Looking for respiratory related employmentWhat type of job are you looking for? I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist looking for respiratory related employment in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. What nationality are you? Canadian What languages do you speak (and at what level)? English is my first language, I have beginner level spanish and french. What country or area are you looking to work in and why? I would like to work in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. I have been there several times and am familiar with the area and the people. What countries have you worked in? I have worked in Canada What countries do you have a visa to work in? None currently, however I would apply immediately if an employment opporunity came up. What field do you currently work in? Respiratory Therapy What fields have you worked in before? I have worked in the customer service industry as a waitress, as well as casier at a grocery store. What qualifications do you hold? I have been a Respiratory Therapist for 4.5 years. I have worked in a tertiary care hospital on the wards and in the ER department, and have now specialized in end of life care in adult intensive care unit for the last 3 years. I have advanced knowledge on oxygen equipment and management, as well as ventilator management. I have worked with many patients with tracheostomies, and am proficient with the assessment and management of an artificial airway. I also have great knowledge on respiratory medications, and their uses to manage asthma and COPD, and have worked with patients to get them independant with their management post discharge from the hospital. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I believe both are equally important. Formal education provides opportunities and security, however it is the skills, acquired post graduation that allow a person to exceed at their job. Describe the benefits of working with others Working with other people allows insite into other cultures, morals, ethics and values. The end result is a shared open mindedness. Also, shared experiences allows for constant learning and debriefing, which is crucial in a critical care environment. Describe the benefits of working alone Occasionally, working with more than one person can create distractions, causing the task to take longer than it should. Eliminating the distraction and performing the task alone can allow you to focus, work efficiently, and utilize time management skills. What was your worst working experience? A busy day in the intensive care unit when the team was not communicating properly. No one knew what was going on, and the end result was increased stress. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? Never quit learning! I believe the second you quit actively learning in the workplace, it is time to look for a new job! I try and teach myself soemthing new each day, and then turn around and teach it to someone else so I remember it. What unique skills do you have? I have the ability to connect with any type of person. I enjoy meeting with and talking to new people, and can find something in common with everyone! I also have excellent technical skills. I can learn to use new equipment quickly and efficiently. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? Being able to be involved in respiratory care in Costa Rica. I love that country. The people, the scenery, the ocean, the food. I would love to be able to live there and be able to help people at the same time. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? The ever changing environment. Work from day to day is always a very different experience. I get to see and care for a variety of different people with a variety of different ailments, which keeps my job interesting and fresh. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? A big part of my job is upkeep of equipment. Ventilators, blood gas machines, etc. It is necessary to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly when it is needed, however it is rather boring. I would rather be at the bedside! What makes you an asset to a healthcare team? I am diligent, honest, trustworthy, and friendly. I have excellent time management and critical thinking skills. I am always looking for learning opportunities in the workplace. How can potential employers contact you? My email is: sarahkmackenzie@gmail.com my phone is: 1-403-704-4731 I look forward to talking with you! | 
