"Through my career, how I've documented on my patients has changed greatly. In the end, though, recording patient interactions accurately and as soon as possible will always remain important. Whether it was back when I was keeping a paper chart or documenting in the Allscripts computer system, I make time to document after seeing each patient to ensure that records are inputted accurately. If I ever get too busy to document right away, I keep handwritten notes and then work as soon as I get the chance before the end of the day."

Patient documentation has always been important whether you are a new Respiratory Therapist or have a worked a lengthy career in the field. How the documentation has been performed has changed greatly though. Most likely, your interviewer will be looking for you to have experience working on some type of electronic documentation system and what system(s) you have familiarity working with. Expand on this by talking about the importance that timely and accurate documentation plays in the patient's overall well-being.

"In my current job, I have worked on both the EPIC and Cerner EHR systems. While both were unique, I found myself very capable of learning and adapting to a new system. In our world, patient documentation is key as so many other people that work with my patients rely on the information I put into the record to provide further care."