Resp Care
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Health care costs continue to skyrocket, and a large portion of these costs can be attributed to technology. Some technology, such as oximetry, is relatively inexpensive compared to CAT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, it may elude close scrutiny and direct health care planning and, with little fanfare, drive up costs. ⋯ Laboratory and clinical research must be conducted to provide a scientific basis for the use of technology. Adequate assessment requires knowledgeable people in a position to perform the essential tasks. Respiratory care practitioners are a logical group to take an active role in the important tasks of thoroughly assessing the technologies we use.
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In this study, I sought to determine the contribution of potential stressors and intrinsic and extrinsic job rewards to the job satisfaction and attrition of respiratory therapists. ⋯ Although therapists credit the desire for more job satisfaction and better salary with being responsible for their decision to leave the field, this study shows that dissatisfaction with supervision and co-workers and role, and financial stress are more important.
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We developed a new pressure-limited ventilator system by modifying the Bird #7001M ventilator. Our aims were to free ICU floor space by wall-mounting the ventilator, and to employ a pressure-limited, gas-powered ventilator similar to our transport ventilator to aid in the training of members of our transport team. ⋯ When coupled with heated pneumatic nebulizers, it quietly provides a maximum gas flow of 208 L/min with nebulized water at 37 degrees C. We successfully used this system for over 4 years to provide a wide range of ventilatory support and oxygen therapy.