I Started Out As A Journalist
Respiratory Therapy Cave
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3w ago
In high school, I attended a career day where I had the opportunity to speak with a respiratory therapist. When I asked about the program requirements, specifically questioning the necessity of taking chemistry, he affirmed that it was a requirement. Given my struggles with chemistry at the time, I made the decision to explore another path. With a passion for writing, I ultimately chose journalism. My decision to pursue journalism felt somewhat like drawing a ball from a lottery bucket, and the ball I selected had "journalism" written on it. That chance moment guided my college choice and se ..read more
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My Greatest Fear As An RT
Respiratory Therapy Cave
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3w ago
There's an old saying that there's nothing to fear but fear itself. Although, I think this saying is poppycock. How can you be afraid of being afraid? A better saying is: 'There's nothing to fear but not being prepared.' So, this brings me to my greatest fear as a respiratory therapist. It is... spilling that coffee that is sitting on the patient's bedside table. What did you think I was going to say? And, as soon as I walk into the room, I prepare myself. I say, 'John, you will not spill that coffee.' It's challenging, especially as I move past the bedside table to plug in the treatment t ..read more
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The Unspoken Truth Is A Little White Lie
Respiratory Therapy Cave
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3w ago
Sometimes it seems like the higher ups keep adding responsibilities to the to do list. And sometimes it seems that they do this because they have nothing else to do. And some of these new responsibilities have literally nothing to do with anything. And they add nothing to the great care that we already give to our patients.  So, you want an example? Well, I don't want to get myself in trouble. Yet I will give one example here that I think I am safe sharing. We are told that we are to wash ventilators between patients. And this is common sense. But now they added a step.  Drum roll ..read more
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Happy To Suction That 1-Year-Old's Nose Out
Respiratory Therapy Cave
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3w ago
In our role as respiratory therapists, suctioning infants' noses is a common task, especially during RSV season. At my workplace, we use devices called Booger B' Gones connected to suction for this purpose I'm assigned to suction an infant's nose in room 224. As I gather my equipment and don a mask, I enter the child's room. The little one is sitting contentedly on his mother's lap, playing a game on her phone. She's perched on the hospital bed, cradling her child. My objective is to improve the child's comfort, even if it entails a momentary bout of displeasure. Noticing the nurse prepari ..read more
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What Do RTs Need To Know About Heart Failure
Respiratory Therapy Cave
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3w ago
Among the most prevalent cases we encounter in our profession are individuals grappling with heart failure. Our responsibility involves utilizing specialized equipment to facilitate their breathing, particularly during episodes of exacerbation. Equipping ourselves with a comprehensive understanding of heart failure is essential, as it enables us, respiratory therapists (RTs), to provide effective care and valuable education to these patients. Embarking on an exploration of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) holds particular significance for healthcare professionals, with a focus on RTs. This ende ..read more
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Yes! It's Heart Awareness Month
Respiratory Therapy Cave
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3w ago
February marks Heart Failure Awareness Month, an invaluable period dedicated to shedding light on a condition that affects millions worldwide. For respiratory therapists (RTs), this observance holds particular significance as it presents a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of heart failure and refine our skills in providing comprehensive care.Understanding the SignificanceHeart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, poses intricate challenges that extend beyond the cardiovascular system. RTs, often on the frontline of respiratory care, play a c ..read more
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Go Lions!!!
Respiratory Therapy Cave
by
3w ago
As a proud Detroit Lions fan from Michigan, the journey has been nothing short of challenging. In my lifetime, I've witnessed only a handful of years where the Lions truly stood out as a formidable team: 1981, 1991, 1995, and the more recent 2023. Being part of the Lions fandom has its ups and downs, but those moments of success make the loyalty all the more meaningful. My dad often says that, in the 1980's, there was a columnist who wrote for the Detroit Free Press. And his column was syndicated in all the local newspapers. And he would write a sports column and leave space a the end for a ..read more
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Unveiling the True Essence of the Statue of Liberty
Respiratory Therapy Cave
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3w ago
In recent times, misconceptions have clouded the genuine meaning behind the Statue of Liberty. Many believe it symbolizes the U.S. extending a welcome to the impoverished, poorly educated, and unfortunate of other nations, citing the famous inscription: "Give me your tired, give me your poor, give me your huddled masses." However, a closer examination reveals a different narrative, one rooted in the celebration of freedom and liberty rather than immigration. The statue, dedicated on October 28, 1886, was France's expression of gratitude to the United States for being the first nation to de ..read more
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Senior RT Encourages Skill Development at Major Hospit
Respiratory Therapy Cave
by
3w ago
I embarked on my journey as an RT in November of 1996, initially juggling roles at four different hospitals as part of the pool. I worked in Muskegon at the prominent hospital there, in Shelby at Lake Shore, in Manistee at West Shore, and here at Shoreline. (I was still just a CRT at this time; back then, you were able to work as an RT with just this one-year certificate. Despite being in demand at all these places, none of them could offer me a full-time position. Consequently, I found myself taking on as many hours as possible, leading to burnout from the relentless schedule. Although the ..read more
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I Was Once Told I Wasn't Going To Make It As An RT
Respiratory Therapy Cave
by
3w ago
My first clinical did not go so well for me. And it resulted in two different people trying to stop me from becoming a respiratory therapist (RT). Despite their skepticism, I persevered, and today, with 27 years of experience, I proudly serve as an RT. Moreover, I've become the world's most famous respiratory therapy blogger, sharing my insights here at the RT Cave. Admittedly, my first clinical experience was challenging. As the first in my family to pursue a medical profession, I lacked familiarity with healthcare. Being inherently introverted, my comfort waned in large social settings, a ..read more
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