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In This Issue:
Hank Read, RRT, who began his career as a respiratory therapist nearly 40 years ago, thrives in the team atmosphere he finds at BWH everyday.
“Respiratory therapy is an integral part of the team aspect of care. We’re involved with physicians, nurses and pharmacists and take part in the discussion of care for the patient,” said Read.
As National Respiratory Care Week enters its 60th anniversary, BWH respiratory therapists are celebrating the evolution of respiratory care to the team-centered approach that it is today. At BWH, a diverse Respiratory Care staff ranging from new graduates to highly experienced therapists provide services to adult and newborn patients.
The Respiratory Therapy team celebrated with various breakfasts and luncheons, education sessions and other activities reflecting on the important roles the respiratory therapists play in patient care.
“We work closely with the medical team to achieve the best possible care and outcome for each patient,” said Susan LaGambina, RRT, night shift supervisor. “We work 24/7 to evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing disorders. We are here to meet the patients’ respiratory needs, whether they require oxygen or more intensive care, such as ventilator support.”
Posters outside the Cafeteria featured quotes from medical staff, including Patricia Kritek, MD, of Pulmonary and Critical Care. “Our respiratory therapists are not only clinicians, spending countless hours at the bedside tweaking the ventilator to maximize the patient’s comfort, but they are also fabulous teachers, helping to demystify mechanical ventilation,” she wrote.
The Respiratory Care team kicked off the week with an awards breakfast, where Paul F. Nuccio, RRT, FAARC, director of Respiratory Care Services, was honored with the “Above and Beyond Award” from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which is part of the Department of Defense.
Captain Felix Gregorian, RRT, of BWH, Joseph Ryan and John Pelose, of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented the award on behalf of the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve Forces for outstanding service and continuing support to the National Defense.
For more photos, see BWH media gallery at www.bwhpikenotes.org/media/