Vol. 29 October 2008 Issue 48
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Campers Have More Time for Fun at Asthma Adventure Camp
By Brian Lawlor MS, RRT, RCP
For the past two decades, (yes this is my twentieth year at camp), I have witnessed an evolution in asthma management. This evolution has had a very positive impact on the campers! When I first started helping out at camp, the hand held neb was the treatment of choice for many of the campers. Today, the camper manages asthma in a totally different manner. With the establishment of the GOLD standards, asthma management took on a whole new perspective. When I began at camp twenty years ago the Respiratory Therapy staff administered hundreds of nebulizer treatments to campers. This year the Respiratory Therapy staff administered approximately 10 neb treatments. The impact of the use of controller meds has demonstrated a profound effect on asthma management. Of the 105 campers that attended this year's camp, many of them used on a regular basis a combination of long acting bronchodilator and inhaled steroid. Another change that has evolved over the years is to allow the campers to carry their rescue meds with them along with a spacer. We did not have to administer a single 'stat neb during the week. Even though the need for nebulized bronchodilators has diminished, the medical staff still sees its share of cuts, bruises, and homesickness. The noted decrease in nebs allowed the therapists to focus more on education with the campers and to be mote involved with the camper's daily activities. One of the critical activities that has not changed over time is the monitoring of Peak Rows. They are measured and documented daily before morning meds and with evening meds. The data is tracked on each of the campers and reviewed daily for any significant changes. Then the camp physician can institute changes in camper's medication regimen.
The children the camp serves are the motivation for me to return each year. It is rewarding to see returning campers and learn how well they have done over the past year, as well as meeting new campers and knowing that they will be leaving camp with new found knowledge of managing their asthma. Another reason to return is the medical staff. They are like a second family. Many of them have been volunteering their time for several years as well. We have developed a mutual respect for each other abilities. There is not a lot of bureaucracy and territorial lines between professions. We all work together to make the campers' time a positive experience.
I would be remiss if I did not mention some of the highlights of the campsite itself. It is referred to as YMCA Camp Duncan, located in northern Illinois. Counselors supervise the campers, and the Illinois Lung Association organizes the camp and provides the medical staff. The counselors are unique because some of them come from the Chicago suburbs, and the remaining counselors come from around the world. The come from countries such as Australia, New Zeeland, England, and South Africa. This diversity of cultures provides campers and medical staff an added international dimension to camp. What more could you ask for?
This year's camp logo T-Shirt Emily Wilkinson, RRT conducting camper education
RRT (Written
or Clinical Simulation)
RPFT
CPFT
NPS
Proceed to the NBRC’s Examination and Test Center
Chapter 3 Spring Conference Sarah Bush Lincoln
Health Center Friday April 3rd
Delegates' Report from the House of Delegates Meeting
Phoenix, Arizona
July 14 & 15, 2008
Respectfully submitted by Kelly Crawford-Jones, MS, RRT
The ISRC was represented at the House of Delegates (HOD) meeting by Kelly Crawford-Jones and Debbie Linhart. Business was transacted Officers' and Committee reports and special presentations were given.
Important Actions and/or Information
Resolutions:
The ISRC is served by Kelly Crawford-Jones as a member of the HOD Orientation and Best Practices Committees, and by Debbie Linhart as Chairperson of the HOD Scrutinizing Committee, and a member of the AARC Bylaws Committee. Please feel free to contact either of us with questions or concerns about this report
Illinois Society for Respiratory Care
Call our toll-free support line (800) 990-2377
or visit our website at www.ceu.org
Supporting Those Who Support Us
On July 24 2008, Barb Zueck the Chair of the Licensure & Legislative and I attended a fundraiser for Representative Saviano at the Elmcrest in Elmwood Park.
ANGELO "SKIP" SAVIANO is a Illinois State Representative, 77th District and is the Chairman of the Registration & Regulation Committee. He also serves on the Aging, Appropriations-Public Safety, Executive and Public Utilities Committees, as well as the Ex-Offender and Re-entry Subcommittee. Representative Saviano sponsored our respiratory licensing act.
Afterwards Barb Zueck and I met with Representative Saviano to thank him for his support of the ISRC. We then took pictures and met with other members of his staff and family.
The ISRC was glad to receive the invitation and to contribute our support to his campaign.
(Pictured: Representative Saviano at the July 24, 2008 fundraiser.)
Audrea Hardwicks-Williams, BS, CRT-RCP
ISRC President- Elect
The Hustle
By Audrea Hardwicks-Williams BS, CRT-RCP
ISRC President Elect
The "Hustle Up the Hancock" event that was held this year on February 28th, 2008. This Event is held in the 94 floor John Hancock Building in downtown Chicago. Over 4,000 firefighters, lung cncer survivors, former smokers, lung transplant patients and people with asthma climbed the more than 1,632 steps within the Hancock Building. Each year firefighters from across the country join their Chicago-area firefighters at the "Hustle Up the Hancock" to honor the 343 fallen firefighters who gave their lives i the 9/11 World Trade Center Disaster.
With 1,632 stairs the "Hustle Up the Hancock" is the third tallest vertical stair climb in the country, behind that is Go Vertical Sears Tower Race and Step up for Kids at the Aon Center, all within Chicago. All proceeds from the race benefits the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago's efforts in education, research and $1,074,002 from over 10,569 donors. All monies that have been raised are for lung research and educational programs since the climb's inception. This year was the third time the ISRC participated in the "Hustle Up the Hancock" . The RHAMC along with the University of Illinois in Chicago sponsored Lung Screening durng the post-climb party at the nearby Hilton Suites Chicago. The climbers were given Lung Screens after their climb by Respiratory Therapist from different area hospitals.
Representative from the ISRC participated in the performing the lung screenings,
among them were; Doug McQueary ( ISRC/Membership-Chair), and myself (ISRC/Chapter
Two Chair). During the event over 100 lung screenings were performed and
interrupted by Dr. Jaffe's group from the U of I Hospital.
The ISRC is committed to their support in this annual event.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Medical Center-. RESPIRATORY CARE
Before you make your final choice, come see what "UICMC Hospital"
is really about
We are recruiting Respiratory Therapists that are excited about helping patients that have cardio-respiratory disorders. As a Respiratory Therapist you will be working with a team of therapist that:
Rotate through the MICU, SICIJ, NSICU, PICU, NNICU.
Participate in rounds and make recommendations
Implement protocols that allow you to use your assessment skills
Work with state of the art technology
Benefits include:
Free membership to AARC
Free tuition to state supported university
Liberal vacation and holiday time
Positions Available:
Supervisor Position: Responsible for leading and managing the evening shift Must be RRT and licensed in the Stale of Illinois and have a bachelor's degree.
Leadership Opportunity as a Respiratory Care Coordinator in the NNICEJ/PICU responsible for coordinating and assisting with all respiratory care activities. Must be RRT and licensed in the State of Illinois and have a bachelor's degree.
Critical Care Positions - must be certified and licensed in the State of Illinois. Must have at least one year of experience, good assessment and ventilator skills, must actively be pursuing a RRT.
In House Agency:
Students are welcome after completing their first year of a 2-year respiratory program.
Certified Therapist with two years of experience in the ICU with a good background in mechanical ventilation.
Give us a coll today to tour our facility
Wade Jones, RRT, Director of Respiratory Care Services
1740 W. Taylor Street, Suite 601 W,
Chicago, Illinois 60612
(312) 996 4335 or fax resnme (312) 996 4334 e-mail: wjones@uic.edu
AA/EOE
2009 Conference and Exposition
Drury Lane - Oak Brook Terrace
May 27, 28, 29
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
AARC Member Discount for NBRC Exams - More Information at http://www.aarc.org/member_services/nbrc_discount/
Now you have another great reason to be an AARC member. Discounts on your
NBRC examinations!
All AARC members are eligible for a $40 discount on the following NBRC
examinations:
RRT (Written or Clinical Simulation), RPFT, CPFT, NPS
Each member is eligible for this discount under the following conditions:
It is for first-time test takers only (on any one of the listed exams)
This is a one-time discount
Follow the instructions below to register for the discount and proceed to the NBRC's Examination and Test Center to register for the examination.
Instructions:
Register for the .AARC Member Discount
There is no charge for registration; this process validates your membership information and allows you to receive important instructions so that you can receive your discount.
Read the e-mail you receive after registration. It will contain instructions about accessing the NBRC's Examination and Test Centerif you do not have internet access or an e-mail address, please call the AARC Customer Service Department for assistance at (972) 243-2272.
Proceed to the NBRC's Examination and Test Center
Once you have registered and obtained your instructions, please proceed to the NBRC's Examination and Test Center. Please be sure your browser has cookies enabled before accessing this site.
Thank you for validating your professionalism by being a member of the AARC and seeking higher professional credentials with the NBRC!
AARC MEMBERSHIP AT REDUCED RATES
Join the AARC or renew your AARC membership by purchasing a discount coupon
from the ISRC.
You can save either $15.00 or $27.50 on your AARC membership with the purchase
of these discount coupons.
Purchase a coupon from the ISRC for $75.00 and mail it to the AARC with your
renewal form or membership applicaion.
The coupon aIlows you to either
Renew your membership for $75 (regular price $90) orJoin the AARC for just
$75 (regular price $102.50)
Remember. if you are an AARC member in Illinois. you are also an ISRC member.
To purchase a coupon or for more information contact:
Doug McQueary, membership committee, at (773)962-4086 or e-mail to:
dmcqueary@stbh.org
| The RESPIRATORY TRACT Official Publication of the ISRC
Published by the
Brian Lawlor, Editor
President -- Lynn Harmsr |
Chapter I Chair - Don Byrd Phone: 309-643-2116
Chapter II Chair - Robin Robinson
Chapter III Chair - Brent Ryherd
Chapter IV Chair - Doug Cannon
Chapter VI Chair- Debbie Earnest
Chapter VII Chair - Greg Brown
Medical Advisors: |
The RESPIRATORY TRACT is published bi-monthly The closing date for editorial and advertising printed material is the first of the month preceding month of issue.
The RESPIRATORY TRACT
Circulation: All members of ISRC |
The Joint Commission Tackles Bad Behavior
July 10, 2008
AARC is making members aware of a new Joint Commission Sentinel Alert on bad behavior in heath care organizations and how it can damage the culture of safety necessary to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
According to the Alert, there is a history of tolerance and indifference to intimidating and disruptive behaviors among physicians and other health care professionals in many organizations. The Joint Commission cites the high pressure, high fatigue work environment of health care as one reason for this tolerance, but says the practice is no longer acceptable in today's health care environment.
"Safety and quality of patient care is dependent on teamwork, communication, and a collaborative work environment," notes the Alert. "To assure quality and to promote a culture of safety, health care organizations must address the problem of behaviors that threaten the performance of the health care team."
The Joint Commission specifically notes these behaviors can foster medical errors, contribute to poor patient satisfaction, lead to preventable adverse outcomes, increase the costs of care, and cause qualified health care workers to seek employment elsewhere.
To help remedy the situation, the Commission is issuing a new Leadership standard for all accredited organizations. The standard, which will go into effect on January 1, 2009, calls for all organizations to:
Have a code of conduct that defines acceptable and disruptive and inappropriate behaviors.
Create and implement a process for managing disruptive and inappropriate behaviors. The Joint Commission has developed 11 action items for organizations to address as they work to eliminate disruptive and inappropriate behaviors from their facilities, including a "zero tolerance" policy for intimidating and/or disruptive behaviors; more training for all health care professionals, including physicians; and surveillance and reporting systems aimed at uncovering incidents of bad behavior in facilities.
"Most health care workers do their jobs with care, compassion, and professionalism," said Commission President Mark R. Chassin, MD, MPP, MPH, in a press release on the Sentinel Alert and new standard. "But sometimes professionalism breaks down and caregivers engage in behaviors that threaten patient safety. It is important for organizations to take a stand by clearly identifing such behaviors and refusing to tolerate them."
Article used by permission from the AARC Website