RTMatters Episode 016 – Stress, Burnout, and Building Resilience in Respiratory Care

RTMatters Episode 016 – Stress, Burnout, and Building Resilience in Respiratory Care

In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne is joined by Katlyn Burr, DSL, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC, Senior Director of Respiratory Care, Sleep Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering at Nemours Children’s Health, for an important conversation about the impact of chronic work-related stress on respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals. Drawing on both her professional expertise and recent research, Dr. Burr discusses how chronic stress affects physical and mental health through normal physiological responses, including increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol. She explains how prolonged exposure to workplace stressors can contribute to fatigue, burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and impaired overall well-being. The discussion explores practical, evidence-based strategies for recognizing and managing stress, including physical activity, breathing techniques, cognitive distraction methods, and the importance of maintaining healthy sleep habits. Dr. Burr also emphasizes the value of identifying personal stressors early and taking proactive steps to reduce their impact before they become overwhelming. Beyond the individual effects, the conversation examines how workplace stress can influence patient care and clinical outcomes, highlighting why supporting the health and well-being of healthcare professionals is essential for delivering safe, high-quality respiratory care. Whether you are an experienced clinician, department leader, educator, or student, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools for building resilience and maintaining a healthier mind-body balance in today’s demanding healthcare environment. Listen now and join the conversation on what matters most to respiratory therapists.

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.

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.

RTMatters Episode 013 | RTs Recognized as AARC Fellows: What That Means

In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne is joined by Frank Salvatore, MBA, RRT, FAARC and Keith Siegel, MBA, RRT, CPFT, FAARC, co-chairs of the AARC’s 2026 Fellowship Committee, to discuss what it truly means to be recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC). Frank and Keith explain the purpose and significance of AARC Fellowship, outlining the eligibility criteria, nomination process, and evaluation standards used to select recipients. They also highlight how respiratory therapists can contribute to the profession beyond bedside care—through volunteerism, leadership, advocacy, and engagement at the local, state, and national levels. The conversation concludes with encouragement for RTs to view AARC Fellowship not just as a credential, but as a pathway to elevate the profession and strengthen access to safe, evidence-based respiratory care across all practice settings.

RTMatters - Episode 012 | Post-Acute Respiratory Care

In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne speaks with Gina Hoots, MSEd, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, AE-C, Founder and Principal of Hootenanny Joy, about the growing need for respiratory therapists in post-acute care. Gina reflects on her more than 30-year career in respiratory care and how continuous professional development led her to a new and impactful role supporting patients with chronic pulmonary conditions after hospital discharge.   The conversation explores the significant clinical and economic consequences of under-treating chronic respiratory disease in post-acute settings, and why traditional inpatient-focused models often fall short once patients return home. Gina also shares her motivation for launching Hootenanny Joy in 2023, inspired by her personal experience recovering from COVID, and outlines the company’s holistic approach to care.   She discusses how becoming a Certified Health Coach has shaped her work with patients, integrating breathwork, mindful living, sleep, nutrition, and movement to support long-term respiratory health. Listeners interested in learning more about Gina’s approach to post-acute respiratory care can connect with her at HootenannyJoy.com.