Additionally , leaders made themselves available 24 / 7 to respond to the team and to the surge — a commitment that deepened everyone ’ s connection . “ That experience of being in the trenches with them made us reevaluate what generous service means , what humble expertise means , what all of these values actually mean — and how they live in practice every day ,” Alvarez says .
This humble and hardworking response was seen across the Children ’ s Colorado system of care . In Colorado Springs , Respiratory Therapy Clinical Manager Melissa L . Chaput , BS , RRT , worked day and night shifts so that her overworked team members could take time off .
“ She kept the Colorado Springs hospital functioning and stayed up to date with all the changes ,” Alvarez says . “ She ’ s just so incredibly passionate about quality patient care , and her actions speak volumes .”
Boundless creativity
The respiratory surge also required quick , creative thinking by all . First , acute care nurses triaged patient acuity to ensure the best match of resources to clinical need .
Then , an additional , temporary inpatient unit was set up in an outpatient space . To ensure proper oxygen supply was available to children in the new unit , team members had to identify safe alternatives to equipment that was in high demand .
Respiratory clinical practice specialist Diana Brown , MSHS , RRT-NPS , worked with operations supervisor Carla Casados De Oliveira , to promptly conduct a search of sources to locate vendors and secure the delivery of lifesaving medicine , as well as equipment such as ventilators , high-flow cannulas , and BiPap machines — which also required prompt training .
“ During this time , our respiratory therapist clinicians showcased their team approach and passion for delivering high quality patient care ,” Alvarez says .
Generous service
Throughout this difficult time , Moreno demonstrated strong leadership and steady guidance that was critical to ensuring quality clinical care for patients and fostering community despite great pressure and uncertainty .
Through it all , Moreno still made time to recognize the work of his team members with events like Respiratory Therapy Week . This annual event coincided with the clinical stress of the respiratory surge , but Moreno still made a point to recognize his team members .
“ We wanted to recognize our therapists not just in the department , but also across the organization ,” Moreno says .
The week ’ s festivities included an expression of personal gratitude from Pat Givens , DHA , EdM , RN , NEA-BC , Senior Vice President , Patient Care Services , and Chief Nursing Executive , as well as messages of thanks from other leaders and teams .
This recognition was especially meaningful during a time when the entire hospital faced unprecedented challenges . Team members were stretched to be nimbler and more dynamic than ever , as the department ’ s staffing needs doubled in just two weeks . Alvarez and Moreno were constantly moved by how quickly the team was ready to adapt .
Caring community
Patient education was another area where respiratory therapists excelled in 2022 . The Ventilator Care Program ( VCP ) launched classes for families of patients discharged with tracheostomy tubes . Respiratory chronic care team specialists Tracy Edwards , RRT , and Meagan Watton , RRT , along with nursing lead and VCP clinical specialty coordinator Jessica Dawson , MS , RN , CPN , led this initiative .
Team leaders predict that these standardized education classes may contribute to improved patient and family satisfaction scores , while also allowing respiratory chronic care specialist team members to improve their skills . These classes also further the goals of respiratory therapy at Children ’ s Hospital Colorado because they create a sustainable and efficient solution to maintaining consistent family education while better supporting individual patient journeys .
Mission in action
The uncertainty and demands of 2022 taught respiratory therapists , and everyone they worked with , many lessons . However , the greatest learning occurred when team members helped one another and demonstrated their appreciation for one another ’ s contributions .
“ I think the biggest lesson learned is that every healthcare discipline matters ,” Alvarez says . “ Everybody brings something to the table .”
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