BIO
My Story
As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), I am a dedicated health professional that is passionate about lifelong learning and collaborating with others to improve the quality of health care delivery. I have created this portfolio as a place to gather resources and document the knowledge I am gaining while pursuing my Master of Health Studies.
For the past ten years I have worked for a Pediatric Tertiary Care Health Center. My primary role being a member of their Pediatric/Neonatal/Obstetric Critical Care Transport Team through a partnership with EHS LifeFlight. The team is RN/RRT configured and is a fully dedicated air medical transport service that serves the Maritime Provinces. My role as a Flight RRT includes working to an advanced scope of practice using delegated medical functions. These include advanced airway management, chest tube insertion and umbilical line placement. I have also been the Clinical Leader for the team for the past five years. This is a role that includes both educational and operational responsibilities. I am a BLS, PALS and NRP instructor and enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning form others experiences. This past year I had the opportunity to speak at the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists Conference and gave a presentation on our transport program with one of my amazing teammates.
As a practicing RRT in Nova Scotia, I am a member of the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (NSCRT). Respiratory Therapists are a self-regulated profession in Nova Scotia and the NSCRT serves as the licensing and regulating body. According to the NSCRT (2018) respiratory therapy means, “the application of professional Respiratory Therapy knowledge, skills, and judgement in the provision of diagnostic, assessment, and therapeutic modalities to assist in the management of cardio-respiratory and related disorders to achieve optimal respiratory health, wellness, and functional performance.” On the website is further information on the scope and standards of practice that I adhere to as a RRT. There is also link to current government legislation applicable to Respiratory Therapists. The main piece is the Respiratory Therapist Act.
I value Professional Development and I actively engage and participate in many committees and initiatives to further the RRT profession and ensure that RTs are working to their full scope of practice. A strong influence in the role description and scope of practice of various allied health professions has been the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW). This is the division of the provincial government that provides leadership and support to the overall health care system in NS. The DHW along with the provincial health authorities developed the current model of acute care delivery in the health centres across the province. The Collaborative Care Model was introduced in 2010/2011 and continues to be the strategic plan for ensuring Nova Scotian’s receive efficient access to quality care.
I recently accepted an Interim Clinical Manager Role and I am responsible for the management of the Pediatric Critical Care Portfolio. The change from bedside care to a leadership position has been both challenging and rewarding and drives me to pursue a better understanding of the health care system.
Sources:
https://www.nscrt.com/professional-practice/scope-of-practice
https://novascotia.ca/dhw/MOCINS/
https://crnns.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DelegationFunctions.pdf
