October 14
Second-year North Shore Community College respiratory care students and several faculty members attended the Massachusetts Society for Respiratory Care’s annual conference, held September 30 through October 1 in Worcester.
“This is their first opportunity to see what's going on at a statewide level, how the conferences are run, and to begin networking as they figure out what they want to do with their careers,” said Jane Schweizer ‘84, director of the respiratory care program.
Students had the opportunity to learn about educational opportunities, should they choose to pursue a bachelor’s in respiratory therapy, and to meet with recruiters.
“We were able to connect with professionals from major hospitals such as Mass General, Tufts, Beth Israel, and UMass Memorial. I left the conference feeling inspired and confident,” said respiratory care student Madison Toth.
Most respiratory therapists work in acute care hospitals and are typically found in critical care units like emergency rooms, intensive care units, and cardiac care units. Respiratory therapists assess and diagnose patients, recommend therapy, and, under the direction of a physician, manage mechanical ventilators.
While attending sessions at the conference, students learned about new research and listened to advanced lectures on topics such as mechanical ventilation. As part of this behind-the-scenes look into respiratory care, students got a view of the society’s healthcare advocacy on the state and federal levels. For example, they gained an understanding of state delegates’ work in Washington, DC advocating for respiratory therapists and their patients.
“The conference really emphasized how important ongoing learning is in order to provide the best possible care and keep patient safety at the center of everything we do,” said Noemi Escobar, a respiratory care student. “It was a great opportunity to hear from experienced respiratory therapists about current research, new technologies, and how to apply what I’m learning in the classroom to real-world situations. It really motivated me and gave me a clearer idea of what to expect as I start my career.”
To learn more about the respiratory care program, click here.