National Respiratory Care Week is a great time for recognizing respiratory therapists, and many departments around the country use the week to bestow awards on individual staff members who have gone the extra mile.
Jolene Beaber, RRT, director of respiratory services at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL, says a program that’s been in place at her hospital for a number of years now is letting her RTs know they are valued members of the health care team. “We started our program in 2004 and modeled it after the nurse excellence award done by our hospital for nurse’s week,” says the manager. “We wanted to give recognition to an outstanding RT.”
Her department recognizes one individual with an RC Excellence Award. Another therapist is chosen via a drawing to receive a free membership in the AARC. “AARC membership is given to encourage AARC membership,” says Beaber.
Nominations for the RC Excellence Award come from fellow staff members and the nominees are judged by members of the hospital administration, who also choose the winner. “The winner gets his name on a plaque in our department and a gift certificate,” says Beaber. An article about the individual also appears in the hospital newsletter.
Beaber believes her staff appreciate the opportunity to nominate their peers for this annual award and feels like not just the ultimate winner, but all the nominees, are honored to be singled out for the recognition.
Most importantly, she believes the program is helping to build excellence among her staff.
