RT students and new grads and jobs, part two

In my last post, I talked about things you can do to ensure that, when a position becomes available, you will at least be looked at seriously if not hired outright. If you missed it, go here: http://wp.me/p52yup-38 .

In addition to being eager to learn just about anything, the second most important trait an RT student or new grad can have is: BEING PREPARED. For anything that just might happen in a hospital.

So often I see students and new grads show up unprepared for even the basics. I have a  list that I give to my students on the first day. Whether you stuff everything into your pockets, or buy a waist pack, being the one person in the room with a spare Christmas tree adaptor or 2×2 gauze when the hole you just poked in your patient for the ABG just won’t stop bleeding, will make you a hero. There’s nothing like having to travel down 2 floors and over to the other side of the hospital to track down one little adaptor, or spare ABG kit.  So here is my list:

15mm adaptor

22mm adaptor

Bodai adaptor

Omniflex adaptor

Pre-made tongue blade and tape ETT holder

ETT tape

tongue blade

2×2 gauze

plastic or paper tape

02 extension tubing adaptor

vent circuit elbow  with cap

small scissors

small screwdriver

small hemostats

band-aid

I know this sounds like a lot, and it is.

On another note, being prepared just to be in the hospital on your first day is important. Bring with you your RT license, BLS/ACLS etc. cards, Driver’s license, and immunization record.

Being prepared for a code is also important: Bring a towel, a wet washcloth, a dry washcloth, and an extra pair of gloves. Grab a gown, too. Codes can get really messy, and it’s nice to have a towel for flying body fluids and a way to wash the slime off the patient’s face and dry them off before we try and make the ETT holder actually stick.

Visit me on www.TheBreathingSpecialist.com  for more information.