This post was written by Matt McMullen, BS, RRT, systems cardiopulmonary clinical educator, Parkview Health.
Respiratory therapists (RTs) are healthcare professionals dedicated to preventing, assisting with diagnosing and treating cardiopulmonary disorders across all patient populations, from neonates to adults. They provide clinical support through evidence-based care, including ventilation, oxygenation, medication administration and airway management.
Inside the hospital
RTs make a significant clinical impact, not only by caring for patients admitted to hospitals or emergency rooms, but also through outpatient services such as:
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Electroencephalography (EEG) testing
Within hospital settings, RTs care for patients from 22 weeks of gestational age to adults across various clinical areas. At Parkview, we have some RTs specializing in treating different patient populations, including those in the NICU, neonatal and pediatric transport, acute care areas, operating room, pediatric ICU, ER, and ICU. They collaborate with other clinicians to ensure patients' cardiopulmonary systems are well managed, respond to every emergency within the hospital, transport patients via flight and ground, and ensure safe oxygenation and ventilation.
Condition management
Additionally, RTs work with patients to improve or prevent cardiopulmonary diseases through breathing exercises, medication administration, airway management, and ensuring adequate oxygen and gas exchange. Upon discharge, RTs educate patients on managing their conditions outside the hospital. RTs are known for their calm demeanor during challenging situations, helping other clinicians focus on essential aspects of life (airway, breathing and circulation).
Operational support
RTs also have a substantial operational impact. They bring practical expertise to decision-making processes, ensuring efficient workflows, resource optimization, policy and protocol implementation, quality, patient safety, risk management, interprofessional training through simulation, onboarding new staff, complex care navigation, community partnerships and innovation.
Parkview’s team of RTs
As Parkview Health's cardiopulmonary clinical educator, my role involves helping RTs grow professionally and make an impact on patient care in both clinical and operational areas. I have connected with several RTs who have transitioned to operational roles to leverage their expertise for improving patient care. Here are some of their insights:
Elbert Stark, DBA, RRT, CPHRM, a risk management professional, shared that his experience as an RT allowed him to observe patient care in various settings, helping him identify gaps and moments where continuity falters and safety is at risk. This experience fueled his passion for healthcare risk management, allowing him to help build a safer, more connected system at Parkview Health.
Broc Walter, MBA, CRT, an EPIC care analyst, emphasized that his clinical experience has been vital in his operational roles, such as informatics and clinical documentation analyst. His work involves identifying workflow inefficiencies and designing improvements to save time and enhance patient safety. Attention to detail and adaptability, traits honed as a respiratory therapist, help him thrive in the fast-paced world of healthcare technology.
Sarah Halsted, BHS, RRT, CHSOS, a healthcare simulation specialist, noted that her 13 years of bedside experience shaped her core values in healthcare, emphasizing quick thinking, strong communication skills and compassionate care. In her role at the Parkview Mirro Simulation Lab, she designs hands-on medical education for staff and partners, creating scenarios that reflect real challenges and providing a safe space for learners to practice and grow.
Given these examples and the countless acts that play out across our health system every day, it’s easy to see that RTs are more than just "ventilator operators" or "nebulizer experts." They are clinical specialists, educators, quality leaders and innovators who help patients and the entire health system breathe a little easier, improving patient care outcomes both clinically and operationally.
