Graduation ceremonies are taking place in RT programs all over the country this spring and that means newly minted therapists will soon be stepping into their first jobs in their new profession.
AARC President, Dana Evans, MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, FACHE, FNAP, is the Regional Respiratory Director for Advocate Healthcare and Aurora Healthcare in Illinois and Wisconsin and shares a few must-have skills managers are looking for in new grads.
- Clear Communication. Clear and effective communication is essential in today’s fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure health care settings. You will communicate regularly with patients, physicians, other members of the interprofessional care team, and family members. Sometimes these interactions will happen under challenging circumstances. Strong communication builds trust, enhances safety, and improves patient outcomes. You cannot give great care without communicating effectively.
- Collaboration and Teamwork. Ask for help when you need it – and offer to help in return. Be proactive in offering help and supporting your colleagues, especially during busy or high-stress moments. Great RTs are good teammates.
- Critical Thinking. Respiratory therapists routinely need to critically think through a situation or scenario to determine the best course of action. Whether it involves troubleshooting equipment or assessing a patient’s condition to recommend treatment, critical thinking is a daily necessity. When it is stressful, take a deep breath and think through the scenario to determine the next best step. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from others.
- Effective Time Management. Respiratory Therapists balance the needs of multiple patients, nurses, physicians, and fellow RTs. This is a demanding part of the role. Learning how to prioritize effectively is a skill that must be learned. Observe your preceptor’s strategies and ask questions to develop your own approach.
- Cultural Humility and Equity-Informed Care. In order to successfully advocate for your patients and provide exceptional care, respiratory therapists must approach each patient with cultural humility, recognizing that we all have personal biases and remaining open to learning from diverse experiences. At the same time, an equity-informed approach ensures that care is inclusive, fair, and responsive to the social and systemic factors that influence health. Compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to understanding each patient’s unique values and needs are essential.
- Openness to Feedback. Transitioning from the classroom to the bedside comes with a steep learning curve. No one is perfect – and new graduates still have a lot of opportunity to learn (we have all been there). Constructive feedback is essential to your development—try to embrace it with a growth mindset and use it to improve your skills. Receiving feedback is how you grow.
- Commitment to Continuous Growth. Staying current with emerging research, technology, and best practices is essential for professional growth. Consider attending conferences, participating in journal clubs, maintaining professional memberships, or pursuing advanced degrees to continue your development. Learning is a lifelong journey.
- Resilience and Self-Care. Health care can be emotionally and physically demanding. Practicing self-care helps you maintain balance and resilience. Make time for rest, hobbies, loved ones, and activities that recharge you and help to separate you from work. Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
Concerned about affording your AARC membership as you transition from student to full-time RT? Check out our Early Professional Membership for Students page to learn more about the significant discount on dues available for young professionals through their fourth year of practice.