Here's a thought...

Sure, there are plenty of things to complain about in the Respiratory field. One of the most viewed comments on AARC's connect blog is titled, "Respect of Respiratory Therapist, where has it gone?" Other websites and bloggers write about how small their department is, the lack of physician knowledge, the awful relationship with their staff, etc.

Here's a thought: Rather than eliciting more complaints, let's invite some positive feedback. What do you like most about the Respiratory Field?

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If I could, I would...

You've worked with patients and various therapy devices. Has a great idea for an invention ever cross your mind? If you could invent something, what would it be? Bluetooth stethoscope? Wireless EKG? Built-in artery finder for the ABG syringe? If you are a respiratory therapist, your mind is probably always spinning. I'm curious to hear where your mind goes as you look for ways to improve respiratory therapy. Go ahead and share...

What is the HR 2619 Bill?

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There is a bi-partisan bill in congress known as the HR 2619 bill. For those not familiar with ‘bi-partisan,’ it means that a bill has been sent to congress and it has both (bi) Democrat and Republican support. So what’s so significant about this bill? This bill will help ensure that patient’s receive competent care by competent therapists. How?

The bill is seeking to add coverage of pulmonary management education and training when done by a qualified respiratory therapist under the supervision of a practicing physician. In other words, Medicare patients will be covered when they seek education and training by qualified respiratory therapists. In other words, qualified respiratory therapists will finally be reimbursed for these services. In other words, respiratory therapists will be more marketable. Need some examples of what may be covered? Observing and teaching MDI techniques, educating the importance of proper medication use, recommending flu and pneumonia vaccines, developing action plans, education on oxygen systems, education on pulse ox monitoring, etc. These probably are things you already do, but are not reimbursed for. This is a big incentive because the bill will take the guesswork out of whether the physician will get paid for the RT services.

To qualify, the RT must hold a “registered” credential and have at a minimum a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree in a health science field appropriate to the services RTs provide. RTs can be part-time or full-time employees of the physician practice or be contracted to provide the services. They will not, however, be able to start their own independent practice.[1]

What if you don’t have a “registered” credential or a bachelor’s degree? You are still qualified to support this bill! The bill positively impacts the entire profession. Please help in making this happen!

How can you support the bill? The AARC has made the process very easy. If you are a respiratory therapist, click on this link http://capwiz.com/aarc/issues/alert/?alertid=62340161. This will compose a message to your U.S. Senators and U.S. House Representative. The wording of the email has already been written. All you have to do is type your name, email, home address, and hit send. That’s it!

If you are a student respiratory therapist, you can click on this link http://capwiz.com/aarc/issues/alert/?alertid=62340241. This will compose a message to your U.S. Senators and U.S. House Representative. The wording of the email has already been written. All you have to do is type your name, email, home address, and hit send. That’s it!

What are you waiting for? Do it!

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[1] http://www.aarc.org/advocacy/activities/FAQs_HR2619_FINAL_rev3-6-14.pdf

CRT vs RRT

CRT vs RRT

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Question: I’ve been a CRT for over 15 years. Do I really need an RRT?

This is a loaded question. Before there’s an answer to this question, I believe there has to be an answer to the motive behind the question. Is the person really seeking advice? Hopefully the answer is 'yes.' Or is the person seeking to engage in a debate to argue whether a CRT can outsmart or outperform a RRT? If the person is merely seeking to engage in a debate whether a CRT can outsmart or outperform a RRT, do not bother engaging. You will inevitably get drawn into a fruitless conversation that goes nowhere, really fast. However, if the person is genuinely seeking advice, here are a few thoughts to consider.

First off, all RRTs were once CRTs. I have heard many CRTs justify their reluctance to obtaining the RRT credential because they profess that CRTs 'outperform' RRTs. What they sometimes fail to remember is that a therapist with a RRT credential was first a therapist with a CRT credential. In fact, all RRTs were once CRTs. The issue in "outperforming" is childish and has little to nothing to do with credentials. Rather, it has more to do with experience. Remember, not all RRTs are new grads. Some RRTs have more mileage and years of experience than seasoned CRTs. So let us not keep reverting to the fruitless point of, "there are many CRTs that can outperform an RRT." Believe me, the reverse is also true.

Second, I have heard some selfish reasons why not to pursue the RRT credential: “It doesn’t make me a better therapist,” “it has not held me back yet,” “it will not affect my current employment.” I find it curious that people write-off the credential because of what it doesn’t do for them as opposed to what it does for the profession at large. It is curious to me because we have entered a profession where we are charged to look out for the good of others, our patients, and not just for our own good. Our profession needs more people with selfless attitudes. No, I'm not suggesting that CRTs are selfish. What I am suggesting is that obtaining the RRT credential advances the profession and also sets a good example for those coming behind us to continue to advance their credentials. Some things are never just about you.

Thirdly, there is always something to learn in our field. At the very least, in studying for the exam, even the most experienced CRT will learn a few new things, whether it be theoretical or practical. I have yet to come across that one therapist who has seen absolutely every device and every scenario imaginable. This means that we are never done learning. In fact, if you are done learning, you are… done. It is probably time to hang up your stethoscope and turn in your license, yes, even if you have a bachelor’s or master’s. You have lost interest in the actual field of respiratory. This is not necessarily bad. Ambitions change and other career paths open up. This may be a good time to exit stage left, and allow someone with higher ambitions in the field of respiratory to carry the torch.

If you are a CRT and have not taken the RRT yet, you are not a lesser therapist. However, you do carry a lesser credential. You can take that first step in advancing your credential by obtaining the RRT license, and in so doing, you will help set the tone for future therapists to pursue a higher credential and advance our profession.