What Does a Respiratory Care Practitioner Do?


Most people take breathing for granted. It's second nature, an involuntary reflex. But for the thousands of American who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. Those people include patients with chronic lung problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, but they also include heart attack and accident victims; premature infants; and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS.

In each case, the person will most likely receive treatment from a respiratory care practitioner (RCP) under the direction of a physician, assisting in the diagnosis, treatment, care, and management of patients with pulmonary (breathing) disorders. RCPs use various types of equipment to administer oxygen or stimulate breathing. They also administer medications in aerosol form to help alleviate problems certain patients encounter in their breathing.

Ultimately, RCPs are responsible for ongoing monitoring and management of patients. In this manner, they can assess the course of therapy and suggest alternatives to the physician for the patient's care. With training from California College San Diego, you can become a multi-skilled respiratory care practitioner in less time than you may think.

The Role of the Respiratory Care Practitioner
There are more than 100,000 respiratory care practitioners in the United States. They are vital members of the health care team that provides respiratory care for patients with heart and lung disorders. Typically, respiratory care practitioners are a vital part of the hospital's lifesaving response team that answers patient emergencies.

While most respiratory care practitioners work in hospitals, an increasing number have branched out into alternate care settings, such as nursing homes, physicians' offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, and patients' homes.

Outlook
The job outlook through the year 2005 is very bright for respiratory care practitioners. According to Money Magazine, respiratory care ranks 13th out of 50 of the fastest-growing, most desirable jobs to have through the year 2005. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics shows demand for respiratory practitioners is expected to grow 52% by the year 2005. As a respiratory care practitioner, you'll have a sense of pride in your profession, plus you'll have the great salary and security you deserve!

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