tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69477146437244683702024-02-18T18:29:47.044-08:00The Respiratory CliffAscending the peaks of Respiratory Care and beyond.The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-44599694216011337462011-07-21T18:43:00.000-07:002011-07-21T21:17:42.028-07:00CPR at its FinestI recently renewed my CPR card. A few statistics I found interesting...<br /><ul><br /><br /><li>If an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">AED</span> is used between 0-3 minutes after <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">asystole</span>, or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cessation</span> of cardiac <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">electrical</span> activity, the survival rate is 75%<br /></li><br /><br /><li>Between 3-5 minutes survival rate drops to 50%<br /></li><br /><br /><li>Between 5-10 minutes the survival rate is as low as 2-10% </li></ul><br /><br /><p></p>Almost make you want to carry an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">AED</span> in you back pocket when your not surrounded by crash carts in the hospital?<br /><br />The new CPR regulations of ABC to CAB have been some what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">controversial</span>. The "B" (Breathing) portion was thrown into the back seat, with "C" (Compressions) in the front seat driving at 100 compressions per minute. For some, this makes sense, to others it doesn't. The fact of the matter is, the guidelines will change again and again and again, but the current method is proven to be most effective.<br /><br />History:<br /><br />At an earlier time, when anatomy and physiology knowledge was less proverbial, people noticed that the body became cold, and in an attempt to "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">resuscitate</span>" the victim they would lay hot ash, wood, or coal over the body try to regain the temperature of the body. Another technique involved wiping or beating the body to stimulate the body back to life. For over three hundred centuries the use of fire bellows were used,<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631999069044615410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyg1b8zYE0TCgEQhzrJEjxR8CHStBccOUbetIJYqMgWvfK1jLehn5RnoKQqbP-Wriq7iC66T0b5ApXSYtbSFv9mDp2lukyrigDlhw2hBTSXIx67NNuIAPdq0Z4z4KccLBOdd7WMISH6yC/s200/2934227516_b44e473e4a.jpg" /><br />which is kind of a smart or more logical idea. Some less logical ideas were blowing tobacco into the rectum of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">victim</span>. Mouth-to-mouth was introduced and also used for centuries and still widely used in the current guidelines. In the late 50's and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">beginning</span> of the 60's the US army <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">implemented</span> a modern use of CPR. It was difficult to track down but I found a free text release of the technique used by the military, printed by the official medical journal of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jama</span> on July 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, 1960 entitled <a href="http://therespiratorycliffarticles.blogspot.com/2011/07/closed-chest-cardiac-massage.html"><span style="color:#33ccff;">Closed-Chest Cardiac Message</span></a> (if anything, read the <em>method</em> portion of the article) by Dr. W.B. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kouwenhoven</span>, Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ing</span>., James B. Rude, and G Guy Knickerbocker. The primary research and development was put out by Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kouwenhoven</span>. In 1972 the first general public training began at a conference center, in Seattle Washington the training was called "Medic 2." CPR became more popular after the inception of the American Heart Association (AHA) in 1973.<br /><br /><br /><p>In movies or theatrics the survival rate is about 75%, in reality CPR survival rate administered out side of a hospital setting is 6%. </p>The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-42270773845521227232011-07-20T18:17:00.000-07:002011-07-20T18:38:38.736-07:00Supply & DemandA few days ago <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CNNMoney</span> put out an interesting article regarding the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">health care</span> industry and its current standing and future outcome (See below).<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#999999;">NEW YORK (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">CNNMoney</span>) -- As the pace of hiring slows and job opportunities dry up, one industry will remain the rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal job market: health care.<br /><br />The health care field is one of the few industries that sustained steady growth, even through the recession, adding jobs every month for the last eight years. And that growth should continue. Two factors -- an aging population and health reform -- guarantee that health care jobs will be there for the taking, experts said.<br /><br />"Health care jobs are driven by demand. An aging population simply needs more medical care," said Sophia <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koropeckyj</span>, managing director with Moody's Economy.com.<br /><br />"The leading edge of baby boomers are now 65. They are needing more health care," she said. "But the biggest bulk of baby boomers are still 10 years behind."<br /><br />That means the industry will need to ramp up fairly quickly to meet a surge in demand for health care service in the coming years, she said.<br /><br />Government bleeding jobs, no end in sight Others see health care reform as another catalyst for more jobs in the field.<br /><br />"The big provisions of health reform, such as the health exchanges, won't kick in until 2014. When they do, it will bring give millions more access to health care," said Nigel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gault</span>, chief U.S. economist with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">IHS</span> Global Insight.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gault</span> anticipates this will result in more demand for health care services and more jobs.<br /><br />"There's some concern in the industry about whether there's enough qualified health care professionals to meet this demand," he said.<br /><br />Still, this uncertainly bodes well for health care hiring. According to the government's June jobs report, health care hiring rose by 14,000 jobs last month while hiring in most other industries dramatically slowed to a crawl.<br /><br />More bragging rights: In the past 12 months, health care has added an average of 24,000 jobs per month. But that trend goes back even further. Health care jobs have increased every month going back to July 2003, according to the government.<br /><br />Since 2001, health <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">care's</span> workforce has grown 28% to about 17 million in 2011, according to the government.<br /><br />Over the next decade, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Koropeckyj</span> expects health care will remain a fertile area for hiring and forecasts a 24% growth in health care jobs, or 4.3 million additional jobs until 2021.<br /><br />Dr. Joseph Kim, founder of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">nonclinicaljobs</span>.com, tracks shifts in health care jobs.<br /><br />Kim said one recent trend contributing to an uptick in physician jobs are hospitals adding more physicians and specialists to their in-house staff instead of contracting with them.<br /><br />He said hospitals are doing this through new hires as well as acquiring independent practices and groups practices.<br /><br />Kim also expects ancillary health care jobs such as nursing assistants, medical assistants and health IT jobs to be hot growth areas as hospitals and health clinics expand into suburban areas and health providers rush to meet health <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">reform's</span> deadline to update technology and transition patient records to Electronic Health Records.<br /><br />The government provides its own projection of fastest growing health care careers. Here are top 8 health care jobs expected to see rapid growth through 2018:<br /><br />-- Bill and account collectors are forecast to increase 66%. Industry experts peg the growth to an increase in billing as more Americans get access to insurance and health care under reform.<br /><br />-- Cardiovascular technologists and technicians jobs are expected to grow 52%. Kim said as boomers age, they will need more stress tests and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">cardio</span> scans, which will require experienced technicians to operate the equipment.<br /><br />-- Public relations specialists are forecast to rise 52%. "The interesting phenomenon happening right now is hospitals and health centers embracing social media," said Kim. As a result, he said hospitals are hiring people who are "social media" or public relations "specialists."<br /><br />-- Physician assistants are expected to see a 52% increase. Kim said the current shortage of primary care physicians means many health centers in areas facing doctor shortages are using physician assistants to fill the gaps.<br /><br />-- Pharmacy technicians are forecast to grow 52%. This trend may be fueled by the rapid growth of retail pharmacies and support staff needed to work with pharmacists.<br /><br />-- Customer service representatives are expected to rise 52%. Kim said more hospitals are changing their models and adopting a more customer-centric approach, which includes conducting customer satisfaction surveys.<br /><br />-- Massage therapists are expected to increase 52%. An aging population is boosting demand for this type of service, said Kim, as well as a slow shift away from conventional drug therapy.<br /><br />-- Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists are forecast to rise 43%. Again, Kim points to the aging population and more instances of depression and anxiety as the reasons behind the projection.<br /><br />-- Registered nurses are forecast to also increase 43% as health care centers boost their medical staff in anticipation of rising demand for services. </span><br /><p><span style="color:#999999;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Of course, we are able to see different trends in different areas. I have observed a flooded RT market in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Las</span> Vegas area, because of the many career oriented, private schools that have recently developed, which I presume is specifically due to these statistical numbers. There is however a shortage of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">paramedics</span> in the same area, which could be due to the lack of certifying educators, schools, or perhaps the lack of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">adverting</span> funds to promote the career. The recovery and development is quick in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">health care</span> setting. Like every market, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">health care</span> is a roller coaster effect. In 2008, in the heat of the recession, significant spikes of enrollment into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">health care</span> programs <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurred</span>. Regardless, the jobs are there and will continue to be there for at least a decade if not more. </span></p></span>The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-87440608284593230752011-07-19T21:14:00.000-07:002011-07-19T22:50:07.007-07:00I can't remember!I recently read a book on memorization. The book taught about making physical imaging and connections by association. In fact, the book became pretty elaborate in the usage of association. The basic concept teaches if you can remember one image and associate that image with a number, word, object, or phrase you want to remember. Instead of having to read the entire book I will explain the tool that helped me the most and was most effective. In short, my wife put together a list of 50 activities we can do one the weekends together and I was able to memorize the list in about 6 minutes, reading the items through only once, and being able to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recite</span> the list backwards and forward. No tricks to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gimmicks</span> just by using association.<br /><br />Let me give you an example... Lets take a grocery list: bagels, cheese sticks, milk, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pineapple</span>, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Alfredo</span> sauce. It is not a long list, but it is the principle being taught here. What you do is take the list, and read it through once <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">and</span> only once, and associate these items in your mind with something <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ridiculous</span>. The more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disproportionate</span> and more silly the better. The only <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">challenging</span> thing here is to be creative.<br /><br />Now read the below paragraph through once:<br />Lets take the first two items: Bagels and cheese sticks. Remember imagine the object and make it disproportionate and/or silly. Lets say the bagel can walk and talk while <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eating</span> a cheese stick. I am sure you won't forget a walking talking, large round bagel gibber jabbering and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eating</span> a cheese stick, right? Now, lets take the cheese sticks and the milk. Think of stuffing a 100 cheese sticks into a milk carton, make sure you picture the cheese going in and stuffing the carton as full as you can and closing the lid. The more detailed the easier you will remember it. Now, lets take milk and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pineapple</span>. Now maybe imagine a giant milk carton dancing with a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pineapple</span> hat. If at all possible create an action, if you create an action and visualize the action in your head it will help. Maybe the milk carton is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">break dancing</span>. Last two items, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pineapple</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Alfredo</span> sauce. Imagine a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pineapple</span> swimming in your bedroom full of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Alfredo</span> sauce. Make sure you visualize it!<br /><br />Now try remembering the list starting with bagels. Did you do it? Make a list of your own of 25 items or more take a few minutes to read the list through once and test yourself. As time goes on you will find yourself getting quicker and quicker.<br /><br />I was able to use this method on my last final. It was great! I used it on "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Symptoms</span> in patients with pulmonary embolisms" Which are:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>cough</li><br /><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dysnea</span></li><br /><li>Leg swelling</li><br /><li>Leg pain</li><br /><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hemoptysis</span></li><br /><li>palpitation</li><br /><li>wheezing </li><br /><li>Angina-like pain</li></ul><br /><p>Again, be creative with imaging and associating. This is how I remember the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">symptoms</span> of PE.</p><br /><p>I imagined a giant <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">standing</span> it the clouds, the clouds irritating the giant so he coughs, he coughs so much he faints and falls to the ground. Next, I imagined and visualized a person standing looking down at their legs as they rapidly started to swell and bust out of their jeans as the person saw this they fainted. And so on and so forth. </p><br /><p>I know it is kind of silly. I found this method useful in some ways but it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> has it limitations. If anything next time you go to the grocery store you won't need to take a list!</p><br /><p></p>The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-59995234083934367562011-07-17T19:42:00.000-07:002011-07-17T21:52:38.193-07:00The RunoutDear RT students,<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Soak it up while you can... While you are a student I have learned the importance of asking questions. It is your time to ask questions and not look like an idiot. When it comes time to fly solo, guess what, your not going to have a wing-man to hold your hand. I am sure my proctor and fellow RT's at my clinical site are sick of answering questions. Don't be afraid to ask! When-in-doubt ask! Now is the time!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Along with Respiratory Therapy, rock climbing is one of my passions, and there are many things that make rock climbing exciting. As one acsends the <em>cliff,</em> there are many safety points, at most popular rock climbing sites, these safety points are called bolts. The distance between the protection points are called<em> <strong>runouts </strong></em>or the distance between the bolts<strong><em>. </em></strong>In respiratory therapy there comes a time when you have to stop relying on the safety points (bolts) and rely on yourself. </div><br /><br /><div>When we are finally dubbed "Sir/Madam RT" there will come a time when we are going to be tested. I know what you are thinking... Didn't we just take tons of tests and examinations?? This test will not come from a University teacher, school board, or certifying association, this test will come from your RT director, RT co-worker, nurse, or doctor. They will test your clinical knowledge and aptitude. They will be evaluating to see if you are a good source of information. When this test comes be confident and direct. If you are unsure, fake it; Don't risk any lives or put anyone in danger, but fake it if you don't know it! Stick to your guns, even if you find out you are wrong down the road. Because if you go the other route and you are passive and you show your passivity, you are done. In their mind they will have stamped you "idiot" and move on and never give you the time of day again. Stupid right? Unfortunately, this is how it works. Confidence needs to be apart of your mentality. There is no room in a hospital setting for apprehension.</div><br /><br /><div>To avoid "faking it" learn all you can now so you can practice what I call "objective confidence". Objective confidence involves developing intelectually in preparation of these superfical tests. By asking questions and unceasingly building your respiratory therapy bank-of-knowledge, you will be able to use objective confindence. </div><br /><br /><div>One of my first RT trainers helped me to understand the importance of learning now. He was one of the most well educated RT's I have ever met. I asked him how he was able to retain so much during school? He said, "When I went to class, I took notes, when I came home from class I digitally recorded my notes, and when I went to the gym, went to the grocery store, went to the bank, I listened to my notes. And when I didn't know something, <strong>I asked</strong>." </div><br /><br /><div>Take ever moment to learn now, so when the <em><strong>runout</strong> </em>comes you can use objective confidence, instead of ending up looking like this guy, stuck between safety points, with now where to go but down... </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630537570038745730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQwqgdEDgLlMMIrr6dl_27Ak9w5nXyQUl9je6XTHnmuXXj_a80JlZUrskYmxtuxcnK7eiIvzz-YdvO_DrGbPKFosFBLQOvELyj9oy1TJwubpIhepvvoRCLKBgEVOUh9F5qSrFe4pFhTyH/s320/rock-climb-paragon.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-86953683882673347702011-05-29T21:51:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:17:43.352-07:00DelayMy sincere apologizes, I have been gone for so long. I had to change schools because of a job change. It has been a long journey but I have gone through most of my classes and I am ready to start my didactic studies. Actually, I will be starting tomorrow!!! My clinicals will be at one Las Vegas hospital. I better get to sleep, I have to report for duty at 0600 hours. Thanks for the support to everybody.The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-27985050711011564192009-03-26T20:54:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:20:28.572-07:00Marfan Syndrome<p align="center"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxFjFClhXjXalnJTV1VnushyN-LuX2_TCOvnwyZMce2rIKLC-LMpBRos26QrvgsfKrO7OQrhJEzvwu5PcxiNA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br />My final presentation for Cardiac and Renal Anatomy and Physiology. Let me know what you think!The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-92184752657305909012009-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:002011-07-17T00:17:43.352-07:00What is COPD?<p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyg5DZR_8sWLWjuMpD2Kb2DctKSqPAQrdlM-1nBb-NtchWNiYfohK79K6ab1oEdKnV8yGFDRDMR4_rkS18ALA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="center">My Anatomy & Physiology final project.</p>The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-59663148040143757642008-11-18T19:48:00.000-08:002011-07-17T00:17:43.353-07:00First SemesterWow, I can't believe how much school work consumes so much of my time. Finished with Psychology 101 and Computers 101. All I have to say is that I am glad that those two classes are over. Psychology was nothing more then just plain weird. If I have learned nothing more this semester, it's that you have to please the professor. Forget about everything but what the professor wants. I can't wait until I start getting into RT classes.The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-37698239557357501772008-10-16T19:52:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:17:43.353-07:00Change of MindGood news!! I will be starting school on Monday October 27th. Everything happened so fast. The final decision to start earlier instead of later was made about a week ago. I met with the school counselor and set up financial aid, wrote my essay, and etc. I have my entrance interview this Wednesday and I am ready to get going!! I will let you know how my first day goes. Wish me luck!The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-74035922660092306632008-08-25T18:56:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:17:43.353-07:00The Real DealA few months ago, when the wonderful world of RT struck my interest, I went to talk to an RT just to get a feel for what they do and what to expect. It was a great experience, it was intriguing, the RT I met with explained the daily actions of an RT. My expectation was to spend a few minutes soaking up all I could get, until the RT had to go off and preform miracles. To my surprise, as you RT's may already know, RT's are not always busy. I ended up spending a few hours talking about everything from RT school to ventilator pressures. I probably could have spent a few more hours there. <br />As our conversation was coming to an end, he gave me the head RT's cell number because I had asked if were possible to shadow. I thanked him and we went our separate ways. <br />Today, I called the head of the RT department, he was almost bothered that I had his phone number. Immediately after I stated the purpose of the phone call, he asked, "how did you get this number?!" I paused because I did not want to get the RT I had previously spoken with, in trouble. I just mentioned that I had dropped by his department to ask the RT's a few questions and they gave me the number. After that he seemed to ease his slip of anger. <br />During our conversation I mentioned which school I would be attending, with a sigh and hint of relief, he quick said, "the school should set up a shadow day for you then." I already knew this and explained to him that I did not want to go through the schools assigned, if not fake, job shadow day. There is no doubt that the experience would be but a mere fabricated act to entice me to join their school. He understood, and gave me the number to the HR department to set up the appointment. <br /><br />To make a long story short, HR does not allow job shadows. What do I do now?? I will have to try a different hospital. We will see, I might end up having to go through the school after all. My main concern is to just experience the real deal. I hope I can.The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-43563247975078446922008-08-22T07:21:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:17:43.353-07:00Patient Care 101RT's Job description: evaluate, treat, coach patients with respiratory disorders, monitor and set equipment controls, read and evaluate physicians orders, and be a motivational speaker...wait a minute...motivational speaker??<br /><br />Something that they might not teach in school, that has everything to do with patient care, is how to have a positive, motivational, and uplifting attitude, in a serious if not life threatening situation. For example, if you show the patient that you are scared or afraid then, of course, they will be too. If you are calm yet genuinely concerned for the patient, the patient will develop a trust and remain more calm then they otherwise would. <br /><br />I can only attest to this type of situation because I know what it feels like to be in the patients shoes. I was right by my wife side when we had our first daughter. On the sunny morning of march 25th 2006, around 7 o'clock in the morning, my wife's water broke. We got up, got ready, drove to the hospital, and a couple hours later she was dilated to a 4 or 5. All fairly normal. After, that it all started to go down hill. We started to watch the monitor, and the heart rate of the baby drop. It was a somewhat slow process, 80...70...60 beats per minute, this caused us some concern. At the time, there wasn't anybody in the room. So, being a normal, worried soon to be father, I quickly went to go get the nurse. As the nurse entered the room the babies heart beat remained constant around 60 bpm, of course! The nurse was almost annoyed that I brought her in. She checked to monitor and said "it's fine" and walked out the room. In deed, my feelings about this was not all that reassuring, nor was my wife's. Soon after, we watched the stats of the baby continue to fall...50...40... "Okay! I am going to go get the nurse again!" I blurted to my wife as I was already half way out the door. This time as the nurse came in, there was a different feeling, a feeling of panic. The nurse quickly checked the connections to the monitor and the connections to my wife... they were all in place. The nurse called quickly for the doctor and the anesthesiologist. As the situation got worse, the panic of this particular nurse steadily grew; as she did, so did I. They decided to wheel my wife quickly into the O.R. to prep to do a Cesarean. As soon as we got in to the O.R. the babies stats shot right back up. "The baby is just playing with us," I thought to myself. So we went back into our room without continuing with the c-section. Of course to our surprise, the babies heart rate plummeted again once we got back into the room. The nurse quickly ran in, freaking out and scaring the crap out of us at the same time. We quickly went back to the O.R. and the doctor, being calm and steady said "don't worry mom and dad, we will have this baby out in less then 5 minutes." I think at that point, my wife and I both felt better knowing that we were in good hands from here on out. And sure enough, our daughter was out breathing and crying within 5 minutes. It was a great experience.<br /><br />I am glad that the end results turned out the way they did. The only thing that really bothered us was that nurse. She revealed to much of what she was feeling. She showed her disinterest in our situation at the beginning, and then she realized how serious the situation was and started to worry. Whether she was worried more about her job because she had taken light a serious situation or she worried about the baby, I don't know. <br /><br />By having this experience I can seen how important it is to stay calm through these types of situations. That is why RT's have a much larger role then one might think. I read an interesting blog about RT's being <a href="http://community.advanceweb.com/blogs/rc_5/archive/2008/05/20/motivational-speaker-rrt.aspx">motivational speakers </a>that peaked my interest. I recommend reading it. He mentions that "sometimes we come across patients that don't understand the severity of their condition, patients who are lazy or unfortunately, patients who have given up all together. This is when it is essential that we, as therapists, motivate the patient."<br /> Most of this may be common sense to you RT's that have been in the field for a while. Those that are just getting started may have seen RT's react different to different scenarios. We have to motivate and encourage each patient because that could make all the difference in their survival. Can you imagine how a 8 year old asthmatic, suffering from an asthma attack, would react if he had an RT that was frantic? Of course, it would only make matters worse. <br /><br />RT's please share any experiences that you might have in this area. What do you think? Do you think this is important while treating a patient? Any tips on how to motivate the patient would be great.The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-32723266729439689742008-08-21T11:30:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:17:43.353-07:0030 Years or More!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MrRJQNVZnOjgxgYiqXJNuPjQfTiGpiwjdWhxf33rCbP4G_-5N-u0s03egitvp1Pw1OiosxjJgCEU9oQNtc0BoWrWe0gj4AXCKkutudL-ZUcZ2xL9TqXXV_bBDH6HpzdyFK039k_RFoPm/s1600-h/what.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MrRJQNVZnOjgxgYiqXJNuPjQfTiGpiwjdWhxf33rCbP4G_-5N-u0s03egitvp1Pw1OiosxjJgCEU9oQNtc0BoWrWe0gj4AXCKkutudL-ZUcZ2xL9TqXXV_bBDH6HpzdyFK039k_RFoPm/s320/what.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237041046925052770" /></a><br />There are few important major decisions that must be made in life. In my opinion those decisions all fall into the following categories: marriage, children, religion, and career. All unique and different in their own sense and context. For me the first of the three categories were the easiest. The last of the listed subjects has been most difficult and time consuming. For several years I have been back and forth regarding this subject, contemplating what I would be best at doing for 30 years of my life or more. I did not want to subjugate so much of my time and energy into something that was undesirable and meaningless. Some may joke at the many jobs and careers I have had and considered. Some may also say that my time has been wasted in obtaining so many diverse positions, in so many different trades. However, I would rather have spent that time now, then to realize, ten years down the road I am miserable and bored. I have made a list of important aspects of a good career:<br /><br />• Community Oriented<br />• Service based<br />• Somewhere I Can Make a Difference<br />• Flexible Time (so I can be with my family)<br />• Professional<br />• Be Able to Support a Family (regarding to wage)<br />• Friendly Environment<br />• Requires Specific Educational Background<br /><br />For centuries men have been most of afraid of the unknown. I have taken this same approach when it comes to medicine, doctors, hospitals, etc. The medical field was a big unknown for me. Since I have been married however, I have been introduced to the world of medicine. When I met my wife, she worked in a pediatric office as a medical assistant. I was most intimidated by her and her knowledge of the medical field. Over the years that we have been married she has shared a little of that knowledge with me. Some of our most exciting conversations (or debates) have been about the medical field. Each time we talk about it a rush comes over me yearning to know more. I think more than anything, to me it is the challenge, the knowledge that is needed in order to save a life.<br /><br />Love what you do or it will come after you sooner or later.The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-2557225273259024952008-08-20T10:03:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:18:29.546-07:00Patient vs. ProfitI want to thank all of those that have inspired me in the RT field, such as Respiratory Therapy Driven, the RT cave, and etc. I recommend reading their blogs and familiarizing yourself with the on going discussions that go on. Through their experiences I have learned the goods and the bads about the RT career field.<br /><br />It is hard to understand the balance between the importance of patient care vs. profit. The RT cave touches on this subject a bit. Doctors often request treatments on patient that, well lets face it, are not always necessary. Sometimes it becomes a matter of money.<br /><br />I currently have two small children and often times they develop ear infections. It almost seems pointless everytime they get an infection to make a trip to the doctors office and pay the $20 co-pay, just to have the doctor prescribe amoxicillin. It is not difficult to tell when a child has an ear infection, they are irritable, tired, grab and scratch their ears. Even I can make that observation and I have little to no experience in the medical field. So needless to say, it is not unreasonable to think that not everything that doctors say is doctrine.<br /><br />On the other hand, hospitals do need an income and they are still a business that has net incomes and provides money making jobs to many people?<br /><br />Of course, many people that go into the medical field say "I want to help people" or "I want to make a difference" even though these are very typical sayings, it is for the most part true.<br /><br />I believe I have room to speak here because I have been in and out of jobs, that I feel, are not important. Not that these jobs don't help, because when you get down to it, who is going to transport the groceries to the stores, or help someone buy a house, or spray pesticides in an infested area. Of course, these jobs (or careers) are all important and someone has to do it. However, I cannot think of anything more important than the gift of breath, if I can be an instrument in helping someone accomplish that, then I "gotta have it."<br /><br />Now, I don't want to talk it up on the RT side of things and have you think that it is all glamorous. Because I am sure that I will face things that it will make me wonder why I even got in to this field. For me, I am a goal oriented person, I like to accomplish projects and see the results transpire in front of my eyes. I guess you could say that I need that instant gratification. That is exactly why it will be difficult when I do lose a patient because I will hold myself personally responsible.<br /><br />The fact of the matter is that a hospital has to produce an income and people need help. The difficult part is not to get side tracked from what really matters. What really matters is that people get hurt, have diseases, and need help. It is easy to get in that mode, where all that matters is the quarterly projections, and yes while these number are important, you have to remember those that we treat are real people not just numbers. The reason that the numbers are important is because the numbers depend on whether or not the hospital stays open or if they can expand their resources and provide more help and opportunity for others.The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6947714643724468370.post-55309652332647469942008-08-20T10:00:00.000-07:002011-07-17T00:12:44.122-07:00"Gotta have it"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5re1wMcLaa1PDLZdK4px5SSO3PGTqTyYQvcp6OtXRgjZz4HquHqCSrCJZ4FfGl26Rt0upKgWxtRiquIEFYc2d6_gNUnHBz0dtaudExbOKiRPcjxXc4Wn4Eekyad3Y-czD8bCVRTqmixAi/s1600-h/17002837_scaled_133x198.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236646369621793986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5re1wMcLaa1PDLZdK4px5SSO3PGTqTyYQvcp6OtXRgjZz4HquHqCSrCJZ4FfGl26Rt0upKgWxtRiquIEFYc2d6_gNUnHBz0dtaudExbOKiRPcjxXc4Wn4Eekyad3Y-czD8bCVRTqmixAi/s200/17002837_scaled_133x198.jpg" /></a> Over the past few months I have been doing extensive research in the field of respiratory therapy. In my opinion there are three types of people when it comes to the medical field, the ones that hate it, are okay with it, and those that enjoy it. To give a perfect example of the "hate it" group... my sister delivered her first child about a year ago, while she was in labor she got so worked up over the fact that she was in a hospital that the doctors were forced to preform a Cesarean (c-section) this fear is also known as "white coat syndrome." The second class of people, those that are just "okay with it" could probably go there whole life in and out of hospitals and not really care one way or the other. The third group, "those that enjoy it," these a special type of people.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Now with in the "enjoy it" class there are three more types of people, "like it, love it, and gotta have it" you may recognize these names from an ice cream shop called Coldstone. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>These different categories would be compared to a receptionists working in hospitals or clinic(like it), nurses (love it), and an ER nurses (gotta have it.) Which category do you think RT should be in? Which group do you fall under?</div>The Respiratory Cliffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108494318715470911noreply@blogger.com2