Respiratory Therapist

Everyone can breathe a bit easier when a high-quality respiratory therapist is around — and since the pandemic, this job has been in high demand, making it the perfect time to pursue a traveling position. Respiratory therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, from surgical centers and outpatient facilities, to emergency rooms and multiple other hospital floors, examining and assisting patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary issues. Whether they are treating asthma, or helping a patient recover from surgery through breathing therapies, they are essential in a patient’s treatment and recovery.

Respiratory Therapists make ideal candidates for travel healthcare positions because they are needed in such a wide range of settings, that they have a unique opportunity to see and explore multiple healthcare settings. This broadens their experience, personally and professionally, as well.

Here’s what to expect as you embark on your first respiratory therapist travel healthcare professional placement process.

Job Responsibilities

Consulting with patients who are having issues with pulmonary function, and accompanying disorders or conditions
Communicating with their healthcare providers to ensure optimal care
Administering medications to assist with and improve breathing management
Monitoring progress with medication and treatments, and empowering patients to apply therapy techniques on their own when necessary, or at home
Creating treatment plans with the input of providers, families, patients, and other health team members
Testing breathing, oxygen levels in blood work, and administering inhalants, intubating patients, and more

When a patient can’t breathe, or can’t breathe well, it can be a high stress situation for everyone. The best respiratory therapists are calm in the face of pressure, and have clear plans and procedures for helping all patients in distress, as well as engaging in ongoing follow-up care as needed.

Professional Qualifications and Attributes for Respiratory Therapist

National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification and state license
Familiarity with signs, symptoms, treatments, and follow-up for major pulmonary conditions, such as COPD, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Sleep Apnea, and many others
Excellent communication skills to clearly and cohesively communicate with providers and families
Calm, clear, swift, and effective under pressure, especially in high-stakes situations
CPR-trained and certified
Up to date with all recommendations for environmental breathing concerns, remedies, and considerations

Benefits of Respiratory Therapist Travel Positions

Work in an exciting and meaningful area of healthcare with concrete results you see daily
Have control of your work schedule
Explore new career opportunities in a wide variety of settings
Leave the details to a professional agency