Respiratory Therapist Requirements

Want to become a Respiratory Therapist? Well, with hard work and focus, graduating from a respiratory therapy program is undoubtedly achievable! However, good grades is not all a professional needs to become a successful RT. They also need the right mindset and personality to be able to assist patients in some of the most challenging of circumstances. So, before embarking on the journey to becoming an RT, a professional should ask themselves if they possess some of the following integral qualities of this profession. What are these four respiratory therapist requirements?

1. Attention to detail

Resp Therapists often treat patients using techniques that increase oxygen flow into the body.. When administering oxygen to patients, the amount given must be monitored carefully because too much or too little oxygen can have harmful consequences on a patient’s health. For this reason, and many others pertaining to patient care, being detail oriented is a must for RTs. Without attention to detail, patients could be given incorrect treatments or therapies could be ineffective. The smallest error in detail could have a devastating effect.

2. Organization

An important element of an Respiratory Therapist being able to help a patient’s health to improve ties into their ability to keep well-organized records. By collecting records on a particular patient’s condition, a RT is able to see what treatments worked efficiently vs. what treatments had no effect, or a negative effect on the patient’s health.

Typically, RTs see numerous patients throughout any given workday, and therefore remembering the intricacies of each patient’s case can be difficult. Therefore, notes and records must be kept on each patient to ensure that the RT on staff, as well as other healthcare professionals, can maintain a clear understanding of each case.

In addition to case management, organizational skills also come into play in regards to both tools and time. RTs must keep their tools and equipment organized and accounted for, not only because they are most often property of the employing facility, but also because the next case may require the same equipment be used.

If a tool or piece of equipment is unable to be located, this could become extremely problematic. Similarly, the ability to keep to an organized schedule (mainly in outpatient centers or private practices) is essential to maintaining an efficient workflow. Strong organizational skills are truly a key to success, especially for those considering a career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

3. People skills

Like any career dealing with patient-professional interactions, being able to effectively communication is crucial. Within a respiratory therapy setting, RTs must be able to convey compassion and empathy while also informing patients about each test being run, and later conveying the results.

Furthermore, acting as a support system for patients suffering from an respiratory issues can require great deals of patience, especially when a patient is visibly emotional or upset. Working with other members of a healthcare staff in team-oriented environment also requires strong interpersonal skills. The better an RT is at communicating with others, the smoother the position will go.

4. Problem solving

In instances where some may panic, Respiratory Therapist must remain calm and collected, focusing in on the patient at-hand. Numerous problems and complications can arise at any moment and regarding any case. In these circumstances, a RT’s training must kick in, leading them to identifying a issue and resorting to a particular treatment.

The ability to manage risk and the capability to work well under pressure are musts in this profession. A RRT never knows what kind of case may enter the workplace, from trauma to injury, problem solving skills are what will help them to evaluate patients and produce treatments for positive outcomes. Without problem solving skills, a Resp Therapist may need to rely heavily on the help of others, and in some cases there is not time for doubt or uncertainty.

Possess all four of these qualities? If so, a career as a Respiratory Therapist may be the perfect professional match! Learn more about this exciting career in healthcare today!