Get the flu shot

Don't be a dingus.

Please act like you have the academic degree you're supposed to have.

Lets review the literature.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22463979

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20971112

Scope of Practice FAQ

This is a general FAQ for the Scope of Practice of a Respiratory Therapist.  Obviously some states do not allow some RTs to do things and allows others to, and some states allow RTs to do literally anything.  Scope of Practice hinges on Education Preparation/Personal Competency, Legal Allowance and most importantly for an RT is the 3rd part which is institution allowance.  An RT may not be permitted to perform these skills at their institution but this list is a demonstration of what is a standard scope for an RT.

Respiratory Therapists:

• Administer medications including narcotics.
• Diagnose acute emergencies using diagnostic tools (ie pneumothorax)
• Insert chest tubes
• Perform a chest decompression
• Maintain a patent airway by the most appropriate means (Intubate, etc)
• Start IV, Arterial or central accesses (all access, including IO)

im still here

I am still here.  Studying for my MCAT.
I need to tell more stories, but I am sleepy.
Maybe I will think of one to tell today.

an excerpt from a cover letter

In an application for a Registered Respiratory Therapist availability this was the second line:

"My Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care will benefit me in my job as a Respiratory Therapist"

Good job slugger.  I wouldn't call the minimum degree something that will add "benefit" your practice.

Bridge Programs

I have seen this topic come up over and over and I wanted to share with you bridge programs for advancing your career.

Physician Assistant to MD Bridge Program

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine 

Respiratory Therapist to Nurse Practitioner

coming soon

Respiratory Therapist to Physician Assistant

coming soon

Respiratory Therapist to Registered Nurse

Miami-Dade College
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (Bridge)

Respiratory Therapist, Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant to Paramedic

Brookhaven College
Dallas County Community College District
NREMT-P