Finding My Place In The Respiratory World : Education

Capstone BSRT Project Looms

Brent Holland — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:23:00 GMT

As I enter my final semester for the BSRT program through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the only class I have is the dreaded RESP 4111 (Capstone Project). Up until yesterday I was really undecided on what project I wanted to undertake...(read more)

Is the National Conference Worth it?

Brent Holland — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:09:00 GMT

I am neurotic when it comes to collecting CEU credits. In the 13 months that I have been licensed, I have accrued 503 Continuing Education Hours. As I sit here at the Suncoast Pulmonary Symposium in Ft. Myers, I feel as though I must follow up on a post...(read more)

Respiratory Therapist on the Road

Kevin Johnson — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:19:00 GMT

Today is my last day of floor work before I officially launch on a country spanning tour de work...That's right, l am going on my first work trip! I will leave tomorrow and travel an hour and a half for an all-day cardiac rehab class. This might not seem...(read more)

Why Don't Respiratory Therapists Get ACLS, PALS, and NRP Certified?

Brent Holland — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:33:00 GMT

After my last blog on why we need one standard for the respiratory profession's future sparked such debate, I wanted to touch on another hot topic: What are your thoughts on ACLS, PALS, and NRP? I am very curious to see if we can continue to explore this...(read more)

CRT vs. RRT: One Standard Needed for Profession's Future

Brent Holland — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:51:00 GMT

Being a dedicated member of the AARC, I find myself logging in to AARConnect on a near daily basis. While last year I was a member of every single specialty section, when I renewed this year I cut it down to just the Education, Management, and Adult Acute...(read more)

Semesters over... NPS Exam Studying Has Just Begun

Brent Holland — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:13:00 GMT

Another semester is over. Finally, I am only two semesters away from being awarded the Bachelors in Respiratory Therapy . I find myself in the wonderful position of not having to take a single class over the summer months. I was looking forward to spending...(read more)

7 Need-To-Know Tips for Respiratory Therapists Considering a Bachelor's Degree

Brent Holland — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:37:00 GMT

As I begin the second semester of the BSRT program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I want to give some insight and advice to those considering pursuing a higher degree. First, of all: DO IT. What are you waiting for? You are not getting...(read more)

Those Darn Babies!

Brent Holland — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:56:00 GMT

In the past month we have had three or four bad babies at our facility. These patients have required intensive resuscitation after birth. As previously discussed, I felt totally blindsided by this whole new group of "unknown unknowns" that I had encountered....(read more)

The Continuing Saga of My RT Education

Kevin Johnson — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:52:00 GMT

Almost stayed up waiting for the call because the mom was in labor when I left and I didn't figure it would be long, but by 2300 I was feeling pretty sleepy and had drifted off. I was almost surprised by the inevitable call when it finally came. I rushed...(read more)

It's Time: One Credential for the Sake of Respiratory Care

Brent Holland — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:09:00 GMT

I have heard a lot of "internet chatter" this week on the policies of the NBRC when it comes to the issue of credential renewal. I have followed the debate with great interest and have, on a couple of the forums, weighed in on the issue. At the heart...(read more)

RT Assesses Cost-to-Benefit Ratio of AARC Conference

Brent Holland — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:52:00 GMT

After my blog last month that addressed the cost of attending the AARC conference , I want to report my own personal cost/benefit analysis of the largest respiratory convention in the world. Overall I am glad I went. I would give the entire experience...(read more)

Job Interviews: Expect the Unexpected

Veronica Rigler — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:50:00 GMT

When you walk into any interview for any job, you expect things out of it. I know that I read on the internet all of the Do's and Do Not's of interviewing. Articles cover everything from hair, makeup, suits, and shoes right over to how to behave, what...(read more)

Back to School, for a Degree in RT

Brent Holland — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:29:00 GMT

Today is my birthday. At the ripe old age of 37 I still am shocked every time I look upon my freshly framed college degree. (Since I chose the US Navy after graduating from high school, I got a late start in the arena of education.) Over the last year...(read more)

What Do You Do When You Don't Fit In?

Veronica Rigler — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:14:00 GMT

"I was so excited to go to a clinical site, but when I got there I was so disappointed." Have you heard your classmates and fellow therapist having conversations like this? I have, because in the tiny world of respiratory word gets around quickly. I know...(read more)

RTs Must Be Role Models for Patients

Alissa Green — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:44:00 GMT

According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking causes one in every five deaths in the US each year. Why does this matter to you and me as respiratory therapy students? Because the cardiorespiratory diseases of the baby boomer generation and their...(read more)