In My Opinion : career development

RTs Must Be Project Managers

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:15:00 GMT

The health care industry can learn a lot from business. If you do not think health care is a business, you're wrong. Just check out the forms you fill out, the charting you do, and the cashier's cage. One of the failures I see in health care is an inadequate...(read more)

Tips for Using LinkedIn

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:12:00 GMT

Many people know about the website LinkedIn. Like any site, it has drawbacks. Still, it is a good and increasingly popular way to establish an online presence with other professionals. LinkedIn is looked to more by business people than other social media...(read more)

RRT vs. CRT Is a Non-Issue

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:18:00 GMT

I write an opinion blog. Everyone has an opinion. I know this, and I know that each time I write, some will agree and some disagree. Some people just take pleasure in spreading rumors to stir the pot. This seems to be the case of some of those on Facebook...(read more)

Networking through Social Media

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:41:00 GMT

To wrap our networking discussion, let's delve a little deeper into some of the social media that allow us to connect with others. First is Facebook. Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you are already familiar with it. You may even have a page...(read more)

Rebuild Your Network

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:34:00 GMT

Rebuilding your network after a recession can be hard, but there are some things you can do to get all the people you need back in your circle of colleagues. Networking is important because that is how you hear about the good jobs, learn about conferences...(read more)

Networking for the Next Job

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:26:00 GMT

In December, we talked about work/life balance and how to have a healthy work and personal life. Let's get back on track with the work. So, you have your school. Check. You have your credentials. Check. You have your job. Check. You are working on balancing...(read more)

Assess Your Certifications

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 12:31:00 GMT

As this New Year starts, it is a good time to take an assessment of your certifications. Respiratory therapy now requires a diverse spectrum of skills and training. More than ever, respiratory therapists are called upon for not only treating patients,...(read more)

The Future is Up to You

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:39:00 GMT

As the New Year comes, let's take a moment to reflect on last year. So many people lost, so many opportunities missed. Let's all make a decision now to have a better 2013. Managers, make sure your employees know they are appreciated. Respiratory Care...(read more)

Add to Your Balance

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:02:00 GMT

For the past several weeks, we have discussed work-life balance. The final entry to this discussion is what you can do within respiratory therapy to add to your balance. We all know we should be members of our professional group and the state society...(read more)

Life Outside the Hospital

Jimmy Thacker — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:18:00 GMT

For a couple of weeks we have talked about licensure and burnout. Let's focus on some things to avoid the burnout and help us through the licensure trials. Some may question why I write about such things, but being a well-rounded therapist means you have...(read more)

Share Your Expertise

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:44:00 GMT

Last week, we discussed options in the workplace that can help us to achieve work/life balance. This week, let's look at things outside the workplace but still relevant to our professional life. The best starting place may be volunteerism. Volunteering...(read more)

Branch Out to Become a Great Professional

Jimmy Thacker — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:10:00 GMT

Since we spent last month discussing the trials and tribulations of licenses, let's spend some time talking about work/life balance. It's easy to get burned out. We work, and we usually want to work more. This is great, but it can lead to premature burnout....(read more)

Getting Your License May Take Some Time

Jimmy Thacker — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:50:00 GMT

To wrap up our discussion this month on CEUs and licensure, let's talk about frustration. Nothing happens as quickly as we would like. In respiratory therapy, you have already learned to be patient, waiting on patients to take their treatments, doctors...(read more)

Keeping Licensure Paperwork in Order for Audits

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:19:00 GMT

Organization is the key to a good life as a respiratory therapist. We have been discussing licensure , so this week, let's talk about how to keep your paperwork for all your licenses in order. In the old days, someone would come to your hospital or clinic,...(read more)

Licensure Needs Fine-Tuning

Jimmy Thacker — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:39:00 GMT

Licensure is confusing at best. My blog posts from August on Avoiding the CEU Crunch , from May on Why States Should License Respiratory Care , and from previous ones where the subject was brought up show that therapists are confused. Although several...(read more)