Caring Through Every Breath: A Respiratory Therapist's Path to Purpose

A Personal Experience That Shaped My Purpose

My decision to pursue respiratory therapy was shaped by a deeply personal experience. When my grandfather suffered a heart attack and was placed on a ventilator, my family faced the heartbreaking decision to withdraw care. During that time, a respiratory therapist showed us incredible compassion, and it left a lasting impact on me. I knew then that I wanted to be that same source of support and care for other patients and families during their most difficult moments. That experience didn’t just inspire my career, it defined the kind of caregiver I strive to be every day. Respiratory therapy allows me to witness patients at their most vulnerable, and the opportunity to help them heal and return home stronger is the most rewarding aspect of what I do.

Support Beyond the Workplace

Ochsner has truly supported me both personally and professionally. During my first year of employment, I welcomed my first child and experienced firsthand the depth of Ochsner’s benefits. From excellent health coverage to short-term disability and beyond, these resources have given me peace of mind as I began growing my family. Most recently, I delivered my second child knowing we were covered by some of the best health benefits available. That level of support allowed me to focus fully on my family's well-being, without the stress of unexpected medical costs. In between these milestones, I also made the decision to return to school in pursuit of my bachelor’s degree, supported by Ochsner's tuition reimbursement program. Having access to these resources has empowered me to grow not only as a caregiver, but as a parent and a student.

Finding My Team and My Place 

Over the past two and a half years as a Respiratory Therapist, I’ve been fortunate to expand my clinical experience by cross-training in assisting pulmonologists with bronchoscopies and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscopies. Within this past year, I also earned my credential as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, further strengthening my clinical expertise. This growth has not only expanded my skill set but also deepened my connection to the patients I serve. I see tremendous opportunity for continued growth within both the respiratory field and Ochsner Health.

A typical day as an RRT is unpredictable and always presents new challenges. Each patient requires a unique approach, particularly those on ventilator support, and I am constantly learning new techniques to provide the best possible care. 

I chose Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics after completing my clinical rotations there. From the beginning, the respiratory therapists welcomed me like family. Many have been respiratory therapists for more than a decade, and their depth of knowledge and willingness to help one another confirmed for me that this was the team I wanted to join. To this day, that culture of teamwork and support continues. No task is too small when it comes to helping each other and putting patients first.

Choosing to work at Ochsner remains one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am proud to be part of a team that values compassion, collaboration and excellence in patient care.