Chloe’ Sizer | October 23rd, 2023
National Respiratory Care Week is celebrated annually during the third week of October. This year, it will be observed from October 23-29, 2023. The purpose of National Respiratory Care Week is to raise awareness of respiratory care and to recognize the important work that respiratory therapists do.
Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory diseases and disorders. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes.
Respiratory therapists play a vital role in the care of patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and lung cancer. They also play an important role in the care of critically ill patients who are on ventilators.
Respiratory therapists are highly skilled and knowledgeable healthcare professionals. They have a deep understanding of the respiratory system and how to treat respiratory diseases and disorders. They are also experts in the use of respiratory equipment and technology.
National Respiratory Care Week is a great opportunity to learn more about respiratory care and to recognize the important work that respiratory therapists do. Here are a few ways to celebrate National Respiratory Care Week:
- Thank a respiratory therapist. If you know a respiratory therapist, take the time to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Let them know how much you appreciate their care.
- Learn more about respiratory care. Visit the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) website to learn more about respiratory care and the role of respiratory therapists.
- Donate to a respiratory charity. There are many charities that support respiratory research and education. Consider making a donation to one of these charities during National Respiratory Care Week.
- Volunteer your time. Many hospitals and clinics need volunteers to help with respiratory care activities. Consider volunteering your time to help support respiratory therapists and their patients.
National Respiratory Care Week is a time to celebrate the important work that respiratory therapists do. By learning more about respiratory care and by recognizing the work of respiratory therapists, we can help to raise awareness of this important profession and ensure that patients with respiratory conditions receive the best possible care.
Becoming a Travel Respiratory Therapist
Travel respiratory therapists are in high demand across the country. If you are a respiratory therapist and you are interested in traveling for work, there are a few things you need to do to get started.
- Get the necessary education and training.
To become a travel respiratory therapist, you need to have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited institution. You must also be licensed as a respiratory therapist in the state where you want to work.
- Gain experience.
Most travel nursing agencies require at least one year of experience as a respiratory therapist before you can apply for travel assignments. However, some agencies may accept candidates with less experience, especially if they have specialized skills or experience.
- Get certified.
While not required by all travel nursing agencies, certification in respiratory therapy can make you more competitive for travel assignments. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers a variety of certifications for respiratory therapists, including Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
- Find a travel nursing agency.
Once you have the necessary education, training, experience, and certifications, you can start looking for a travel nursing agency. There are many different travel nursing agencies available, so it is important to do your research and find one that is a good fit for you.
- Apply for travel assignments.
Once you have found a travel nursing agency, you can start applying for travel assignments. Be sure to submit a well-written resume and cover letter, and be prepared to answer common interview questions.
- Accept an assignment and get ready to travel!
Once you have been accepted for a travel assignment, it is time to start getting ready to travel. Be sure to pack all of the necessary items, such as your scrubs, stethoscope, and other medical supplies. You should also pack some personal items, such as clothes, toiletries, and a laptop or tablet.
Travel respiratory therapy can be a rewarding and exciting career. By following these steps, you can become a travel respiratory therapist and travel the country while providing high-quality patient care.
Here are a few additional tips for becoming a travel respiratory therapist:
- Network with other travel respiratory therapists. There are many online and in-person communities for travel respiratory therapists. Networking with other travel respiratory therapists can help you learn more about the industry and find job opportunities.
- Stay up-to-date on your skills and certifications. The healthcare field is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on your skills and certifications. This will make you more competitive for travel assignments.
- Take care of yourself. Travel respiratory therapy can be a demanding job, so it is important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make sure to eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
If you are interested in becoming a travel respiratory therapist, I encourage you to do your research and talk to other travel respiratory therapists. Travel respiratory therapy can be a great way to see the country and make a difference in the lives of patients.
If you aren’t already heading to your next assignment, let’s chat! 😊
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