Respiratory Care Week, which is October 19-26, is a wonderful time to celebrate, recognize and thank all of the respiratory care professionals for their accomplishments throughout the year. Your display of dedication, compassion, patience and problem-solving skills are important qualities in being successful at a profession that requires you to do so much…performing diagnostic tests, examining patients, creating treatment plans and then administering those treatments.
What you do is incredible, extraordinary, inspiring, fabulous and impactful for all of us. I could go on and on here, but all we really want to do is recognize your talent and contribution, along with give you a big thank you for a job well done.
The respiratory care industry has gone through many changes in the past five years. We suffered tremendous job loss in the economic downturn along with millions of our medical colleagues.
Well, now we are back on a steady upswing. I thought it might be of interest to you to see the most recent job outlook, as pulled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program:
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and other disorders that can permanently damage the lungs or restrict lung function. These factors will in turn lead to an increased demand for respiratory therapy services and treatments, mostly in hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, advances in preventing and detecting disease, improved medications, and more sophisticated treatments will increase the demand for respiratory therapists. Other conditions affecting the general population, such as smoking, air pollution, and respiratory emergencies, will continue to create demand for respiratory therapists.
Aureus Medical Group thanks all of the hardworking and dedicated Respiratory Therapists, not only during Respiratory Care Week, but all throughout the year!
Cynthia Shea is the Branch Manager for the Allied Health/Cardiopulmonary division of Aureus Medical Group.
Respiratory care professionals surely deserve thanks, recognition and commendation for their skills and contribution to the country and society. It is also good news that the job outlook for respiratory therapists is on the rise, and expected to grow by 19 percent from 2012 to 2022.