RTMatters

Monaghan Medical Corporation

RTMatters is the go-to podcast for respiratory therapists who want to engage in candid, thought-provoking conversations about the profession. Hosted by Patrick Dunne, each episode features in-depth interviews with industry experts, experienced RTs, and other healthcare professionals. Whether you’re navigating career challenges, seeking work-life balance, or simply looking to connect with others in the RT community, RTMatters offers valuable insights, personal stories, and practical advice. From the impact of staffing shortages to exploring new career paths in respiratory therapy, we tackle the topics that truly matter. Join us for conversations that will inspire, inform, and empower you to take control of your professional journey. Every episode is designed to help you stay engaged, motivated, and connected to a community of like-minded RTs. Tune in, get inspired, and make your voice heard by sending your questions and feedback to feedback@rtmatters.com.

  1. 8 МАЯ

    Episode 015 | Inhalers, Propellants, and the Push for Lower Carbon Respiratory Care

    In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne is joined by Dr. Douglas Gardenhire, registered respiratory therapist and Chair of the Respiratory Therapy Program at Georgia State University, for an important discussion on inhaler propellants, greenhouse gas emissions, and the evolving environmental impact of respiratory care. The conversation explores the historical transition from CFC propellants to HFA-134a following the 1987 Montreal Protocol, as well as the upcoming shift to lower global warming potential HFO propellants under the 2016 Kigali Amendment. Dr. Gardenhire discusses the environmental footprint associated with inhaler use, while also examining alternative delivery options such as dry powder inhalers (DPIs), soft mist inhalers (SMIs), and portable compressor-nebulizer systems. Importantly, the episode emphasizes that device transitions must remain patient-centered. Dr. Gardenhire explains why simply switching patients from MDIs to DPIs without evaluating inspiratory flow capability can negatively impact treatment effectiveness and outcomes. The discussion also highlights the critical role respiratory therapists play in patient education, device selection, inhaler technique, and supporting long-term adherence to prescribed controller therapies. This episode offers valuable insight into balancing environmental responsibility with safe, evidence-based respiratory care.

    34 мин.
  2. 14 АПР.

    RTMatters Episode 014 | Staffing Challenges in Respiratory Care

    In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne sits down with Garry Kauffman, Past President of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and a recognized thought leader in operational and organizational issues impacting respiratory care services. The conversation explores one of the most pressing challenges facing the profession today: staffing shortages and their impact on both respiratory therapists and patient care. Garry discusses the key drivers behind these shortages, including increased demand from an aging population, rising prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions, workforce attrition, and declining enrollment in respiratory therapy programs. He also highlights the real-world consequences of these challenges, such as high patient-to-therapist ratios, excessive overtime, reduced autonomy, and the growing reliance on costly agency staffing. The episode also focuses on practical solutions. Garry emphasizes the importance of using validated tools like the AARC’s Safe and Effective Staffing Guide (SESG) to accurately assess clinical workload, support staffing decisions, and advocate for appropriate resource allocation. In addition, he outlines how respiratory therapists can play an active role in advancing evidence-based care by working with medical directors and hospital leadership — demonstrating how protocol-driven care can improve patient outcomes while also supporting operational efficiency. This episode offers valuable insight for respiratory therapists, department leaders, and healthcare professionals looking to better understand and address the ongoing staffing challenges in respiratory care.

    52 мин.
  3. 04.12.2025

    RTMatters – Episode 011 | Be Careful What You Wish For: Delegating “Routine, Basic Tasks” to Non-RTs

    In this episode of RTMatters, Patrick sits down with Carri McClure, MBA, RRT, Clinical Supervisor of Respiratory Care at WellStar North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, GA. Carri shares her professional journey in respiratory therapy and discusses how advancing her education helped shape her current leadership role.   The conversation takes a candid look at the growing trend of delegating so-called “routine basic inpatient tasks”—including MDI and nebulizer treatments—to non-RT personnel. Carri highlights why these activities are far more than simple tasks and explains the critical role RTs play in monitoring, teaching, coaching, and assessing patients, especially outside of the critical care environment.   Carri also raises important patient safety concerns regarding a recent proposal, shared on AARConnect, suggesting that PACU nurses perform mechanical ventilation liberation and extubation—procedures traditionally and appropriately managed by respiratory therapists.   This episode underscores the need for RTs to stay actively engaged as the healthcare landscape continues to shift post-pandemic. Carri and Patrick explore how RTs can help shape these changes to protect patient safety and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, effective respiratory care.   Have any questions or suggestions? Please email us at feedback@RTMatters.com   #RTMatters #RespiratoryTherapists #PatientSafety #ScopeOfPractice #RespiratoryCare #HealthcareChanges #RTLeadership #ProfessionalAdvocacy

    33 мин.

Об этом подкасте

RTMatters is the go-to podcast for respiratory therapists who want to engage in candid, thought-provoking conversations about the profession. Hosted by Patrick Dunne, each episode features in-depth interviews with industry experts, experienced RTs, and other healthcare professionals. Whether you’re navigating career challenges, seeking work-life balance, or simply looking to connect with others in the RT community, RTMatters offers valuable insights, personal stories, and practical advice. From the impact of staffing shortages to exploring new career paths in respiratory therapy, we tackle the topics that truly matter. Join us for conversations that will inspire, inform, and empower you to take control of your professional journey. Every episode is designed to help you stay engaged, motivated, and connected to a community of like-minded RTs. Tune in, get inspired, and make your voice heard by sending your questions and feedback to feedback@rtmatters.com.

Вам может также понравиться