I have had two very different careers, The communication skills that I learned as a Psychiatric Technician have definitely helped me work with the public in my career as a Respiratory Therapist.I am currently in the process of becoming a consultant on respiratory disease management. As a Registered Respiratory Therapist, I first worked with pediatric patients in a large teaching hospital. I have also worked in home care.Before I became a Respiratory Therapist, I was a Licensed Psychiatric Technician. I started out working with high-functioning developmentally disabled adolescents, preparing them for community placement. After several years, I decided to work with mentally ill clients. I worked in an 89 bed locked unit. I became the relief supervisor on the evening shift, and I was in charge of the facility during the Loma Prieta eqrthquake. During my years as a psychiatric technician, I learned to communicate with difficult people. This skill has served me well in both of my careers.