Day in the Life

Your day will start with shift report and/or patient rounds from the previous shift.

Equipment and medications will be gathered and your assignment will start.

The therapist may be assigned to an intensive care unit, emergency room, or general nursing floor(s). Respiratory treatments can be interrupted at any time due to emergencies, patient transport, or assisting others in the healthcare field.

The therapist will be charting treatments, patient data and assessments at any part of the work day.

Communication and education will be delivered to patients and/or their family during the course of the day. With the advent of protocols, assessor therapists will determine the best course of treatment for the patient and communicate decisions to staff therapists. Shift information is obtained and delivered to the oncoming shift.