making process. It also impacts how happy you are during your work hours. Let's face it...no one wants to be miserable 36-40 hours/week.
- You're not done learning yet! While it feels like you had your head crammed with facts during school, you have to realize that your professors provided you with a foundation to get you started in your career. Keep an open mind and realize that you can learn from anyone: your allied health colleagues, your patients, and your RT brethren. Don't pass up an opportunity to go to a conference, seminar, or inservice.
- Realize that you are there for the patient. While we'd like to thing it's all about us, it really isn't. Our entire profession is built around how we can make a positive impact on our patients' health. Strive to be an excellent patient advocate.
- Continue to network. Even if you're 110% thrilled with your current job, know that networking is an important skill. You might not need to network for a new employer but you might want to participate in events, volunteer for organizations, or be considered for a promotion. Being able to network increases your chances of meeting the right people at the right time and not missing out on an opportunity. Then again...you might be looking for a new position. Make the most of RT events (conferences, society meetings, AARConnect, LinkedIn, etc) to make those connections that will help you land that awesome job when it comes around. Don't wait until the last minute!
- Take your board exams ASAP! You might have already passed your boards (kudos to you!) or you might be scheduling them now (good luck!). The truth that many of us have experienced is that the longer you wait, the harder they are. Some of us oldies (but goodies) had a mandatory waiting period. New graduates do not. Don't hesitate! Your RRT eligibility only lasts 3 years.
- Take a specialty exam. It might take a while to determine what specialty area you like best (neo/peds, adult critical care, diagnostics, sleep medicine, asthma management) but once you decide what area calls to you, get that specialty credential! It shows that you are dedicated beyond the minimum standard to your patients.
- Understand the NBRC continuing competency program and licensing requirements. Don't let this catch you off-guard in the next 2-5 years. Part of being a professional is knowing how to maintain credentials and licensure and meeting those requirements in a timely fashion.
I wish all the new RT graduates the best of luck in their quest for credentials and employment. I hope you remain AARC members so that our numbers grow and our voice becomes stronger in our efforts to advocate for access to excellent respiratory care for our patients.
I'd also love to read other pieces of advice from respiratory therapists. Post a comment if you have advice to share, too!