Wow, I know the feeling. The first thing is to decide what specifically twists your tail. In my experience, it was being treated like an imbecile. Solution: get better credentials. Medicine is a game of credentials. For example, LPN means butt-wiper, RN means controller of the drugs and nominal superior. How many stupid RN's do you work with? Probably the majority. In our profession CRT means knob turner following orders and not giving any resistance because CRT's can't pass the registry. In some cases true, in others certainly a fallacy. RRT gives credence to your opinion even if you haven't changed anything but the letters. AAS or AOS means knob turner with only a basic understanding of why. AS means one can read and write without assistance. Look how proud nurses and social workers are of their academic credentials. They insist on displaying them. Little secret, they are not better clinicians than their colleagues because the BSN degree is all academic over the AS. They can quote theories, they don't know what the theories mean. But, the letters lend credence to their opinion. Docs give them a little more respect, because they are 'educated'. Same is true in RT. My BS taught me nothing about being a clinician, nor did the letters RRT. Suddenly though, I was seen as an authority on any number of subjects. The BS did teach me to better express myself. Get the credentials, just the letters give you power. The BS got me jobs totally outside my field. One supervisor said "I can teach the specific subjects I need you to know. Having the BS behind your name means you are educable".

Are you bored? Do case studies on your own. Find out what all those big words mean. Find out what a choly is and how it is done. Now you understand why your patient whines at you and you can strategize how to get around it.

First, get credibilty. CRT RCP means to me you are lazy and don't want to bother. That may be unfair and likely is. But, if my first impression is that after many years doing this, a lot of others feel the same. Second, identify exactly what twists your tail into a knot and change it. Maybe a new location is for you, network to see what is available to you. Third, make a plan of how to get out of the rut. Fourth, take a deep breath and jump in There is a lot more to the profession than sloshing albuterol on patients. Outpatient clinics, homecare, sales, research (with the extra credentials), or teaching.

What worked for me was more experience.  I used to dread going to work until I got enough experience to be comfortable. The more you learn, the more excitement you have for what you do. 

Realize how important you are to those you care for.  You change their lives! That's an amazing, beautiful thing.

Take a break.  Sometimes a few good days away can make a huge difference in your outlook.  

 Most of all, I hope you realize how vital you are.  You are an expert! Enjoy the wonderful difference you make in the lives of others.  You are totally and utterly valuable!

 For some great motivational reading, you should check out the author Sark.  Her books make you feel wonderful!

I hope this helps! Hang in there! : )

The main question you have to ask yourself is: Do you not like your job 1.) because of what you do or 2.) because who you work with??  I will answer both IMO.

 #1, If you don't like your job because of what you do then GET OUT.  I say this with respect to the patients and families that you are taking care of.  There are enough patients sitting around in hospital beds being mistreated.  Patients deserve people with big warm and caring hearts, you essentially have people's lives in your hands.  So if you dont like your job for this reason spare yourself and "our" patients and do something different.

#2, If you dont like your job because of who you work with then just get another job.  I worked at a hospital for 2 years after I graduated with my RRT.  I loved my job but I hated my job at the same time, I would dread going to work and it really showed to my patients.  I was subsuently written up as a result.  I was starting to actually hate my job.  I woke up one morning and said to myself, this is not why I am in healtcare and decided to look for a new job.  I had a new job in around a month and I couldn't more happy anywhere. 

 A large part of how you are precieved to other people are direct reflections of your surroundings.  If you are surrounded by negativity, you will pass that negativitiy on.  Just remember someday that patient that you are taking care of may be your child, spouse, or even you!!

David Frana, RRT

In order to provide specific advice we would really have to know what it is that frustrated you to this point.  Trying to read between the lines I'm guessing it's a lack of respect by the physicians and nurses, a lack of autonomy to practice your profession.

Our scope of practice varies dramatically often within the same region but most frequently from state to state.  I know of hospitals where the therapist put in central lines, another where they put in chest tubes.  With that said I can list a dozen that only do what they are told and generally are not asked what they think.  You have to find the right facility to fit your needs.  Obviously where you are working now has failed to meet your needs.  I would do 3 things immediatly: 1-Decide exactly what it would take for you to feel satisfied at work. 2- Speak with your manager to see the likely hood of the culture changing to meet your needs.  3- Check with other hospitals in your area and see if any of them have the culture you are looking for. As a starting point it's a safe bet that the hospital with the least openings has the best culture.  Don' t be discouraged if they do not have any openings posted, go speak to them.  I once had a hospital I REALLY wanted to work at that did not hire CRT's.  I asked if I could volunteer once a week.  They hired me.

Our profession is at a critical point in that we are going to have to expand our scope of practice to become a greater asset as physician extenders.  Some managers/directors are comfortable with status quo and have no desire to move into this new era.  Working for someone with that outlook is a waste of your time.  If you leave I strongly recommend asking for an exit interview with HR and tell them your reason for leaving was that you feel you were not allowed to practice as a respiratory therapist.  It won't take many of these exit interviews before someone looks to your manager for answers.

Yes!  Check out my blog "The Motivated Therapist".  Feel free to comment there for personal feedback.  There will be several posts, including a questionnaire.  I understand how it feels to be in that position, and I hope the blog's content helps you.  If not, speak up :-)

Cheryl