
Day in the Life
Respiratory therapists generally work between 35 and 40 hours a
week. Because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists may work
evenings, nights, or weekends. They spend long periods standing and
walking between patients' rooms. In an emergency, therapists work under
the stress of the situation. Respiratory therapists employed in home
health care must travel frequently to patients' homes.
Respiratory therapists are
trained to work with gases stored under pressure. Adherence to safety
precautions and regular maintenance and testing of equipment minimize
the risk of injury. As in many other health occupations, respiratory
therapists are exposed to infectious diseases, but by carefully
following proper procedures they can minimize the risks.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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