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Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals who help those with lung and breathing conditions. Respiratory therapists work in various settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies.

We interviewed Sheneka Lane, the Assistant Director of Respiratory at Waterside Health & Rehab Center, to learn more about her experience as a respiratory therapist!

Tell us a little bit about your background in Respiratory therapy

“I started in home care, which is where I began my training by helping adults and kids. After working there for a year, I decided that I wanted to switch to a hospital setting. After that, I moved on to working at a long-term care facility in Norfolk, and then I worked at a regional hospital for 5 years. Eventually, I decided to branch out more, and now I work as an Assistant Director at Waterside Health & Rehab Center.”

What is required to become a respiratory therapist?

“To become a respiratory therapist, you need to complete a Respiratory Therapy Program and get licensed. There are two options: you can become a Certified Respiratory Therapist or a Registered Respiratory Therapist. There are also other specialties such as acute care that you can branch off into if you decide that you want to work in a certain field.”

Tell us what a typical day is like in your role

“Each day, I come in and evaluate the residents. I will go visit them and look at the charts, as well as communicate their progress to the family. I work alongside the staff to assess the residents on metrics such as heart rate to ensure they’re healthy. I will also sit with the residents to give them some company while I am checking on their progress. After we assess the residents, the other respiratory therapists and I will create an individualized plan for each case to help them succeed.”

What skills or traits does someone need to become a respiratory therapist?

“There are a few important skills respiratory therapists will need to have, including communication, problem solving, and critical thinking. Many times, a nurse will come in and ask for your expert opinion on a resident to find out if a problem is linked to the respiratory system or not. You need to be able to analyze each individual situation to help the residents get the proper care that they need in their case.”

What is your advice to aspiring respiratory therapists?

“I think everyone who works as a respiratory therapist should be an advocate for their residents. You should communicate with doctors and nurses on any questions that you might have. You should also get to know the residents and learn about their backstories.”

What is your favorite part about your job?

“I love working with the residents that I am assigned to! I’ll always take time to talk to them whenever they need me. I am also here for them, and will listen to their struggles and worries. If a resident asks for a warm blanket or a cup of water, I will bring it to them. I like to be of service to them and learn about their lives, from their wonderful backstories to their grandkids.”

What is one interesting fact about Respiratory Therapists that people may not know?

“I think we as respiratory therapists have an appreciation for life. I’ve met all types of people in different stages of life, and it has been a very rewarding career.”

About Saber Healthcare Group: Established in 2001, the Cleveland-based company first began consulting with two skilled nursing facilities, and now serves over 130 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in six states (Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina). Saber’s “On the Cutting Edge of Healthcare” philosophy has spurred its growth and helps the facilities it serves gain greater healthcare knowledge and technologies to serve their residents and patients in better ways.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.