 
Respiratory therapists generally work between 35 and 40 hours a week. Because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists may work evenings, nights, or weekends. They spend long periods standing and walking between patients' rooms. In an emergency, therapists work under a great deal of stress. Respiratory therapists employed in home healthcare must travel frequently to the homes of patients.Respiratory therapists are trained to work with gases stored under pressure that can be hazardous. Adherence to safety precautions and regular maintenance and testing of equipment minimize the risk of injury. As in many other health occupations, respiratory therapists run a risk of catching an infectious disease, but carefully following proper procedures minimizes this risk.
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