As a referral center, New Hanover has incorporated the local EMS system into its network, so RTs often go out to other areas of the state as part of an emergency response team. And there are other opportunities for motivated RTs. Some of those opportunities include intubating patients, participating in metabolic studies, ventilator management to include high frequency ventilation, trauma and code team participation. The department also performs pulmonary function and metabolic testing. New Hanover's RTs are encouraged to use a diverse mix of skills due to responsibilities that require critical thinking.
Protocols usually begin with the doctor writing an order for an assessment.
At that point, the therapist examines the patient and handles all that patient's therapy. Other benefits include tuition reimbursement, clinical ladder incentives and tax-deferred annuities. Recruitment is currently focusing on six night shift positions. The other are for adult care only. On one side of the hospital sits a family-oriented beach community with boating and fishing.