"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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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 RockRpsgt on
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I did not say that I was an expert at this procedure. In my experiences my training with CPAP, Bipap, and ASV/VPAP gives me more knowledge about respiratory than respiratory experience gives a new tech experience on sleep. At least with the RTs that i have worked with lately. my training has given me knowledge of lung function for both wake and sleep physiologies. how many times have you seen an RT panic when a sleeping pt desats below 90%? The 2 physiologies are different. An RT does not realize that coming into sleep, but a sleep tech would know very well on his way out.
Why can't a sleep tech know about venting. If venting and PAP therapy can give an RT knowledge in sleep, then why not the revearse? Your sword is double edged Cindy.
Cindy Brown said:I'm also unclear as to what you mean by "venting". You mean setting up a patient on a vent and maintaining said vent? I'm wondering what you know about venting.
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Cindy to be honest. I appreciate all of the different credentials I work with. We all provide a different solution to the same problem. I do however like to be the devils advocate. This is a very strong topic to debate for either side. Maybe next time we can switch. That would really be fun!
Cindy Brown said:I don't know what kind of schooling you have but the BRPT has added another pathway to credentialing. It's for people who have completed both an A-STEP Introductory Course and the A-STEP Self-Study Online Modules, (or a BRPT-designated alternative educational program). If these both are completed one would be eligible to sit the exam in 9 months rather than the usual 18 months. So here is a concention being made and not for the RT's.
Ok now I'm done. I don't wanna fight anymore. But I will take that drink
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Permalink Reply by Duane McDade on
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Give me a tech who can score a test on the fly, that shows up on time, The patients Love, Follows procedures and stays awake. I never had too much respect for the over educated , most normal folks dont like them. They can't talk to patients without upsetting them or pissing them off. We had one here and no one wanted to work with them, and the patients request to not have them do thier studies. The Morale to this mild rant is Patients like techs who talk to them not at them.
Mollete said:Cindy said:
I have to sit the same boards as an OJT would have to sit. So essentially I have to learn the same things.
I would say, Cindy, that you would have to learn substantially more. The problem is that OJT "grads" have no guarantee that they have completed core curriculae, or for that matter, that what they have learned is correct in the first place. At least A-Step tries to standardize this.
mollete
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Amen, Duane McDade.
But I have to warn you: I am NOT a fan of rock or country rock. *wicked grin*
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I do big band and symphony too! I'm well rounded. How hard is it to play the oboe/basson anyhow, You Know what I mean?
Judy said:Amen, Duane McDade.
But I have to warn you: I am NOT a fan or rock or country rock. *wicked grin*
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*giggle* I don't think they use either oboe or bassoon in Classic Country. But that's okay. Just be nice to me and answer as many questions as you can.
Oh, and if you score my PSG, be conscientious and do your usual good job.
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I agree. The dismissal of the modules is a step backwards. Even though an RT is going to have more medical training then a OJT very little of that training is in sleep. Less than 2 weeks I hear.
Mollete said:Cindy said:
I have to sit the same boards as an OJT would have to sit. So essentially I have to learn the same things.
I would say, Cindy, that you would have to learn substantially more. The problem is that OJT "grads" have no guarantee that they have completed core curriculae, or for that matter, that what they have learned is correct in the first place. At least A-Step tries to standardize this.
mollete
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Trust your instincts little one, and when your life has past you by and you have no friends, Eyes of a Mole, pale white skin.....well that might be a clue. IT HAPPENS! I hope it's not to late for you. If I've upset set you .....they do make all kinds of Drugs for that, but they don't help with your sleep. Alpha Intrusion. I'm having fun right now, everyone in the sleep lab is ......enjoy your life. I'm going to breakfast.
Mollete said:Duane McDade said:Give me a tech who can score a test on the fly, that shows up on time, The patients Love, Follows procedures and stays awake. I never had too much respect for the over educated , most normal folks dont like them. They can't talk to patients without upsetting them or pissing them off. We had one here and no one wanted to work with them, and the patients request to not have them do thier studies. The Morale to this mild rant is Patients like techs who talk to them not at them.
At what point does one become over-educated, and how can one avoid that?
mollete
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I think that rule was just waved Mollete. I don't know I am getting confused.
Mollete said:Cindy Brown said:
Well, IMHO, anyone who can pass RPSGT deserves it, but that is not exactly my point. Rather, since AASM requires all technicians to be at least enrolled in A-Step by July 1, 2009 if they work in an accredited laboratory/center, at least they are making an effort to improve overall quality of technician. Because the fact of the matter is, it is not mandatory to become registered EVER. I think I'd be happy just to get everbody up to an entry level baseline with some sort of objective determination of that. And not just, "Oh well, my patients love me".The A-Step is no longer a requirement for "medically trained professionals" to sit the exam anymore.
mollete
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Permalink Reply by Banyon on
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Typical bureaucracy building to inflate salaries and inflate egos.
95% of the patients out there are simple obstructive apnea cases with no other "sleep" comorbidities.
We don't need all those acronyms. They will only inflate costs and slow down diagnosis and treatment.
We need drive-in clinics where the suspect goes home with an at-home-sleep-study kit. Clerks at the clinic can explain how to use the kit and give the suspects intstruction sheets.
After diagnosis of simple OSA, the patient goes to group classes to learn how to use a CPAP, card reader and software to titrate himself. He is told to start at a pressure of 6 to 10 and has learned how to self-titrate from there. Follow-up group classes are available to speed him along.
It's the diabetes model again. Become aware, get a diagnosis, get a blood glucose meter, get educated, adjust your medications, diet, and exercise. Same idea with OSA and CPAP.
You guys with all your acronyms are a danger to the public's health and finances.
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