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.

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.