Vent unit in LTC??

hello everyone

Nowdays I see alot of long term care facilities have a vent unit. Isn't it too risky to have a vent unit in long term care, where they are not equipped with emergencies? They do have a respiratory therapists but what are the responsibilities of respiratory therapist?
Has anyone here worked in a vent unit? What was it like? What are your duties as a nurse and do you feel comfortable doing it?

I worked for about 8 mos at a LTC facility on the vent unit. Most pt's on a vent unit require total care and assist w/ ADL's. Many are paralyzed d/t one med cond or another. In my exp it was not depressing. I loved it! I met some really wonderful people there and grew to admire them for just wanting to stay alive even if it meant living on a vent. Many do not die w/in a yr. We had some on the unit that had been there for many years. One thing about a vent unit - you will have a lot of TF! I had 21 for awhile. You always stay busy! One good thing about working a vent unit is you know your pt's will keep breathing! All will eventually die and their death can be messy. A young man who had been paralyzed in a motorcycle accident had an artery burst near his trach. Blood was pouring out his throat, nose, and mouth. Blood was everywhere. He was sent out and died at the hosp. You will see unique things working a vent unit. Would I ever work at one again? You bet!