Blogs

After 5 years of hard work on everyones part, our department has become a resource to patients, nurses and providers. We are now part of the "team" instead of the department that does treatment and vent rounds as quickly as possible so we can get back to the dept and read the paper etc.... We attend discharge planning meetings, instituted RT driven protocols, are a mentor hospital for the IHI VAP prevention initiative and have been chosen to lead our facilities rapid response team initiative. When I interview I am upfront with my expectations. I require knowledgeable, compassionate, kind , responsible and cooperative employees. If someone can't fit into the team and enhance our reputation they won't make it beyond the probationary period. We have had some rough times this past 5 years but the pay off is tremendous! Managers must be leaders, it all starts with us.

Aaron,
I think you've hit on one of the most important aspects of delivering care: Letting them know 'you care' about them personally. From my perspective, that's what differentiates professionals from technicians.
Thanks and keep the great ideas flowing1
Garry

I have had letters written to my department on the good work I have done for patients. I have always felt my best work is spent in the ICU dealing with sick patients and helping their families understand what is going on. However none of the letters have been based on my ICU work. The letters have been on things like a MDI instruction in the ER. I spent some time with the patient to discuss the importance of the spacer and proper technique. The patient was so happy that I took the time to help them they wrote a letter to our department.
Another letter was based on a patient that was in need of a treatment and I came in to deliver the MDI. I told the patient I would come back in about an hour to check on them and see if they needed another dose. I returned in an hour and just popped my head in to ask how they were doing. I thought nothing of it. The patient was so impressed that I came back he wrote a letter about my good care.
To patients the simpliest things as keeping your word and spending some time means more than anything. Although my decisions in the unit might save their life, checking in on them means more (based on letters sent)

Robert,
Thanks for the post. This is another great example of simple ways that RTs can demonstrate their value and been seen as a needed member of the team. With nurses as our closest partners, they are a wonderful resource.
thanks for sharing, Robert!
Garry Kauffman

Greetings! Seems to me, the best way to demonstrate value is to be visable (as opposed to being wallpaper). Speak to the patients, nurses and physcians. Attend rounds, speak up when you have a suggestion. These all work to raise our profile. For example, this year, the Respiratory Department received an award from Nursing Services during Nurse's Week recognizing Respiratory as their partner in quality patient care. I am very proud of how my Team has risen to the challenge.

Karl,
What a wonderful story, especially with the successful outcome for the baby.
Your passion for helping others comes through loud and clear. Making a difference in the lives of others is a blessing for those of us in healthcare.
Thanks Karl,
Garry

Garry-
Nothing extraordinary, but recently, I helped transport a term infant with severe pulmonary hypertension to an ECMO center two hours by ground- using a Jet, iNO, a Crossvent, T-com, and multiple drips. Since this is a once or twice a year occasion, we had to assemble and load this complicated rig on the fly, while a crowd of about 20 clinicians and family members stood around us, anxiously watching. We got everything but the heavy uninterrupted power source on top of the transport isolette, the UPS followed behind in a wheelchair. While not a optimal arrangement, the baby arrived at Duke in better shape than when we left. They were cannulating her even before we headed back. She spent a week on ECMO, but came thru in perfect shape. That family thought we walked on water for getting her there intact!
I joined Resp. Care late in life, and have learned to love this profession. My brother is a successful advertising executive, now middle aged and seriously questioning the many years he has spent helping big business to sell more stuff. I wish all RCPs appreciated the value of what we do and saw Respiratory Care as more than just a way to pay the bills!
Karl Kaminski
Greenville, NC