What kind of therapist are you?

I spent a few hours down in the post anesthesia unit with a previous grad from my RT program. He grilled me. I was not expecting that at all, and it made me realize that I've been slacking on studying recently. It wasn't that I didn't know the answers to his questions (because I honestly did), I guess I was just caught off guard. He must of thought me to not be one of the brightest in the bunch, that's for sure.

I've decided that when I get placed with a student eventually that I'm going to teach them instead of making them very uncomfortable. After my burn on the grill, I did retain the answers to the questions... but is watching a student squirm for the answers that much fun? Word to all of you new RT students out there, if a clinical instructor is asking you tons and tons of questions the best way to stop this is to ask questions yourself.

Anyway. The one RT did give me some insight. He told me that there are several level of therapists out there, and it's up to us as new grads to make the decision to be great, mediocre, or awful.

In my opinion this is the difference between the button pushers, and the therapists that actually CARE for the patients. They stay a little longer in a room to explain to the family what the ventilator is doing for their loved one. They make a point to communicate effectively with the whole staff and team in the hospital. They stock the supply closet when things are running low. They will stay calm when it's all going down hill. They will ask and give help when needed. They don't complain every second of the day about how this is a dead end job. And most importantly they are an advocate for the patient.

I'm sure I missed out on some other key elements, but those are the things that I strive to do every day when I'm in the hospital. Yes, I realize at some point I'm probably going to get frustrated with my job, but as long as I keep in mind the aforementioned list, I think I'll make a pretty good RT.

School is winding down this quarter. I'm going to probably spend this weekend studying for my neonate final next Tuesday and finishing up a case study that is due next week. I did speak to one of the assistant directors at my clinical site to let them know I was interested in a job, but no positions are open right now. I have my fingers crossed because I really want to work there, but I also have a few back ups just in case it doesn't' work out.

As far as the personal life is concerned... things are a bit muddled right now. It might become clearer once I graduate, but probably not. I think the key to all of this is to do what I feel is right. I sometimes wish that everyone would leave their opinion out of the mix, but that's kind of impossible these days.