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RRT-to-RPSGT: will you hire me?
Okay, here's the deal: I have been an CRTT since 1983, RRT since 1990. Long experienced in adult acute care, a bit of NICU, lots of home care, a bit of teaching. I'm in one of the BRPT Pathway #3 CAAHEP-Accredited Polysomnographic Technology programs, so next month, after only two semesters of part-time classes & 15 nights in the lab, I'll be eligible for the RPSGT exam. I'm not making any predictions but I have a good record with such exams, so for the sake of discussion, if I pass will you hire me?
Are you old guard RPSGTs who paid your dues for so long before being eligible for the exam a little pissed off about we RTs getting such a short path to eligibility? Will you hire us even though we have very little experience? Will it matter whether or not we have passed the RPSGT exam? Will you want to pay us differently? Will we be suspect until we prove ourselves?
Come on, let's hear it. Will I be back in the ICU by Christmas because no one will hire the RT retreads?
Are you old guard RPSGTs who paid your dues for so long before being eligible for the exam a little pissed off about we RTs getting such a short path to eligibility? Will you hire us even though we have very little experience? Will it matter whether or not we have passed the RPSGT exam? Will you want to pay us differently? Will we be suspect until we prove ourselves?
Come on, let's hear it. Will I be back in the ICU by Christmas because no one will hire the RT retreads?
Views: 441
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by susan mccord on
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I find this discussion fascinating on a # of levels. I'm a patient and not on this career track at all. During my 2 sleep studies, I had one "tech", or whatever you call yourselves, who was just excellent in every way. Very personable, very compassionate, good with the education piece, sense of humor evident, on and on, etc. She managed to get a good report despite the fact that I had to stop in the middle, after being put on CPAP for about half an hour, and was sent to the ER with chest pain (I'm a heart patient). She accompanied me to ER and was most helpful to me in every way. The second tech I had, not so much. I have no idea what her level of experience was but she was working alone, didn't communicate well, didn't connect well at all, was a little "cold" during the entire night, although she did whatever was needed apparently 'cause there was a good, solid report on titration. I know darn well which one gave more professional care. I know equally well which one I'd hire, assuming I knew what I was doing. My question is, which tech would you guys prefer as supervisors if both were equally skilled on paper but the personality piece was missing?? IDO beleive in credentialing because it demonstrates the ability to pursue a professional goal, self-discipline, and drive for self-improvement career-wise. I also HAVE to say, please don't be so quick to assume older workers are "looking to coast". That's an enormous discount, particularly to any of us who have a long history of working in healthcare with success. Rock Conner surely didn't gain the positions he did by being a slacker!! Don't dismiss older professionals out of hand!!! There's something HUGE to be said for life and clinical experience in other areas. I'm just sayin'.......and Rock, do NOT start defining yourself as " a retread" unless you believe underneath that you are. Age has very little to do with it. It has to do with motivation and evolving career goals. Again, just my opinion, as an "older" professional clinician......
Susan McCord
Susan McCord
Rock Conner RRT said:GREAT point, & that's the kind of thing I want to flesh out in this discussion. For me personally, I only recently discovered my interest in sleep diagnostics. I hung out in respiratory so long because that's what I wanted to do, & didn't think of sleep as a career until I started doing CPAP (my first love) at a sleep lab. For the RRT-to-RPSGT demographic as a whole, I wonder if this will be an issue to contend with. It makes sense that a hiring decision maker would consider why folks so long in the tooth would want to crossover.
Mollete said:Rock Conner said:
Will we be suspect until we prove ourselves?
I don't believe credentials themselves offer anything other than filling in the blanks of the job application. A significant percent of hireability would be determined at initial interview. Actual job experience, as witnessed through co-workers (other than whom you would list as references) would be extremely helpful.
If it were me doing the hiring, I would look at two things: ability to learn and work ethics. You can teach the interpretation of squiggly lines to anybody if they have those qualities.
What would raise my suspicions is the huge lapse in time in completion of credentials (7 years for RRT, and still no RPSGT yet). With your age, I would have great concerns that you're just looking to coast.
mollete
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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I do not have an opinion on age. In all 3 of my RT experiences only one was older than me. At 35 starting a new career I am no spring chicken. I did well for myself but until I had my kids I aspired for nothing. Sleep inspired me. I think that the coasting mentallity is a misperception of sleep. you would be surprised if I told how many people ask.. "Isn't your job boring?" Hell no! I have the most exciting job in the world! Every night is trouble shooting nightmare. With huge rewards. Immediate gratification with a successful study.
Susan I do not think that the dry tech would survive in my lab. On the night shift anyway. Personality go with the job. As Mollete said anyone can learn to read the squiggly lines. I pride myself on being able to read both the study and the pt. Discipline is also important. You have to be able to troubleshoot to policy. Even when you know the answer is not in that policy. Diagnosing someone with apnea is easy. Proving that your right takes discipline and patients.
susan mccord said:I find this discussion fascinating on a # of levels. I'm a patient and not on this career track at all. During my 2 sleep studies, I had one "tech", or whatever you call yourselves, who was just excellent in every way. Very personable, very compassionate, good with the education piece, sense of humor evident, on and on, etc. She managed to get a good report despite the fact that I had to stop in the middle, after being put on CPAP for about half an hour, and was sent to the ER with chest pain (I'm a heart patient). She accompanied me to ER and was most helpful to me in every way. The second tech I had, not so much. I have no idea what her level of experience was but she was working alone, didn't communicate well, didn't connect well at all, was a little "cold" during the entire night, although she did whatever was needed apparently 'cause there was a good, solid report on titration. I know darn well which one gave more professional care. I know equally well which one I'd hire, assuming I knew what I was doing. My question is, which tech would you guys prefer as supervisors if both were equally skilled on paper but the personality piece was missing?? IDO beleive in credentialing because it demonstrates the ability to pursue a professional goal, self-discipline, and drive for self-improvement career-wise. I also HAVE to say, please don't be so quick to assume older workers are "looking to coast". That's an enormous discount, particularly to any of us who have a long history of working in healthcare with success. Rock Conner surely didn't gain the positions he did by being a slacker!! Don't dismiss older professionals out of hand!!! There's something HUGE to be said for life and clinical experience in other areas. I'm just sayin'.......and Rock, do NOT start defining yourself as " a retread" unless you believe underneath that you are. Age has very little to do with it. It has to do with motivation and evolving career goals. Again, just my opinion, as an "older" professional clinician......
Susan McCord
Susan McCord
Rock Conner RRT said:GREAT point, & that's the kind of thing I want to flesh out in this discussion. For me personally, I only recently discovered my interest in sleep diagnostics. I hung out in respiratory so long because that's what I wanted to do, & didn't think of sleep as a career until I started doing CPAP (my first love) at a sleep lab. For the RRT-to-RPSGT demographic as a whole, I wonder if this will be an issue to contend with. It makes sense that a hiring decision maker would consider why folks so long in the tooth would want to crossover.
Mollete said:Rock Conner said:
Will we be suspect until we prove ourselves?
I don't believe credentials themselves offer anything other than filling in the blanks of the job application. A significant percent of hireability would be determined at initial interview. Actual job experience, as witnessed through co-workers (other than whom you would list as references) would be extremely helpful.
If it were me doing the hiring, I would look at two things: ability to learn and work ethics. You can teach the interpretation of squiggly lines to anybody if they have those qualities.
What would raise my suspicions is the huge lapse in time in completion of credentials (7 years for RRT, and still no RPSGT yet). With your age, I would have great concerns that you're just looking to coast.
mollete
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I all of sudden feel fat, and like a bad role model. Not pulling any punches today are we Mollete? What was your road through sleep like? You remind me of my boss. I am guessing between 10-20 years of experience? Did you start out as an END tech? Surgery maybe? What compromise or solution do you see between the RT and the RPSGT?
Mollete said:I also believe that much of the decision to hire is made in the first 60 seconds of the interview. After that, it takes extra effort to either lose or gain ground. Towards that end, I'd put some extra time in the gym if I were you, if you get my drift. Exhibiting good nutritional and fitness habits (not to be confused with "obscessed" which can be interpreted as "narcissism") sends a strong message, especially on a job search in the health field.
Also, I don't think anybody is looking to hire someone who is or could be a health liability.
mollete
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Okay, Rock Conner, don't give this up if you truly want it. That's the hot ticket, TRUE interest and a passion for doing it. There are people out there who get that concept. If you've got a fire in your belly, GO for it! If it's more just an idea or a thought, you might wanta reconsider your options.
Susan McCord
Rock Conner RRT said:This is very helpful, folks. Keep going!
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Personally, not only as a patient, but if I were in an ownership or management (hiring) position I would be very interested in the fact that you, personally, use a CPAP. I would expect that that would give you greater understanding and an empathy w/the patients that someone who doesn't personally use a CPAP would be lacking. And I would also understand an interest in sleep generated by the need for CPAP.
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I would say that the the need for male techs is growing. Especially in the larger inner city labs where a male presence is a must have. That could also work the other way considering that 60-70% of our pts are men. I do not think the male tech vs incident comment is very fair. When you are in a one on one situation with a stranger situations are bound to come up. Male or female. That was a very chauvinistic remark.
Mollete said:Rock Hinkle said:
Well, those are variables over which he has some control, there will be some that he does not. For instance, being female has a plus, since female technicians may be preferred by most patients, whereas the reverse is not always true (young female patients may not want male technicians)(plus the laboratory may fear that an incident might occur). Experience is a plus, but only up to 3 to 5 years. If you're not sharp after that, you're in the wrong job. Having a family is a plus, implies longevity. But even your name could cost you (I would lose "Rock", there, Mr. Connor, and use your given name if I were you. I see no benefits and several liabilities)(if Rock is your real name, change it to Richard).Not pulling any punches today are we Mollete?
The point is, there may be brisk competition for a given position, and there's only a tiny window to "sell" yourself.
mollete
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My badges say Rockland. My name is Rock or Rocky. There is a story behind all 3. I think Rock or Rocky is easier for my pts to remember than Rockland. plus my name is a part of my culture. It is who I am. I would not change it.
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Permalink Reply by Rock Conner RRT on
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I'm used to Rock. It's on all my papers back to the birth certificate. Named after my parents' pastor. My mom liked it, as does my granddaughter. Reckon I'll keep it.
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Permalink Reply by Mary J on
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I'm not in your field...but I have hired many people over the years. I look for people who believe in continuing education...which you obviously do. I look for people who are willing to "go above and beyond" which you certainly have demonstrated on this forum. I look for someone who understands and cares about the customer (patient)....which you do. I look for someone who had a positive attitude and warm sense of humor...again...you have it.
I have hired two PhDs in the past 3 years to do programs for me on a global basis....one a Roch and they other a Rockney. Both were outstanding and not once did anyone bat an eye at their names. It is who you are and I wouldn't change it. I actually think it may be a bonus to have a unique name.
Hands down...I'd hire you - in a heart beat.
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Permalink Reply by Duane McDade on
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Rock You are the Man! Don't ever ask Will you hire me, Have them ask you to work for them. Thats the way I Roll, Good Luck! We will be in the market soon, should you still be in need? I'll put in a good word for you.
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Rock HInkle, don't be. When sitting in on a chat amongst PSGTs I've heard of some of the stunts that male patients have pulled or tried to pull on female techs - and there are those women patients out there I am sure who would be quite capable of making advances on a male tech and if the male tech responds correctly then make untrue allegations for spite. I've had both male and female techs w/o ever giving a thought to it - but - I do think that a good mix of male and female techs w/male and female patients is a good idea to protect the techs moreso than the patients altho it is conceivable that a "kinky" individual could become an RPSGT since there have been a few sneak thru and get nursing credentials.
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