National Respiratory Care Week took place Oct. 25-31. Respiratory therapists from all over the globe used the occasion to raise awareness about respiratory health and the clinicians who play such an integral role in the health and well-being of patients. Here’s a brief look at the celebrations.
To view all RC Week 2020 photos, visit our photo album on Facebook.
Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center – Houston, TX.
For RC Week 2020, the Memorial Hermann team celebrated by making shirts and having many vendors provide inservice and lunch.
Schneck Medical Center
At Schneck Medical Center they had a pumpkin decorating contest with participation prizes and a winner gift card.They also had Starbucks, daily food from vendors, city mayor proclamation, CEU offerings daily, gift bags, and YETI tumbler gifts.
Flagler Hospital – St. Augustine, FL.
At Flagler Hospital all 54 employees were gifted with lunch bags and stainless steel water bottles. Plenty of virtual educational opportunities and meals were provided by the pulmonologists and vendors for both shifts. The hospital additionally posted a thank you on facebook.
Indian Association of Respiratory Care – Maharashtra State Chapter
COVID-19 has been challenging with restrictions on public gatherings and activities. So, this year the Maharashtra State Chapter celebrated respiratory care week online. An online discussion was organized with students to address their issues and motivate them. They organized a poster competition for students and conducted a webinar on COVID-19 for RTs. To increase awareness about the profession among physicians and government officials, they created testimonial videos of physicians in leadership roles.
University of Mary – North Dakota
RT faculty at the University of Mary with the proclamation of Respiratory Care Week in the state of North Dakota. The team celebrated by hosting a facebook live panel discussion, which discussed the topic of degree advancement in Respiratory Therapy.
Valley Health – Winchester Medical Center
It was a bittersweet week for the Valley Health team. They celebrated with meals, raffling prizes during morning huddle, and celebrating the team’s accomplishments for the year. They also said “goodbye” to one of their most experienced therapists, Wendell Eaton (center). Wendell has been a respiratory therapist at Winchester Medical Center for over 19 years. He has worked in all areas such as adult critical care, ED, NICU, and neonatal transport team. They wish him the best on his next endeavor!
CHI St Luke’s Health Brazosport
The team had daily treats from administration to their ICU nurses.
VA Connecticut – West Haven, CT.
The staff received Littmann stethoscopes, nonin pulse oximeters, and two shirts designed by the supervisor and team member Jason Wright with an “RT” logo on the front. Stating “COVID 19 2020 Frontline Silent Hero’s.” The back read “In This Together VA Connecticut.”
Baptist Health South Florida
The team at Doctors Hospital celebrated with delicious meals and gifts.
UC Davis Health
The UC Davis Health team had virtual education all week, treats from their peer support team, and a special virtual recognition ceremony for the RT team on Thursday that included a highlight of their preceptor of the year awards, great catch awards, recognizing RTs in higher degree programs, friends of nursing awards, a thank you from the CNO and executive leader, and recognition from our California Society for Respiratory Care.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Critical Care Physicians
This RT team had a Mister Softee ice cream truck visit to help kick off Respiratory Care Week!
Maria Rudd & Associates – Respiratory Care Consultants
This team had a photo shoot as a team and went to dinner sharing their stories and experiences. They also did a learning day on Home Medical Ventilators. They also received gifts for all their hard work.
Mark your calendar
Next Year’s Respiratory Care Week is Oct. 24-20, 2021. Looking for ideas? check in with your fellow AARC members through AARConnect to see how they celebrated and what ideas you may have for next year.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Addie Schiefer is the Content Manager for the AARC where she creates engaging content for the association via the AARC website, newsletters, and social media. Connect with her about potential stories by email, AARConnect, or LinkedIn. When she’s not working, you can find her listening to a true crime podcast, traveling to new places with her husband, hanging out with her dog JoJo, or browsing the aisles of the nearest Target.
