
What are the Challenges of Being a Respiratory Therapist?
When considering a career in healthcare, the role of a respiratory therapist often emerges as an attractive option. These skilled professionals play a vital role in patient care, specializing in the assessment and treatment of breathing disorders, from chronic respiratory diseases to emergency care for patients who have trouble breathing. As a respiratory therapist, you have the opportunity to earn above-average salaries while significantly impacting patients’ lives. The demand for these experts is consistently high, reflecting the crucial nature of their work in healthcare settings. However, like with any profession, being a respiratory therapist comes with its unique set of challenges:
1. Respiratory Therapy is a Physically Demanding Job
Respiratory therapists spend a significant portion of their shifts on their feet, moving from one patient room to another, transporting equipment, and aiding patients with various respiratory exercises. They may also be called upon to physically adjust patients, perform chest physiotherapy, or respond swiftly during emergency situations. In some cases, respiratory therapists must lift or support patients, particularly when assisting in procedures such as intubations or when helping patients with their mobility for therapy. This continuous physical activity, coupled with the need for precision and care, can be physically taxing.
2. The Profession Can Be Emotionally Stressful
Working as a respiratory therapist often places you at the front lines of patient care, especially when dealing with critical conditions or life-threatening situations. This means therapists frequently interact with patients and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. A significant aspect of the job involves treating patients in emergency settings or those with chronic respiratory diseases, both of which can have uncertain outcomes. This uncertainty and the intimate involvement in patient care can lead to emotional stress.
There are times when a patient’s condition deteriorates despite the best efforts of the therapist and the medical team, leading to feelings of helplessness or sadness. Respiratory therapists often form bonds with long-term patients, making any adverse change in the patient’s health particularly emotionally challenging. Finding that balance between the empathy they naturally feel for their patients and the professionalism required in their roles is a vital part of being a respiratory therapist and can be challenging.
3. There’s a Chance You Can Be Exposed to an Illness
Respiratory therapists often find themselves in close contact with patients who have airborne diseases like tuberculosis, influenza, or COVID-19. Their job duties, which often include procedures like nebulizer treatments or bronchoscopies, can aerosolize pathogens, raising the risk of exposure. Working in hospitals and healthcare settings, despite strict hygiene and sanitization protocols, exposes them to various pathogens prevalent in such environments. The demanding and physically taxing nature of the job, coupled with irregular hours and potential sleep disruptions, can weaken their immune systems, potentially making respiratory therapists more susceptible to infections. Therefore, maintaining stringent infection control measures and prioritizing personal health is important in this profession to mitigate the risk of illness.
4. Irregular Work Hours Are Common
Irregular work hours are a common reality for many respiratory therapists, especially those working in hospital settings where round-the-clock patient care is essential. This often translates into shift work, with therapists frequently working evenings, nights, weekends, and even holidays. Some facilities employ rotating shifts, which means therapists might find themselves working mornings one week and nights the next. This rotating schedule can be particularly challenging as it disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, potentially affecting sleep patterns.
Respiratory therapists may also be on-call, which means that even after their regular shift ends, they could be called back to the hospital during emergencies or in the event of an unexpected surge in patients. These unpredictable hours can sometimes make it challenging to strike a balance between work and personal commitments, potentially impacting family time, social activities, or even everyday tasks like running errands. It’s an aspect of the job that requires adaptability and effective time management to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. Some Patients May be Uncooperative or Combative
Working as a respiratory therapist involves providing care to a diverse group of patients. Some of these individuals, whether due to their medical condition, fear, anxiety, or personal disposition, might resist or oppose the treatments suggested.
6. Balancing Patient Loads Can Be Tough
Balancing patient loads is a crucial aspect of a respiratory therapist’s role, and it can be particularly challenging. Respiratory therapists often find themselves juggling the care of multiple patients, each with varying degrees of respiratory distress and medical needs. This complexity demands not only a deep understanding of respiratory conditions but also exceptional time management, prioritization, and multitasking skills.
In many healthcare settings, especially in busy hospitals or during health crises, respiratory therapists may face the daunting task of simultaneously caring for numerous critical patients. This situation can strain resources and make it challenging to provide personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives the attention they require.
7. You Have High Responsibility
Working as a respiratory therapist comes with high levels of responsibility. You’ll often find yourself making split-second decisions that can significantly impact a patient’s outcome. Whether it’s adjusting a ventilator setting to optimize oxygenation or recognizing the need for immediate intervention, your choices can be life-altering. You’ll also be responsible for operating and maintaining sophisticated respiratory equipment, ensuring that these devices work flawlessly, as any malfunction can directly affect a patient’s health.
But it doesn’t stop there; your role extends beyond immediate treatments. You’ll also be tasked with educating patients and their families about their respiratory conditions, home care, and preventive measures. Equipping them with the knowledge and skills to manage their respiratory health outside the hospital setting is vital and can be a stressful aspect for respiratory therapists.
8. You Have to Keep Up with Protocols
Hospitals and clinics have specific protocols for different treatments and conditions. Staying updated and ensuring adherence to these can be daunting. New techniques, medications, and equipment come to the forefront regularly. RTs need to be proactive in familiarizing themselves with these developments to effectively incorporate them into patient care. As protocols change, the advice and education given to patients and their families might also need updating.
9. Managing the Expectations of Patients and Their Families Can Be Tough
It’s not always possible to improve a patient’s respiratory status immediately. Managing the expectations of patients and their families, while conveying hope, is a delicate balance. Respiratory therapists sometimes find themselves in situations where they must inform patients and families about the severity of a condition, the limitations of treatment, or a lack of improvement.
10. The Field Is Always Evolving
With research continually shedding light on new respiratory conditions and diseases (e.g., the repercussions of vaping), therapists need to stay informed and adapt their knowledge base.
11. You Will Need to Advance Your Degree If You Want To Climb Your Career
It’s important to know that starting out as a Respiratory Therapist typically requires an associate degree as the entry-level educational requirement. However, much like many professions in the medical field, if you’re looking to progress in your career, you’ll often need to pursue further education. This means that if you aspire to climb the ladder and take on more specialized roles, you may find yourself on a path toward an advanced degree.
Advanced degrees open up opportunities for respiratory therapists to delve into specific areas of respiratory care, such as neonatal/pediatric care, sleep medicine, or pulmonary rehabilitation. These specializations not only allow you to deepen your expertise but can also lead to more specialized and often higher-paying positions within the field.
12. You Can Experience Burnout
Burnout is a significant concern for respiratory therapists due to the demanding nature of their work. They often find themselves in critical care situations, where the emotional intensity of their interactions with patients can accumulate and result in exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness. Working closely with critically ill patients, some of whom may not recover, can lead to emotional exhaustion, particularly when therapists form deep bonds with long-term patients. This emotional toll can also manifest as compassion fatigue, making it challenging for therapists to muster the emotional energy needed to remain compassionate.
Considering a Career in Respiratory Therapy?
Being a respiratory therapist is both challenging and rewarding. While it has its hurdles, the impact you make on patients’ lives offers immense satisfaction. If you’re contemplating a career in respiratory therapy or looking to advance in the field, stay informed and prepared for these challenges. They shape the profession but also emphasize the critical role RTs play in healthcare.
Is Respiratory Therapy a Good Career? While the role of a respiratory therapist comes with its challenges, it is undeniably fulfilling. These professionals play a pivotal role in patient care, making a profound difference in countless lives.
At TheraEx Staffing, we firmly believe that every patient deserves top-tier respiratory care. We take pride in connecting facilities across the nation with highly qualified and experienced respiratory therapists. If you’re keen on exploring opportunities as a respiratory therapist, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to guide you to your ideal role!
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