From the RC Director’s Chair

It's the Little Things That Count

2009-11-12T12:45:00Z

We are fast approaching the holiday season, and it is hard to believe it's almost here already. As managers, making the holidays festive for our staff in the workplace should be a common practice. Not everyone enjoys coming to work during the holiday season, but some warm touches around the department can make working a little bit more enjoyable. Every department should have holiday parties of some sort, both on site and off, so everyone can attend. Decorations should fill the department, and a holiday...(read more)

My Experience with H1N1 Vaccine

2009-11-06T16:51:00Z

Yes, many of you have been wondering about the fears and outcomes of the H1N1 vaccines and what to expect. I can tell you first hand after seeing more than 2,200 H1N1 vaccines given here what to expect. First, the vaccine comes in the live virus nasal mist version and the dead virus injection version. As of this writing over 2,200 vaccines of combination have been given without any side effects. I received my injection over two weeks ago. Surprisingly the injections are much less "painful," if you...(read more)

Stocking Up for Peak Flu Season

2009-10-22T18:43:00Z

If there is one thing I learned in my six years as an administrator at a Florida east coast hospital center, it was to stock up on supplies prior to hurricane season. Every year around May, we would load up on disposables. The one thing we created that worked out great for our department was a "hurricane cart." This was a large, tall crash cart that was stocked with hand-helds, cannulas, masks, regulators, portable air compressors and oxygen keys. I think you get the idea. Every time a hurricane...(read more)

Respiratory Care Week Task: Thank the Vendors

2009-10-14T19:12:00Z

It's almost that time of year again, and everyone is planning how they will celebrate Respiratory Care Week. In Massachusetts, legislation was passed to forbid vendors from supplying the usual pens, coffee mugs, and food that we have all come to expect. This knee-jerk reaction by our government to do good is a result of those who have abused the system; and it has caused me to rethink our thoughts of our vendors. On any given day, I can open a journal or magazine, find an advertisement, and call...(read more)

RT Students Can Help During Seasonal Crunch

2009-10-07T19:55:00Z

As respiratory care directors create staffing plans for the upcoming peak illness seasons, which is expected to be augmented by H1N1 fears, many have found RT students want to help too! In states like Massachusetts, second-year respiratory care students can obtain a state license to work in the respiratory care field. At our hospital system, we are creating a large PRN student pool. This has brought about a great deal of excitement among the students and the department's seasoned therapists. First,...(read more)

Calling All Respiratory Care Angels

2009-09-23T19:36:00Z

Every day, we as respiratory therapists see family members struggle to make the right ethical decisions about their relatives' care. While eliminating life support seems to be a direct contradiction to our purpose, as caregivers we have an opportunity to act as a "support angel" to these confused family members. Many times we find end-of-life decisions are not the strongest areas of communication for many physicians. However, family members can't make educated decisions if they are not given the...(read more)

Emergency Staff Planning for H1N1

2009-09-16T19:24:00Z

At a recent "Emergency Staffing Planning Meeting," all directors submitted ideas for how they would staff their areas should this flu season hit us hard. I heard everything from "bringing in the travelers" to "pulling staffing from other sister hospitals or cross-training." I spoke up to make the following comment: During my six years as a director of multi-departments in Florida, we were hit by many hurricanes. If I recall correctly, those hurricanes just didn't hit our hospital and not touch anyone...(read more)

Hold a Skills Fair

2009-08-28T11:55:00Z

As department leaders, we know the Joint Commission requires us to document that each of our associates are competent in equipment and therapy that is "high risk, low utilization." The question is how, and when is the right way and time to document this on an annual basis? If you include your staff in the process, they can share their knowledge with co-workers, build self-confidence, and gain ownership in the department. In past positions, my departments held a bi-annual "skills fair" to meet this...(read more)

Are Sick Calls a Problem?

2009-08-19T13:42:00Z

With Labor Day coming up, you know someone on your staff is going to call in sick when they're not. You may not have the proper rules in place, which isn't fair to your faithful employees. It's important to know that everyone gets sick, and we don't want them at work infecting others when they should be home. So these guidelines are for the "sick time abusers." Trust me, you're "engaged" staff will appreciate it when you address the topic. Make sure your policy is precise and states exactly what...(read more)

Swine Flu and Your Department

2009-08-10T16:36:00Z

On July 24, the CDC released the following statement: "As many as 40% of Americans could catch swine flu over the next two years and anywhere between 90,000 to several hundred thousand could die if U.S. vaccine efforts and other countermeasures don't work." Well now that you have us all shaking in our boots what do we do? Don't get me wrong, this flu season will be serious and we need to be prepared for it, but a little common sense will go a long way. Massachusetts has currently successfully treated...(read more)

Leaders: Watch What You Say

2009-08-06T13:21:00Z

What we say and how we say it dictates the type of leadership style we have. Whether you are a director, manager, or supervisor, your associates watch your lead. This includes how you communicate, both verbal and written. They are taking in everything you do. Lead by example, manage by walking around, walk the talk and don't fake it, and be honest and sincere. Whether you are rewarding, disciplining, or just hanging out in the break room, saying the right thing the wrong way can be catastrophic and...(read more)

Live Like You Were Dying

2009-07-22T16:48:00Z

A few years ago, Tim McGraw recorded the song "Live Like You Were Dying," and it hit the top 10 county singles. I can understand its popularity. As respiratory therapists, we see every day how fragile life is: from the motorcycle trauma in the ER to the unexpected heart attack of what appeared to be a 42-year-old healthy male. However, when was the last time you did something just plain fun? Like, run through the sprinklers with your children? Teach your little boy how to fish even if you don't catch...(read more)

How Do I Get a Job With No Experience?

2009-07-13T16:44:00Z

It's a Catch-22. Employers want prospective employees with experience, but how is a new grad going to get experience without an opportunity? I can speak to this one from experience. I graduated in April 1984 (yes I'm dating myself) and did not get a per diem job until October 1984 in Phoenix. At that time, the city had five respiratory care programs that produced new grads every three months. Prior to graduation, I had placed applications to all my clinical rotation locations and then on graduation,...(read more)

Get the Capital Equipment You Need

2009-06-19T16:32:00Z

As directors, we all know how hard or impossible it is to obtain capital for equipment. However, there are ways to increase your chances next time you submit your request. First, you must know the hierarchy of the "crisis" of capital as viewed by the board of directors and your administration. Here they are from most important to least: 1. Emergency (service will shut down if not replaced) 2. Replacement (return on investment, ROI, makes sense to purchase over leasing) 3. Replacement (manufacturer...(read more)

New Grads: CRT Now or Later?

2009-06-10T18:27:00Z

Now that you have your diploma in your hands and you are hitting the streets for your first real job, there is still something you need to ask yourself. Do I take the CRT now, or do I wait until I get more experience under my belt? In my position, I ask that question at every interview for new grads and hear plenty of excuses. Sure, it costs money, and I know you need a break, and so on and so on. But here are the facts: The longer you wait, the harder it will be to retain the knowledge. Also, the...(read more)