As allied health professionals, RTs are vital members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. They specialise in life-saving care for patients who struggle with breathing. Their role goes far beyond managing oxygen levels—they meticulously assess and manage carbon dioxide levels in the blood, ensuring synchronous and comfortable breathing with the ventilator (a machine that helps a patient breathe) and more to ensure that a patient's conditions are as stable as possible.

Eunice is a Senior Respiratory Therapist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), a member of the National Healthcare Group (NHG). Her role involves managing 12-hour shifts in the acute inpatient setting and caring for a diverse range of patients, from critically ill individuals in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who rely on artificial respirators to those requiring non-invasive ventilation via a mask for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea in the general ward. Eunice also supports long-term ventilator-dependent patients who require a permanent breathing device called a tracheostomy.

  From managing critical conditions to enhancing comfort, an RT's goal is to improve the quality of life for every patient, one breath at a time.

In the critical care setting, Eunice works with doctors on emergency procedures such as percutaneous tracheostomies and bronchoscopies (where a camera is placed into the patient to visualise the lungs). 

A key part of Eunice's role as an RT is helping patients to wean off the ventilator and learn to breathe as independently as possible. This complex process involves collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals. For instance, working with physiotherapists to help patients practice walking while on a ventilator to strengthen their muscles or engage in sunshine therapy to improve well-being. Working with speech therapists to conduct leak speech trials for tracheostomised ventilator-dependent patients to help regain their ability to speak and communicate their needs. As part of a team, RTs ensure a smooth journey towards helping patients breathe independently. 

She explains, "Breathing is such a fundamental part of life. Our role might not be as visible, but it's incredibly impactful." 

An RT's role extends beyond the hospital, helping patients reintegrate into their daily lives and continue living fulfilling lives with the support of their loved ones at home. 

"While I'm doing inpatient care, there are other RTs who are part of the multi-disciplinary team for Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Home Ventilation and Support Services (HVRSS), where they review patients in the outpatient clinics and do regular home visits for those requiring long term ventilation," she adds. 

For Eunice, every day is different and fast-paced. 

"We have to think on our feet and adapt quickly to changing situations," she shares. This keeps her motivated to deliver the best care and improve herself continuously. 

  Eunice is monitoring and tracking her patient's breathing patterns to ensure the patient is breathing comfortably while on the ventilator.

  Hands-on learning: Eunice practices securing endotracheal tubes on a manikin head during her studies at the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Respiratory Therapy is currently not offered in Singapore universities, but the Healthcare Merit Award gave Eunice the opportunity to study at the University of Missouri, Columbia, in the United States. The experience of studying overseas allowed her to broaden her knowledge of the different healthcare systems. 

While in Missouri, Eunice attended medical seminars, workshops, and conferences, where she networked with medical professionals and fellow RTs-in-training. She also had the opportunity to join a medical mission trip to Nicaragua, further expanding her understanding of global healthcare practices and igniting her spirit to serve. 

  Eunice and her fellow Global Medical Training (GMT) schoolmates provided free medical and dental care during a mission trip to Nicaragua.

 Reflecting on her experience, Eunice discovered that even seemingly small actions could have a profound impact on those living in poverty. She recalls a moment when a young girl in the photo above expressed gratitude and joy simply because Eunice placed a band-aid on her hand after the checkup. These experiences and connections not only shaped Eunice's personal growth but also deepened her commitment to healthcare, reinforcing her dedication to making a difference in patients' lives. 

Through the scholarship, Eunice got acquainted with her future workplace during her school holidays when she visited Tan Tock Seng Hospital for the vacation attachment programme organised by MOHH. 

  If you see us (RTs), it usually means something serious. While we're dedicated to serving patients, we truly hope you never need to see us.

Patients do not normally meet RTs, as one would only meet them when critically ill or unconscious. Yet, their work behind the scenes is vital in ensuring every patient can breathe comfortably. As a shift leader, Eunice oversees her team during 12-hour shifts, addressing challenges as they arise. She also takes an active role in education, planning lessons and training respiratory therapy medical students. Additionally, she organises basic ventilator training sessions for medical officers newly assigned to ICUs, helping doctors gain the knowledge and confidence to handle complex cases. These efforts highlight the indispensable role of RTs in the broader healthcare system. 

In addition to her role in the hospital, Eunice serves as the treasurer for the Association of Respiratory Therapists (Singapore). Beyond her clinical duties, she dedicates her time to staying at the forefront of her profession. She delves into the latest research on ventilatory machines, explores advancements in patient management, and keeps up to date with new medical discoveries.

While expanding her medical expertise, Eunice is also dedicated to fostering greater empathy in her care for patients.

Reflecting on her growth, she shared, "I've gained medical knowledge, I've come to know about how the healthcare system works, but more recently, I've learned how to mindfully practice empathy. Working in critical care frequently puts us in the face of dying patients, making us more prone to compassion fatigue. Practising empathy mindfully involves consciously listening to patients during our interactions and squeezing that bit of time we have in between tasks to hear them vent their emotions and thoughts. It helps the patients to feel heard, and for me, to not lose touch with my emotions while working as an RT."

This mindful approach to empathy has become a cornerstone of Eunice's practice, fuelling her drive and motivation to connect with her patients and provide them with more compassionate care.

For those considering a career in respiratory therapy, Eunice offers some valuable advice: "Make sure you really understand what you're signing up for. Shadow someone or sign up for attachments to see if this is the right path for you." 

She also highlights the key traits needed for a successful career as an RT:

Remaining calm under high-pressure and fast-paced situations: Hospitals are fast-paced, and decisions are often made quickly. Being calm ensures you remain situationally aware and can deliver interventions smoothly and skilfully.
Ability to think on your feet: The ability to assess critical situations, think rationally, and respond appropriately in a short amount of time is vital.
Being a good team player: Working closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals is key to providing holistic and effective care.
Effective communication: To build a good rapport and trust with patients and amongst the medical team to work efficiently together to deliver optimal patient outcomes.
Empathy and resilience: Supporting patients and their families through healthcare crises requires a strong sense of compassion, empathy, and mental strength.

Want to find out more about what Eunice does at work? Check out this TikTok Video.

MOH Holdings (MOHH) is offering local and overseas scholarships to nurture the next generation of Nursing, Pharmacy and Allied Health professionals. These scholarships are offered in partnership with public healthcare institutions and allow you to study in local or overseas universities. For more details on the health science disciplines (including Respiratory Therapy) offered, check out this page.​