Top 5 Challenges Of A Respiratory Therapist

The job of respiratory therapists is as important as any practitioner in the healthcare sector. In fact, these individuals are highly needed due to the prevalence and seriousness of pulmonary diseases nowadays. Additionally, respiratory problems are common with organ failure and cardiopulmonary disorders and having RTs around really makes a big difference. Some people think that respiratory therapists are living with an easy and uncomplicated environment, but what they do not know is that RTs have their own share of difficulties and trials especially at work. To be able to appreciate them more, here’s the top five challenges of a respiratory therapist: 1. Adapting to the ever-changing technology. Living in a very high-tech world may be beneficial to everyone but along with it is a great challenge. Since the healthcare field is becoming more and more advanced, RTs must be easily accustomed to new apparatuses and equipment. Moreover, the tools used in respiratory care are updated every year. Hence, continuing education plays a significant role in maintaining their competency. 2. Handling the daily stress. Respiratory therapists have many responsibilities aside from taking care of patients. They work long hours as well as deliver complex treatments that require considerable independent judgment which sometimes involve life-and-death decisions. RTs also assist in the ER whenever respiratory emergencies occur. Stress is a common occurrence in the medical field and if they give in, it will definitely affect their performance at work. Nevertheless, these practitioners are resilient and manage to be in charge of caring for others despite the fact that they often forget to take good care of themselves. RT - new pic 3. Dealing with preterm infants. According to an estimate, almost every second a baby is born. Unfortunately, not all newborns have the capacity to breathe effortlessly. Babies who usually show physical signs of prematurity in reverse proportion to the gestational age are called preterm infants. It is the duty of a respiratory therapist to assess, treat and monitor these premature babies. RTs provide them with ventilator support and even give them surfactant, a substance which is critical for normal lung function. Since preterm infants are susceptible to a variety of complications, they require more medical attention. Respiratory therapists are always extra careful when dealing with these preterm babies. 4. Respiratory Therapy Apathy Syndrome (RATS) When RTs get tired of doing BS procedures, they are likely to develop what experts call Respiratory Therapy Apathy Syndrome or RATS. This condition is a feeling that nothing you do matters. Individuals who suffer this disorder tend to have uncharacteristic mood swings and verbal outbursts even when they are asked to do something. They become numb to everything and simply don’t care about the things they once cared about. A respiratory therapist diagnosed with RATS feels like he or she is simply an observer and begins to think his opinion doesn’t matter. 5. Working with difficult patients. Just like other professionals in the healthcare industry, respiratory therapists also encounter unpleasant patients. These patients are often not compliant with their care plan and treatments, thus giving RTs a hard time. It takes them a lot of time to do what they needed to do. Some patients tend to be very demanding and want everything done all at once. That’s not how the way it should be because most of these disobedient patients tend to repeat hospital stays because of their noncompliance. Source

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