The Future of Respiratory Care: Impact 2012!
Hello 2012! It is that time of year again to come up with a New Year’s resolution and attempt to stick with it beyond the second week of January. Many of you will resolve to stop smoking, lose weight, get in bed earlier, or something of the sorts. All of which are great resolutions, somewhat lackluster, but great none the less. I wish you the best of luck in fulfilling your resolution. For those of you struggling to find this year’s resolution, I have a challenge for you.
My challenge for you is to make 2012 the year you start impacting those around you. As a respiratory therapist, opportunity is all around you to impact your patients, your coworkers, your department and your profession. Make 2012 a pivotal year in your career. The year you go from a passive member to an active member in your department and your profession.
Most people have no idea how to make this transformation. Below are a few tips.
- Plan on attending 100% of your department meetings in 2012, and have at least one question prepared to ask during the meeting. Force yourself to speak up during meetings and ask questions.
- Volunteer to teach a “skills” station or present a topic during annual in-service or at the next nursing skills fair.
- Make a list of three simple random acts of kindness you can perform during your next shift. For example, smile more, offer to get water or coffee for a patient, help a nurse, or give someone a thank you note for being such a great coworker.
While these are just a few, very simple ideas, they are good starting points to taking the next steps in defining your career as a respiratory therapist. It is my belief that as respiratory therapists we have the ability to impact those around us far beyond just giving breathing treatments and checking ventilators. We possess the potential to be a highly respected, valued member of the modern healthcare team. As the ball drops, 2012 is upon us, but I urge you not to drop the ball this year. Resolve to make an impact and to be of value to those around you in 2012.
Good luck and best wishes in 2012!
Written by Joe Lewis, RRT, BAAS, Fort Worth, TX. Joe specializes in no cost solutions to impacting the future of respiratory care. If you would like to talk with Joe more about how you can make an impact in your facility simply send him an email to joe@rtsnot.com.
