In this day in the life guide, you will find out:
- What does a day as Respiratory Therapists looks like
- What do they do every day
- Things they do on a weekly or monthly basis
- How many hours do they work
The purpose of this is to give you a clear picture of this career so you can make a better career decision on whether this career is suitable for you or not.
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[qs_listing areaofinterest=”RESPIRATORY-CARE-THERAPY-ASSISTING, , , , ” maxresults=”2″]Typical Day for Respiratory Therapists
Here is a list of tasks that Respiratory Therapists do every day.
- Monitor patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Maintain charts that contain patients’ pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
Weekly and Monthly Tasks
Here is a list of tasks that Respiratory Therapists do on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
- Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.
- Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
- Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
Working Hours
- How many hours do Respiratory Therapists work per week? Less than 40 hours per week
- What is the work schedule like? Regular (Set schedule and routine)
Work Environment
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to Disease or Infections
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Learn more about Respiratory Therapists
Overview | Job Description | Salary | Requirements | Is This Career Right For Me
Related careers to Respiratory Therapists
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Radiologic Technologists
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
This career is also closely related to Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist, Cardiopulmonary Technician and EEG Tech (Cardiopulmonary Technician and Electroencephalogram Technician), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy, Inhalation Therapist, Oxygen Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Respiratory Therapist (RT) or Respiratory Therapy Director.
