Words of Advice for New RT Grads

You’re coming to the end of your final semester. Clinicals are almost over. You are studying for your NBRC exams. Graduation will be here before you know it. At this point, you’ve gotten pretty good at being an RT student. What will it take to be just as good at being an RT staff member? We asked veteran therapists to offer their best advice for new grads who will soon be stepping into their first jobs. Here are some sound bites from their responses.

On the importance of attitude to your overall success…

Stay positive in the face of negativity. Be a positive solver, not a negative downer. — Kenneth Miller, MEd, MSRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC

Say Yes! to everything requested of you. Every opportunity early in your career can change your trajectory in the future, and you can find your passion in respiratory therapy sooner rather than later. — José Ramos, MEd, RRT, RPFT

Patient care is always changing, so don’t be afraid to ask why or how, and listen to the answers. Develop the skill of active listening and take in as much as you can. — Charlie Friderici, RRT

Step outside of your comfort zone when asked if you would be willing to learn new skills. Every opportunity is an experience that will shape who you are and who you will become. Leaders look for eager learners and “can-do” attitudes when ready to promote. — Patti DeJuilio, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC

On staying humble and learning from your coworkers…

Never assume you know more than the old therapist quietly doing their job. They may not be vocal about things, but they are a wealth of knowledge, and if asked, they will teach you more than you ever learned in school. — Lynn Reinert, MS, RRT

During my first night working alone in a unit, I encountered a terrible situation with asynchrony and a very ill patient. I was humbled by a senior staff therapist who came to assist and showed me grace in that moment. It is times like this where you really need to sit up and take note of the wealth of knowledge and experience your senior colleagues possess. — Rena Laliberte, BS, RRT, CPFT, FAARC

On furthering your education and building your future…

Keep on striving to learn. Your education and learning are ever-progressing. The profession is a lifelong learning endeavor. Technology and ideology are ever-changing based on evidence. — Kenneth Miller, MEd, MSRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FAARC

Technology and all of the advances in medicine are before you. Live, learn, and enjoy helping others. — Lauren Perlman, BS, RRT

Continue to seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Ask questions, explore new skills, and stay curious. Build connections with other members of the health care team, and don’t hesitate to challenge yourself along the way. — Candace Ryan, MHA, RRT

Regardless of the degree one holds, all the education one has obtained to this point has merely prepared one for their first day on the job. After today, the education starts over. They will find themselves a year or more in and still learning. Adopt a good mentor and be a sponge. — R.T. Dailey, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS

Commit to lifelong learning from the very beginning of your career. Seek conferences and educational programs that align with your genuine interests and professional goals. When you invest in meaningful learning experiences, you cultivate both competence and confidence that will serve you throughout your career. — Julie Klensch, MEd, RRT

Having a mentor is great, but find multiple mentors, not just in respiratory. — José Ramos, MEd, RRT, RPFT

On putting your patients first…

You have so much to offer our patients, using all the tools that have come before you, but now need your expertise to sort out what is best in a multitude of situations. Just because we can, should we? This is often discussed in the context of ethics. It should apply to all ages, be it the elderly or the very young. — Lauren Perlman, BS, RRT

On being true to yourself and your own best source of support…

All of you entered the field of health care knowing that our patients/families will need our support 24/7. Do your best to focus on whatever facet of this health care industry meets your needs of inner self and your family — education, hospital care, clinics, etc. — Lauren Perlman, BS, RRT

Lack of confidence and insecurity can lead to unproductive, noncollaborative behavior and communication during the event. Don’t let that be you. Stay calm, listen when appropriate, and speak when necessary. If you are treated in an unexpected and unprofessional manner, don’t take it personally. It’s not about you, it’s about them. — Patti DeJuilio, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC

On getting involved in your professional community…

Volunteer for a role within a professional organization, such as your state society. Engaging with colleagues who share your passion fosters mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration. Surrounding yourself with committed professionals is one of the most rewarding and impactful ways to grow. — Julie Klensch, MEd, RRT

Be proud and be involved! If you are involved within your department, hospital, professional organizations, and your community, the sky is the limit. — Rena Laliberte, BS, RRT, CPFT, FAARC