The Harry Potter Office

The RT Cave has transitioned to a new location, now situated in the front lobby, nestled within a closet. Upon our initial entry into this space last June, our first task was to clear out the broom and vacuum cleaner that blocked our entrance. This chore was swiftly followed by the inevitable sniffles and sneezes as we diligently wiped away the dust that had settled on the two desks within the room. This moment marked the inception of a new era for the RT Cave.

Navigating to our office involves passing through the waiting room, amidst patients, where there was originally a chair and space designated for wheelchairs just outside our door. We requested the necessary adjustments from the authorities to rearrange this furniture, ensuring that opening the outer door wouldn't inadvertently disturb any patients. This change was a positive step forward, unintended pun aside.

Between this outer door and the entrance to our closet (our metaphorical cave), there are open counters originally intended for X-ray admitting. However, after the completion of the hospital's new front lobby and the allocation of millions of dollars, it was decided not to use this area for its intended purpose. Instead, X-ray patients are now admitted by the front admission clerk or via one of the kiosks upfront. This decision freed up the space where we currently reside.

Due to ongoing construction in our old office area, we've been relocated to our current spot, affectionately dubbed the "RT Closet." Our original office, where I began this blog, was a splendid space situated at the back of the hospital overlooking the north parking lot. Its expansive windows offered a picturesque view of the distant cityscape, making it one of the most coveted rooms in the entire hospital. This had been our office since long before I joined as an RT in 1997, likely dating back to the construction of this section of the hospital in 1981.

Initially, our office consisted of a large room housing our desks, and an adjacent room originally designed for pulmonary function tests. When I started, it housed our ABG machine, though all blood machines were eventually relocated to the laboratory. Subsequently, the back room was repurposed for doctors to interpret EKGs and Holter monitors. However, with the arrival of hospitalists in 2000, it became an unused space.

The front area of our office originally accommodated a receptionist during the era when we had a dedicated department secretary. It's where I was greeted when I first applied for my position many years ago. Over time, the desk was replaced with a couch for patients needing various tests like EKGs, EEGs, Holter monitors, or stress tests—all handled by our department, which was known as Cardiopulmonary from the early 1980s until around 2015. This name reflected our dual responsibility for respiratory and cardiac care.

As the hospital evolved, the front lobby, now housing our current RT Closet, and the new emergency department were constructed. A dedicated Cardiopulmonary department was subsequently established next to the ER, lab, and X-ray departments, consolidating outpatient procedures in one area. This freed up significant space in our old, scenic RT Cave. Once higher-ups realized this, we were displaced from our beloved office and relocated to what we now fondly refer to as the "Harry Potter office" due to its compact size and tucked-away location.

Once the construction is complete, there are hopeful indications that we will reclaim our original office, a testament to the high regard in which it's held. Currently occupied by hospitalists who displaced us, the impending relocation of the doctors to a new office space will free up our coveted spot.

Within our hospital system, other RT departments receive favorable treatment, raising optimism that we'll regain amenities like the massage chair that once graced our department. There's also anticipation of reclaiming our communal table, where puzzles were assembled and meals enjoyed. Furthermore, aspirations include acquiring a large TV and couch, possibly for the room that previously housed the PFT and ABG machines.

This envisioned setup would transform our workspace into a truly welcoming environment, symbolizing the respect our department has long awaited. It represents a positive shift toward recognizing the essential contributions of respiratory therapy within the hospital community.