In a recent posting titled People: The Missing Link for Success, I made mention of the need to "populate your team with A+ performers willing to put forth an A+ effort."  All others, as I said, "should get off the bus." The hope would be that your low performers would ...

Simple things give our lives meaning and texture. Recently, I was in the NICU with two of my colleagues, Ron and Jason. We were discussing how, on a bad day, the littlest things can turn the entire day around.

An example is when my husband sets the coffeemaker. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but when I get up at an unspeakable hour of the morning to go to work, I have a fresh hot cup of coffee. My day gets ...

A jury convicted the ...

How many times have you heard it? "You're going to have to do more with less."

The notion of running leaner departments has become the norm in respiratory therapy and in healthcare as of late.  Those who are at a surplus in staffing are now the exception rather than the rule.  So what's a manager to do with budget season looming when manpower needs suggest one number and your hospital labor budget ...

You could arrive home from your next conference a little more empty-handed than usual.

The pharmaceutical industry is announcing a voluntary ban on doling pens, mugs, and other gifts as part of drug marketing campaigns.

The ban does not place limits on consulting arrangements, speaking fees, office lunches, or educational dinners at swanky restaurants.

Read ...

"Maybe that's a way of killing 'em," ...

Many people across the country celebrated the 4^th of July with fireworks, backyard barbecues and visiting family.  These acts are a celebration of the birth of a free country.  On July 4^th of 1776, our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence which forever allowed us to become (as Frances Scott Key wrote in our national anthem); the "Land of the Free and Home of the Brave."

As ...

Respiratory therapists possessing the CRT credential suggest ...

Every time I turn on my computer or television, there's an exciting new story about the upcoming Beijing Olympics. Lithe gymnasts flit through the air as they practice seemingly impossible feats of both strength and beauty. Brawny swimmers glide through the water at incredible speeds.

The Olympic torch has been traveling through countries in celebration of the unfailing spirit of the athletes of all nations. ...

British singer Amy Winehouse was smoking cigarettes Monday, just one week after checking into an exclusive London rehab program where doctors diagnosed her with early signs of emphysema, reports USmagazine.com.

The 24-year-old singer ...

Maybe he could have one this weekend? He really needs to win Indiana. Also, keep ...

Nowadays, the pressure is on for smokers to quit - but some feel their habit and its health risks are no one's business but their own.

Dear Abby published a letter from "Not Ready to Kick the Butts in Kenosha," a smoker who was sick of hearing lectures about why he should quit. He asked how to politely tell the concerned individuals to

As a manager and agent for ...

On April 29^th, a reader posted a comment to the blog titled A Chain is only as Strong as its Weakest Link.  Here is an excerpt from Jim; a Respiratory Care Shift Supervisor.

"I anticipated the day that change could happen, which is the main reason I set ...

The air is beginning to warm up and everywhere cars are covered with a thin coating of yellow pollen. Community pools all over the country are now open on the weekends. So what does this mean?

Asthma camp is just around the corner! I find that some of my most rewarding moments as a respiratory therapist are when I volunteer my time. For the last twenty years I have in some form or other been involved with ...

Airplane pilots and air traffic controllers no longer can use the smoking cessation drug varenicline.

The Federal Aviation Administration banned the drug, marketed as Chantix, last week, citing potential side effects that could threaten aircraft safety. The ban effects 150 pilots and 30 air traffic controllers known ...

Dorney Koppel's husband and veteran news anchor, Ted Koppel, gave the introduction and spoke about his ...

Rhetorical or not, I often hear respiratory therapists ask the question... "Why aren't we treated with the same level of respect that disciplines such as nursing or pharmacy are?"  Unfortunately, the answer is like the elephant in the room that no one wants to admit is there. The apathy that plagues our profession is undeniable. 

With only thirty percent of all licensed respiratory therapists in ...