RT Career?

tmw73 · Mar 3, 2015

Granny RT I just read your comment.i wish I had when you wrote.it.im not sure what state your in but in Florida none of that happens.We don't answer to nurses.the reason those states were going to deregulate wasn't because if the lack of need but the expense of what they thought of having to regulate them.you please do research.im not miss guided at all but I guess I represent what i know and here we are very proactive.no nurse operate vent here.its against the law for them to.we don't answer to them we don't even consult them.ove never seen a nurse lose their license for what we did.i admit things have changed but if you saw what i stated,it changed for everyone.look at the sites claiming experienced nurses are being laid off for lower paid higher degree nurses.im very aware of what's going on and why.to tell you the truth it was good hr2619 failed due to hospitals accruing penalties now for readmission.you can look all that up.450million in Florida alone in the rehab centers we use to be at.There was a study done in California of the impact of an RT in a rehab verses one without.the results will have you shaking your head.im not nurse bashing but to say they are immune to what we go through is just plain insane.its the economy more than anything.they would fire Doctors if they could.in florida we have a ton of jobs..do your research.everywhere isn't some back field town.in the years I've been an RT I've never been laid off and we have never been laid off.never has any hospital I work answer to nursing.your right I can't speak for you but we wouldn't have that here..sorry friend.

GrannyRRT · Mar 3, 2015

Granny RT I just read your comment.i wish I had when you wrote.it.im not sure what state your in but in Florida none of that happens.We don't answer to nurses.the reason those states were going to deregulate wasn't because if the lack of need but the expense of what they thought of having to regulate them.you please do research.im not miss guided at all but I guess I represent what i know and here we are very proactive.no nurse operate vent here.its against the law for them to.we don't answer to them we don't even consult them.ove never seen a nurse lose their license for what we did.i admit things have changed but if you saw what i stated,it changed for everyone.look at the sites claiming experienced nurses are being laid off for lower paid higher degree nurses.im very aware of what's going on and why.to tell you the truth it was good hr2619 failed due to hospitals accruing penalties now for readmission.you can look all that up.450million in Florida alone in the rehab centers we use to be at.There was a study done in California of the impact of an RT in a rehab verses one without.the results will have you shaking your head.im not nurse bashing but to say they are immune to what we go through is just plain insane.its the economy more than anything.they would fire Doctors if they could.in florida we have a ton of jobs..do your research.everywhere isn't some back field town.in the years I've been an RT I've never been laid off and we have never been laid off.never has any hospital I work answer to nursing.your right I can't speak for you but we wouldn't have that here..sorry friend.

Typed this from a mobile device?

Let me address this first.

no nurse operate vent here.its against the law for them to.

No. It is not "against the law" for a nurse to operate a ventilator. Florida has several RN/RN and RN/Paramedic transport teams which operate ventilators. Home Care nurses also operate ventilators. They do not have the luxury of calling "RT" when their patient must go on and off the ventilator. What the statute says is "proof of adequate education".

There was a study done in California of the impact of an RT in a rehab verses one without.

It would be of benefit to your argument if you provided the link. To the best of my knowledge we have not published an "us vs them" study. There are studies comparing with Pulmonary Rehab and without it as related to what benefits the patient. The AARC did come out with its pro RT statements when CMS was determining reimbursement for Pulmonary Rehab. That is still an ongoing project and controversy. There are still many Pulmonary Rehab departments in California which are nurse lead and have Exercise Physiologists at their side rather than RTs. Exercise Physiologists have a minimum of a Bachelors degree and usually a Masters. It this profession ever got the recognition it deserves, RTs would be their helpers in Rehab rather than leader.

to tell you the truth it was good hr2619 failed due to hospitals accruing penalties now for readmission.

You live in Florida and you do not see the benefit of HR 2619? Are you a member of the FSRC? With Florida's huge Medicare population I find it hard to believe you do not see a need for us to be covered under Part B. Do you realize we could be more involved in out patient services and home care if this bill was successful. It has nothing to do with mandating a Bachelors degree for entry but rather the ability to better utilize the RTs who do have Bachelors degrees in other areas. This is a huge growth opportunity. It would also create more jobs for those with only the Associates degrees as those with higher education moved into other areas. Please join the FSRC and the AARC to learn more about this and not just speculate.

you can look all that up.450million in Florida alone in the rehab centers we use to be at.

You type using the words "use to be at" but then go on to say there isn't a problem in Florida. That makes no sense.

florida we have a ton of jobs..

Yes. But many are temps and PRN. It is a seasonal state. You also must note how many RTs are applying for each job posted.

We don't answer to nurses.

Who does the manager of your department report to? I be if you looked at the hierarchy line of power chart for your facility I bet you will find it is a nurse manager or VP who is a nurse.

the reason those states were going to deregulate wasn't because if the lack of need but the expense of what they thought of having to regulate them.

How many Sunset meetings have you attended? Allow me to explain this more indepth to you. We have been successful in not being cut in the past but as more professions are showing worth through education and scope of practice, our services are no longer "exclusive". Nurses and Paramedics are examples. Paramedics are now participating in Community Medicine providing COPD and Asthma management in the home. This should have been RTs' responsibility but, again HR 2619, we are not recognized for reimbursement. The Paramedics are getting legislation passed very rapidly to gain funding for their services in this area. They are also Critical Care certified which bumps RTs off transport. Look at how many transport teams have RN/Paramedic teams for kids and babies now. Even with Florida's standards in this area, it is still possible for Paramedics to meet the qualifications. Our numbers are few compared to these professions and duplication of services become the issue as we already have scene in transport and the ED. RT must find ways to show the public still benefits from us being licensed for accountability and uniqueness. Many of the arguments we used back in the late 1970s and 1980s to gain licensure no longer have the same impact today. Insurers, including CMS, will use this to evaluate reimbursement value. We have already seen huge cuts in some of our services such as nebulizers.

Florida was one of the first states to endure Sunset and throughout the years it has been very successful even as it transitioned through different oversight agencies and Jeb Bush's outsourcing mess. But, the RT program at University of Central Florida was eliminated which was a huge blow to the RT community.

You haven't been laid off and neither have I. But, that does not mean I ignore the situations where others have. Both Florida Hospital and Orlando Health made the news when some of their RTs were laid off.

We can not blame this totally on the economy and call it a day. That is a cop out. We knew reform and health care changes were coming and in so many ways RTs did not ramp up to meet them which includes expanding out services. However, those RTs, like yourself, who fear change and fail to support advancement are part of our lacking in professional development. Join the AARC and the FSRC. At least read the FSRC website. Stay informed by attending your regional or state meetings. The big conferences are great but the legislative and administrative meetings are more focused to the current needs.

Darby71 · Mar 10, 2015

Where do you think the RT profession will be in 5-10 years form now? In a better state or worse? My niece is trying to decide between RT and RN although she wont be rdy to enter shchool for another 5 years. Thanks for all the info.

tmw73 · Apr 3, 2015

Well Granny.im sorry to tell you but no my director is not a nurse and no he doesn't report to a nurse.Are you sure your an RT?the vents your talking about nurses operating are not critical care vents and the home care vent don't require changes.if changes are required then an RT make those changes..also check on that sunset and look at what transpired..Everywhere I've worked hasn't had those things happen that you speak off.also check the job market.we have openings as we speak at my job that we don't have enough people to fill those positions..also just in case you don't know everyone at one point had a hard time finding jobs.i have a cooler of nursing friends whom still haven't found jobs so to say it's Strickly to respiratory isn't true at all.nit everyone has had a bad experience that you speak of.And yes I am a FSRC member as well as the AARC...I also apologize because yes I am typing from my phone and this auto correct is driving me crazy so please excuse the misspelled words..

GrannyRRT · Apr 4, 2015

Well Granny.im sorry to tell you but no my director is not a nurse and no he doesn't report to a nurse.

Who does he report to? What is the hierarchy of management in your facility? What type of hospital? Be specific. There are exceptions but I am looking at the experiences of many managers in many states including Florida.

Are you sure your an RT?

And yes I am a FSRC member as well as the AARC

I am an RRT with degrees and the alphabet soup. And I am an RRT who is very active in regional, state and national organizations for Respiratory Therapists. It takes more than just sending money to make an organization be successful.

the vents your talking about nurses operating are not critical care vents

Critical Access Hospitals use critical care ventilators. Many CAHs keep some ventilator patients. They do not transfer every intubated patient. There is no requirement for an RT to be present in Critical Access Hospitals to manage a ventilator. This is nationwide with only a few exceptions.

PACU RNs, probably right in your own hospital if you work in a hospital, can initiate and wean a critical care ventilator as well as extubate.

RNs in some EDs and CVICUs can also manage ventilators especially if they control the iSTAT machine or blood gases. CVICU RNs can wean to extubate also in some places.

and the home care vent don't require changes.if changes are required then an RT make those changes..

Incorrect again. Home care nurses can and do shut and turn on home care ventilators. They can also do PSV sprints and return to a rate. RNs can make prescribed ventilator changes. RTs are not covered under Medicare B which means no reimbursement for them and there are not many RTs employed by each DME company. There are just enough for an initial eval and setup along with a few maintenance calls. There is no way one RT can be at the home of 25 ventilator patients each morning.

The LTC facilities also do not require an RT to be inhouse. This includes the big facilities with 50+ ventilator patients. The nurses, including LPNs, manage the ventilators with their protocols. They do all the trach changes, both routine and emergent, and provide all medication treatments.

that you speak off.also check the job market.we have openings as we speak at my job that we don't have enough people to fill those positions

.

Why isn't your manager actively recruiting the new grads or advertising? Are these openings actually listed? Or, is your manager and hospital using virtual openings to serve a budget purpose?

also just in case you don't know everyone at one point had a hard time finding jobs.i have a cooler of nursing friends whom still haven't found jobs so to say it's Strickly to respiratory isn't true at all.

I never said it was strictly Respiratory but we are turning over more of our tasks to nursing and reducing staff in RT across the country. If you actually are a member of your state society and the AARC, you should have been aware of this. Why do I have to keep repeating myself for you to actually read the AARC and state society webpages?

also check on that sunset and look at what transpired

Which Sunset? We have had several and more to come. Texas is still processing theirs. It did point out the sad state of membership supporting the profession in that state. What about Michigan? That is still an ongoing struggle and who knows what their next sunset meeting will bring. Indiana? Colorado? California?

nit everyone has had a bad experience that you speak of.

I personally have not had a bad experience in RT in almost 40 years. But, I am not blind to the problems faced by the profession. I would like the next generation to have a secure future as Respiratory Therapist. But, right now with so many like yourself who live in a sheltered existence and could care less about the direction RT is heading, I don't see a bright future.

Take your state of Florida as an example. The latest virtual lobby for HR 5380 only produced 7000 letters from RTs in its support. Florida is proud of that number even though it is pathetic given the total number of RTs in that state. The total number across all the states was bad to say the least. This bill will probably pass but the standard wording in it will allow everyone in almost any profession to get a piece of respiratory as it is not a Respiratory Therapist specific bill. Respiratory Therapy is still not recognized by Medicare B. But, I bet you didn't even know about it even though it has been on the front page of the AARC and the FSRC sites along with email. Did you also know what the death of HR 2619 means to the profession? It is a very sad time for RTs when they fail to see the need to branch out into more opportunities or allow those with a Bachelors degree achieve higher goals in the clinical setting both in and out of the hospital. Your attitude and others like you defeat what Florida has tried to strive for with higher education. This has led to the closing of the Bachelors program at UCF. Due to its history, that was a sad day for RT and it made headlines nationwide. In case you didn't know, UCF is University of Central Florida which is in Orlando. For decades it was a role model for Bachelors programs, as few as they might be, in this country.

You need to stop hiding your head in the sand. Whatever problems exist in your hospital needs to be fixed so you can be fully staffed if that is the case. It could be because of the lack of progressive attitudes like yours and full of those who don't want to get involved in the profession, again like you, which is holding the department back from making the necessary changes to make it a great place to work. Some RTs probably prefer to move out of state or start in the RN program rather than work for a really bad department. Florida has dozens of schools and I have not heard of any manager complain in the AARC conversations that they have no applicants. Many are trying to create opportunities to bring in more or keep what they have but are facing many obstacles.

Do your homework on what I have mentioned so I don't have to keep repeating myself. Definitely read the AARC website in the legislative section before you choose to reply again. This discussion goes nowhere if you are not informed about the issues.

Right now anyone wanting to enter the profession should check out the employment ads in their area and also see how many students are graduating from the RT programs.

tmw73 · Apr 4, 2015

Well our department heard is an RT who answers to the hospital president not an Adon or DON.the hospital president.And no at my hospital our nurses don't touch our vents.Only the RT does.we have more than 1100 beds at our hospital and we don't have these problems you speak of.as far as what's going on in Michigan,the reason they were talking about deregulation was just like all the other states you speak of is because they thought the NBRC was a regulation body of respiratory.when they were informed that the NBRC was not a regulation body those efforts were halted.if they were like the state of Florida were we have our own licensure that regulates the license they wouldn't have that problem.thats exactly why the state of Texas dropped the effort to deregulate and are now talking about giving the RTS in that state more power.if your up on the state of our profession you'd know that.the only reason respiratory is in the situation were in is because of when medicare was in acted respiratory wasn't not a licensed profession.i know Dr.Sharp and spoke numerous times about the situation.if your an active RT then you should know who she is.she is the reason Respiratory is licensed in this state and was one of the original Pulmonologist that stated that profession.if you don't know then look around.how can you not see that respiratory is growing.there are places in Florida now that are hiring respiratory for nursing homes when we still are fully reimbursed by medicare and they assume the cost because of the benefits of having an RT in house.plus the study you asked me about sometime that 2 as preformed on California.just look up on the web about the impact of RTS in SNFS.i will try to send you the link but I'm not computer savy but it's on the web.look that up and you tell me what you think.also in home care especially on Florida nurses do not make changes on the vents.that I know due to the fact that I worked at a couple of them during my career.thwy would be terminated for it.also the hospital I work at we do peds adults neuro,cardio,everything under the sun.at none of our ICUS,ER'S,recoveries anything do they touch our vent,bipaps,nothing respiratory..not that i down them but for you to say it's such a sad state of affairs for respiratory is just not true.you also need to look at the advancements for respiratory and how they have changed.like the path to AA,PA,and now the CoArc is planning on an APRT designation.you should know all this being involved as you say.look at the reimbursement penalty that Florida alone had from Oct.17-Nov 10.we had hospitals penalized over 450 million dollar from readmissions.the FSRC had this on their website.thats not even 30 days worth of information.i will look up the California study for you and try to send you the link but if I can't I'll tell you the web site but feel free to look for yourself.just type the impact of having a respiratory therapist in house at SNF.

tmw73 · Apr 4, 2015

Also i apologize for incorrect spelling and wording.as I am typing from my phone and auto correct sucks..

GrannyRRT · Apr 6, 2015

Well our department heard is an RT who answers to the hospital president not an Adon or DON.the hospital president.

If your hospital is as big as you say it is, I would really like to see that hierarchy line.

And no at my hospital our nurses don't touch our vents.Only the RT does.

That's good. But, it does not mean the RNs in your state are restricted from touching ventilators. They do in home care, PACU, transport, LTC and a variety of other situations.

we have more than 1100 beds at our hospital and we don't have these problems you speak of.

So you have not even given up MDIs and nebs to nurses? Even in the ER? You also do all incentive spirometrys? That would be great if all hospitals could do that but it is economically unfeasible to staff for this.

as far as what's going on in Michigan,the reason they were talking about deregulation was just like all the other states you speak of is because they thought the NBRC was a regulation body of respiratory.when they were informed that the NBRC was not a regulation body those efforts were halted.

You are very incorrect and misinformed about this. Did you know that Michigan has not had licensure that long? Just like many other states until recent years, it used just the NBRC credential. This was probably its first Sunset hearing just like every state has had to have once it obtained licensure. Sunset is way for the profession to show it has benefited from licensure in keeping the public safe and the licensing body being viable financially.

if they were like the state of Florida were we have our own licensure that regulates the license they wouldn't have that problem.

Florida was not the first state nor is it the only state to have RT licensure. Texas has and has had RT state licensure for several years. This was its Sunset hearing to see how things were going. Unfortunately, RTs in that state were not ready like other states have been in the past for their Sunset hearings. They had nothing prepared to present and literally got throw for a big loop.

Since 1960 RTs have used the NBRC or its predecessor for certifying and only since 1982 has licensure been a reality. Most states were very slow to respond with Hawaii just obtaining licensure in 2011 after a 25 year battle. Vermont has not been licensed that long either and Oregon only got licensure about 14 years ago. Alaska still does not have licensure.

thats exactly why the state of Texas dropped the effort to deregulate and are now talking about giving the RTS in that state more power.

You obviously have no idea what has been happening in Texas. I advise you to go to the TSRC FB page for an update. The hearings are still going on and there is a counter bill to the one presented. The first one drawn up was an "ideal" situation and now it comes to compromise.

Much of what is being used by the opposition to licensure is coming from RTs who do not want to be state licensed. They feel the NBRC was enough. Nor do they want the education upgrade. The OJT was good enough according to some. We are not fighting politicians. We are fighting other RTs who also have a political agenda and are only too happy to feed the politicians what they want to hear when it comes to budget cuts.

This guy has a huge following.

In My Opinion : Why Should States License Respiratory Care?

If your up on the state of our profession you'd know that.the only reason respiratory is in the situation were in is because of when medicare was in acted respiratory wasn't not a licensed profession.

Incorrect again. CMS and respiratory both have been around for while. Licensure made use more accountable to the public. I already mentioned the states which just recently obtained licensure.

I know Dr.Sharp and spoke numerous times about the situation.if your an active RT then you should know who she is.she is the reason Respiratory is licensed in this state and was one of the original Pulmonologist that stated that profession.

Is that Dr. Isabella Sharpe?

State suspends Jacksonville doctor's license | jacksonville.com

There are many other more notable doctors who have helped the profession including those who helped initiate the first certifying exams.

if you don't know then look around.how can you not see that respiratory is growing.there are places in Florida now that are hiring respiratory for nursing homes when we still are fully reimbursed by medicare and they assume the cost because of the benefits of having an RT in house.

RTs are not being reimbursed. The nursing homes are eating the costs and having 1 RN per 100 patients and scrimping on whatever resources. Nobody wins here and definitely not the patient. Why the hell were you not fighting to coverage for Medicare B?

plus the study you asked me about sometime that 2 as preformed on California.just look up on the web about the impact of RTS in SNFS.i will try to send you the link but I'm not computer savy but it's on the web.look that up and you tell me what you think.

When we were trying to lobby for more coverage from CMS, many studies were done. Guess what? Not enough RTs supported the bills and nothing happened. Most RTs could care less about LTC. There are still no RTs in most of the LTC and subacutes in California just like many other states.

also in home care especially on Florida nurses do not make changes on the vents.that I know due to the fact that I worked at a couple of them during my career.thwy would be terminated for it.

Are you saying there is an RT to show up every morning to take the patient off their ventilator for TC trials and then again at night to put them back on the ventilator? Do you know how ridiculous you sound?

also the hospital I work at we do peds adults neuro,cardio,everything under the sun.at none of our ICUS,ER'S,recoveries anything do they touch our vent,bipaps,nothing respiratory..not that i down them but for you to say it's such a sad state of affairs for respiratory is just not true.

You only speak for your hospital. I would like to know how many RTs have been laid off at your facility or if being grossly over budget is why you are working understaffed.

you also need to look at the advancements for respiratory and how they have changed.like the path to AA,PA,and now the CoArc is planning on an APRT designation.you

News flash! Respiratory Therapy is an Associates degree now.

PA has always been an option for many in the allied health professions and even those not in it.

The plans for the APRT was also linked to the success of HR 2619 which is no more. Without reimbursement, no go. If the states can not maintain Bachelors programs, no way can a Masters be possible. Why are you not checking facts before typing stuff you may have heard on some lame social media site?

should know all this being involved as you say.look at the reimbursement penalty that Florida alone had from Oct.17-Nov 10.we had hospitals penalized over 450 million dollar from readmissions. the FSRC had this on their website.thats not even 30 days worth of information.

That info would be more credible if you provided a link. But yes the reimbursement issue has given Paramedics a huge boost to launch Community Paramedics to take care of COPD, Asthmatic kids and CHF patients. Why hasn't RT been more proactive before now in preventing readmissions? CMS has tracked the 30 day readmits for many years and just recently started penalizing the hospitals. Why wasn't there a lesson to be learned. Oh wait! There was but RTs failed to support their own bill which could have assisted patients in the outpatient area.

i will look up the California study for you and try to send you the link but if I can't I'll tell you the web site but feel free to look for yourself.just type the impact of having a respiratory therapist in house at SNF.

There were several reports but it does not matter if no one supports LTC in the legislation. California still does not have RTs in every SNF. They don't have them in all of the big ventilator subacutes. Why aren't you understanding this? This is also true of Washington and Oregon.

++++++++++++++++

Now for a little history about Sunset. As I have stated many times, it is meant as a followup on the regulatory body overseeing a license. It is like an audit. The end result is the Governor of that state signing a bill to continue licensure and have all the necessary changes included. Some states are very prepared and have their legislation drawn up and supported way before the Sunset meeting happens. California just did this recently. Not only did they reposition themselves under a more appropriate agency, they also paved the way for RRT only for entry to come into their statutes.

Florida had a huge update in their legislation about 10 years ago. But, it was also a give and take. They no longer are sole proprietors of Respiratory although their scope of practice was clarified which is still strong. But, Paramedics now have a place on NICU/PICU specialty transports and RNs are now more involved with ventilators in transport and LTC. If all of the RTs in Florida are hiding their heads in the sand like you, the next Sunset for Florida may not go as well.

but I'm not computer savy

I suggest you get more computer skills and keep updated on what is happening around you in RT. Please provide links to support your data.

In the meantime here is some reading for you to learn more about Sunset. Illinois is up for Sunset this year -2015.

http://www.isrc.org/newsletter/ISRC_eTRACT78_JulyAug2014.pdf

This was Hawaii's first bid for licensure in 1986. They finally obtained it in 2011.

http://files.hawaii.gov/auditor/Reports/1980-1989/86-10.pdf

Since you are interested in California, this was their Sunset report from 2012.

http://www.rcb.ca.gov/media_outreach/rcb_sunset_report_12-13.pdf

Another good read about California's ongoing struggle in LTC.

http://www.rcb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/nlsept04.pdf

It does give a good breakdown for the differences in nursing education and RT.

Colorado

http://www.jerrykopel.com/a/respiratory-therapists.htm

Alabama's Sunset will be in October 2016.

There are other states but I am running out of time and patience with you.

But, I will leave you with some CMS reading.

http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=169&ncdver=1&NCAId=169&NcaName=Home+Use+of+Oxygen&IsPopup=y&bc=AAAAAAAAIAAA&

A quote from that link:

F. Respiratory Therapists Respiratory therapists' services are not covered under the provisions for coverage of oxygen services under the Part B DME benefit as outlined above. This benefit provides for coveravge of home use of oxygen and oxygen equipment, but does not include a professional component in the delivery of such services.

And this was HR 2619

https://c.aarc.org/advocacy/activities/FAQs_HR2619_FINAL_rev3-6-14.pdf

Sad to say, there will be no way the Respiratory Therapist will get the APRT going within the next 50+ years. Some RTs already have Bachelors in RT and some have Masters who are at the bedside. But, with no chance of the advanced legislation, they will have very limited opportunities clinically. There will some opportunities in research, education and management. What you heard was about this:

http://www.coarc.com/73.html

It has never gotten past the draft stages and not there is no reason to proceed.

I bet a lot of RTs in Texas working in progressive hospitals thought they had it made also and never bothered to care about the Sunset clause in their licensing statutes. No one should ever be surprised by this nor should they be so unprepared.

I suggest you make sure you never lose your job at your current employer where you can stay isolated and unconcerned about anything or anyone else in RT. Let those of us who give a **** continue to fight for more opportunities and a strong future for all in the profession and not just a few.

tmw73 · May 22, 2015

Granny RRT.Im sorry if your losing patients with me but I think you need to do a little research youself.The sunset review thought that the NBRC was a governing body which it is not.The licensure hasn't been recalled due to that fact.not only did Texas recall that approach they also extended the responsibility for those RT'S.The same will happen in all the other states you stated.Let me tell you,there is a difference between RRT and CRT.CRT'S are finding it hard to find jobs because that license is being fazed out.I can tell you here in Florida that nurse don't touch our vents and they don't want to.They don't have the authority to touch them.If your in Florida you would know that.I haven't heard ofa big layoff of Therapist you speak of.I don't have to worry at all about losing my job or leaving.Im not sure where you get your info from.Hospital laid off alot of nurses though.there were some here complaining about them hiring new grads and paying them less.I don't know why you put the economy as just a Respiratory Therapy situation.The hospitals here also had a purge of nurses..None of use were let go.I don't know why you have such a Hate for Respiratory.Im just telling you what i know kw and your goingtell me Im wrong?Yes hr2619 died but I guess you don't know what's going on in Congress as we speak.Respiratory getting reimbursement is only a matter of time.There are at least 3 more bills in congress.The APRT isn't gonna happen?Are you serious?They starting the schools next year.the credential has already been set.Im not sure why your so upset and feel you have to prove me wrong.I can tell you we have jobs at my hospital that we can't fill cause we don't have enough people to fill them so now everyone's getting bonuses and a signing bonus to move here and work.These are things I know now what I hope for.Now if we have that much of a demand now just wait until we get reimbursement..How do you think that's bad?As a Respiratory Therapist you should welcome that news.Please tell me what's bad about what we don't or our job market?As far as Sunset every license comes up for review yes even nursing so don't tell me the sky is falling when I see it for myself.I have never seen or heard of a Therapist losing his or her job so a nurse can do it.Come on now.There is a difference between nursing homes and Hospitals.So you honestly think you know more about my job than i cause you can give a breathing treatment or turn a knob on a vent.That hardly qualifies you as knowing my job.Just like you can turn a knob or give a treatment.i can tirate.all drips,put in lines and push narcotics.Check your info,in some places RT'S are doing this now.We have RT'S on rescue doing that as we speak.Check out the Scope of Practice in North Carolina.They just approve the RRT'S to give vasopressors and narcotics just this past year.Respiratory is still growing and only going to get bigger dispute your objection.Also alot of hospitals are allowing RRT'S to place picc lines.if you think I'm lying about that as well check some of the post here.There are hospitals with RRT'RRT'S as the CEO.At our hospital a Therapist is the head of our ACLS,Educator at another hospital in our area.So please tell me how is Respiratory a dying field.We all so have a direct link into the P.A. program.i know that too cause I'm going g to start soon.All this is things I know and seen..Nothing but facts..

tmw73 · Apr 2, 2017

Granny Rrt I was looking at this post from 2 years ago that just popped up ony acreen and was wondering if you felt the same.Im still not seeing the gloom and soon you speak of.The sun sets that were planned in more than 3 states were abandoned,bonuses and increase in travelers for RT positions and increased educational requirements.I think everyone was getting confused with hospitals laying off CRT with RRTS.That was as you know due to the fact that they dont recognize that license anymore.We have 5 positions open now if you know someone looking for a job and our director is a Respiratory Therapist with his MBA and higher up is the Critical Care Pulmonologist they way it should be..I was juat wondering because the way you made ut sound we all were gonna lose our jobs to nurses and be fazed out and unemployed..I hope Respiratory Therapy students dont read your comments and believe that the sky is falling.If by chance you come across some tell them we are hiring as well as every hospital in north Florida.

heinz57 · Apr 5, 2017

Granny Rrt I was looking at this post from 2 years ago that just popped up ony acreen and was wondering if you felt the same.Im still not seeing the gloom and soon you speak of.The sun sets that were planned in more than 3 states were abandoned,bonuses and increase in travelers for RT positions and increased educational requirements.I think everyone was getting confused with hospitals laying off CRT with RRTS.That was as you know due to the fact that they dont recognize that license anymore.We have 5 positions open now if you know someone looking for a job and our director is a Respiratory Therapist with his MBA and higher up is the Critical Care Pulmonologist they way it should be..I was juat wondering because the way you made ut sound we all were gonna lose our jobs to nurses and be fazed out and unemployed..I hope Respiratory Therapy students dont read your comments and believe that the sky is falling.If by chance you come across some tell them we are hiring as well as every hospital in north Florida.

Interesting. How did RT get their state to abandon a Sunset review? Sunset reviews are written as part of their legislation for many states. Nursing goes through it also. Texas is well known but that Sunset review allowed RT to reorganize under a board which can serve them better and RTs seem pleased. California's RT sunset allowed them to expand their scope. It was unheard of to have RT doing conscious sedation prior to that.

However, as nurses, doing blood gases, giving treatments and managing ventilators have become more common. I just posted on the transport section about RTs not realizing they couldn't do transport. If RT is going to keep up, they better know what the can and can not do. We don't use or rarely use RTs on transport, in the ER or on the floors. I don't think the RT department has a high turnover probably because jobs are scarce. If you have a high turnover, there might be department issues that need to be addressed.

tmw73 · Apr 6, 2017

We have our own licensing board that oversees everything we do.We have RT'S on transports here.matter of fact its called kids care for the hospital I work.its a nurse and an RT.The scope of practice has wide range with liberty to make unilateral decisions on pt care.Im not sure why other states dont follw that lead.In N.C. I know they are pushing hard for more things even allowing RT'S to push ACLS drugs.Our license allows us to do whatever as long as Dr.is there.in our Bronch lab we have Therapist pushing narcotics and sedation.I in no way am saying anything bad about nursing but the turn over is high and our license covers us to do this so we do.We have legislation in congress now and if it passes this will be even better for RT.It's only aatter of time time it passes because we are the best to deal with Respiratory issues and COPD is gonna hit hard in the coming years.Im not sure why RT'S in your state arent proactive but in Florida nurses dont change our vent and we do our own abgs.I never heard of this and im not being funny just what im exposed to.In the next couple of years things will improve because theres no othe alternative to what we can provide without calling the doc.Theres a reason why the government but penalties on hospitals.Thats because the care provided wasnt adequate.This will help out nurses and docs.Plus educational requirements have increased for Respiratory.So if your an RT you should see how other staes are performing.In Arizona they inserting Picc lines all this is with in our scope of practice.Respiratory Therapy is the most under utilized profession in the hospital but all this will change in a couple of years..If you have any more questions let me know.Things were that way because of legislation not because of education which will change and the doors will be finally be blown off what has held us back for so long.