Respiratory therapists who see an upper level position open up in their departments are often tempted to ask their boss for the job. Of course, it’s one thing to ask for a job that actually exists and another thing entirely to ask for one that doesn’t. But that’s exactly what Karen Schell, DHSc, RRT-NPS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, RPSGT, AE-C, CTTS, has done not once but twice in her long career in the profession.
With no vacancies in upper level positions in her department at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, KS, she went out and created them.
Be prepared
“The first time I saw the need for a clinical educator in the department,” says the AARC member. “The second time, I saw the need for a supervisor.” Both times she researched the need thoroughly before approaching her manager, developing a job description and gathering all the necessary data before scheduling a sit down meeting.
When it did come time to broach the topic face-to-face, she made sure to explain how putting her in the new position could help him achieve his goals for the department as well.
Track record counts
Of course, operationalizing a strategy like this calls for more than just establishing a need for the position. You have to show you’re the right person for the job too. Schell emphasizes she had the track record to support her request.
“My work record, dependability, and ability were already documented in my personnel file with my previous evaluations,” says Schell. “I had also shown growth by continuing my education and achieving extra credentials, degrees, and certifications on my own time.”
She made it a point to get her fellow staff members on board with the new positions she was proposing as well. “I also had my coworkers buy in for the positions, as they would improve their positions by providing education and supervision.”
Worked like a charm
Her strategy worked like a charm both times. “I was promoted to clinical educator for the department, then supervisor,” she says now. When the department director left the hospital, she was recommended for the position, and today she is director of cardiopulmonary services.
Schell’s advice for other therapists who might like to create their own opportunities: “Do your research, gather your data, and prepare yourself everyday with continuing education, involvement, and teamwork with your peers.”
