Are These For Real? by Jan Morgan
From the Editor by Jan Morgan
Thesis Abstract: A Survey Study Examining Respiratory Therapists' Attitudes Toward Participative Decision-Making by Shane Blake
Conference Recap by Melody Bero, RRT
Political Advocacy Contact Team
What the heck is a PACT?
Prescription Drug Abuse/Dependency
From the President by Shane Blake
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How many times have you come across a respiratory order that doesn't sound quite right? Chances are, those orders are simply entered in a computer wrong, but occasionally.... Here are some examples:
· Oxygen therapy, Q1 hour-Until stable and then every 4 hours with strict intakes and outtakes.
· Respiratory treatment now...to help clear throat.
· Respiratory Care to arrange for home O2 at 2 liters on execution.
· O2 therapy-titrate to keep sats >90% via nasal canister at noc
· Aerosol treatment with Albuterol Q6 hours, while eating
· IPPB, Q8, while eating
· Aerosol treatment Q4, while eating (RT kiddingly comments "Treatment not given because patient would not eat!)
· O2 via nasal cannula at 28 L/M
· OK to take O2 off to go downstairs to smoke.
If you have any humorous orders or stories, please e-mail me at
jmorgan@nmhs.org!
Hello! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the NSRC Publications Chair and Inspiration Editor. I am hoping to serve the NSRC well in this endeavor as well as meet new people and gain some experience along the way. I would like to thank Shane Blake and Jeff Gonzalez for giving me insight on how to get this newsletter done.
Inside you will find a review of the NSRC State Meeting, articles of interest, and some very important information about an advocacy group called "PACT". Please be sure to read about how you can help your profession.
On the lighter side, I would like to include a little humor in each newsletter. Perhaps you have a good story or something amusing to share. Please send them my way! You can e-mail me at jmorgan@nmhs.org or fax it to 402-354-4699. Thanks, and enjoy the "news".
The purpose of this survey study was to assess respiratory therapists' attitudes regarding their managers' use of participative decision making processes in their respective health care organizations across Nebraska. Five research questions were addressed in this study: (1) What level of participative decision making processes are respiratory therapy managers currently using? (2) What type of decision-making processes do respiratory therapists desire? (3) How satisfied are respiratory therapists in their current work environment? (4) What correlation exists between the respiratory therapists' job satisfaction and the current managerial participative decision making style? (5) How do respiratory therapists' responses differ based on various demographic variables (job responsibilities, size of department, gender, education, etc.)? The total population for this study was 792 licensed and practicing, non-managerial respiratory therapists in Nebraska. The sampling frame used for this study was obtained from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure Credentialing Division. The sampling frame consisted of respiratory therapists with Nebraska residency and active licenses to practice respiratory therapy in the state of Nebraska. A simple randomized sample was utilized. Data were collected using a 57 item, self-administered descriptive survey. The survey was mailed to potential respondents on October 1, 1999. Surveys were coded and non-respondents received a second mailing on October --28, 1999. A total of 565 surveys were sent, and 271 responses were received, for a response rate of 47.9%. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated including frequencies, percents, measures of central tendency and measures of variability, Pearson's r Correlation, Independent t-test, and ANOVA. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software was used to analyze the data. The results of this study indicate that based on simple statistical descriptives it was inconclusive to determine if managers were practicing autocratic or delegation Participative Decision-Making (PDM) processes. There was evidence that respiratory therapists' managers did consult during the PDM process. Yet, in understanding what respiratory therapists desired in PDM processes, basic statistical analysis revealed that therapists do not want a manager who would practice or make decisions in an autocratic manner. By comparing the responses of the Short-form MSQ (a job satisfaction model) to other professions that completed the Short-form MSQ, respiratory therapists indicated that they are (on average) generally satisfied on the job. The most significant findings of this survey study revealed the relationship between how managers practiced PDM processes and the subsequent job satisfaction of respiratory therapists. Generally, when managers used an autocratic PDM process there was a negative correlation that indicated a lower job satisfaction. When compared to the use of consultative and delegative PDM processes, the latter two processed revealed a generally higher level of job satisfaction. There was no indication of any significant differences between the demographic variables (gender, certification level, membership of professional organizations, education, number of years as a respiratory therapist, or different job responsibilities) and the practice of PDM processes, the desire for a PDM process, and job satisfaction. The only significant difference was the variable of the department size in which a respiratory therapist was a part of, in comparison to the PDM processes (desired or practiced) and job satisfaction. Recommendations from the study: (1) Health care organizations should set policies and practices with the intent to solicit participation from employees in the decision making process. (2) Health care organizations should develop management training on the decision-making approaches that are contingent on the delegation or consultation process. (3) Health care organizations should implement job satisfaction measurements that measure employees' attitudes toward job-relevant issues. (4) Because of the significant differences noted between department sizes and job satisfaction, health care organizations should look at the feasibility of creating smaller work units (self-manage work teams) in larger departments.
Last October I solicited a random number of respiratory therapists for the completion of my thesis in partial fulfillment for a Master's degree. Several of you indicated that you would like a summary of the results from my study. I would like to thank all of you that took the time and consideration of completing the survey questionnaire and returning it. You made my study a successful experience. - Shane Blake
The 2000 Great Plains Conference on Respiratory Care was held May 10, 11, and 12 in Kearney, Nebraska at the Ramada Inn. Attendance for the conference was very good. There were 37 vendor booths set up which is more than in years past. Including the vendors who attended the conference we had over 200 people attend meetings.
On Wednesday over 60 people enjoyed taking advantage of the nice weather and took in a game of golf. Lunch was provided along with a prize for each golfer. That evening a barbecue was held at a local establishment with many in attendance. The Sputum Bowl preliminaries were held that evening with a very good turn out for support of the teams participating. The meetings went well on Thursday and Friday with very good evaluations received regarding the speakers. On Thursday evening we had a banquet for the first time as part of the conference. The banquet consisted of a buffet dinner. Introducing all the NSRC board members and giving away the Linda Sturdevant scholarship. Door prizes were given throughout the evening and a video was shown. The banquet had a very good turn out with over 100 people attending. Following the banquet the finals for the sputum bowl were held with the Bryan LGH team coming in first place once again for us. They will represent us well at nationals once again.
I would like to take this opportunity as your past Vice President to Thank everyone involved in helping make the conference a success. I would try to list out everyone but then this would turn into a three-page article. Being the Vice President was a very good experience for me, but as all past Vice Presidents will agree it is definitely not a one-person job. There is no way you could have a successful meeting without all the help that is received from others. I was able to meet and make friends with new people along the way, but most importantly I became more involved with what is going on in our profession. If anyone is interested in becoming more involved, please don't hesitate to do so by contacting one of the current board members.
Next years meeting has already been set for May 9th-11th at the Holiday Inn in Kearney. So everyone mark your calendars and hopefully we can have another great turn out in 2001.
Thanks Again to all. Melody Bero, RRT
Further your profession. Advocate for respiratory care. Become a Political Defender for the Respiratory Care Community.
With the growing public scrutiny of health care and respiratory care, AARC is launching a political contact program to advocate public policies that will have a positive impact on the respiratory care community. It is critical that the voices of respiratory therapists be heard on a variety of issues. Members of AARC's Political Advocacy Contact Team (PACT) will be asked to provide effective communication with state and federal legislators and administrators.
What's in it for You?
Advance your own profession. Increase your visibility. Keep informed of professional issues. Network with others across the country and state on crucial issues.
Communicating with Legislators.
AARC's PACT members will take an active role on issues affecting the profession of respiratory care including: Prospective Payment in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Outpatient Care, and Home Health Care; home medical equipment issues; Medicare reform; Medicaid; tobacco and other federal and state issues. You will be asked to call, write, fax, email and personally contact members of Congress as necessary throughout the session.
Keeping Informed of the Issues.
As a PACT member, you will be kept up-to-date on important issues through AARC communication channels and the PACT coordinators in your state. You will be contacted first when a call to action is needed on critical government issues.
Becoming a PACT member.
The AARC Political Advocacy Contact Team will be the third leg of the "three legged stool" for effective public policy advocacy. The first leg is the AARC and its government affairs division; the second leg is the leadership in your affiliate that coordinates the PACT and maintains critical information and lobbying tools. When combined in a coordinated, long-term commitment to political advocacy, these three legs will provide a firm political foundation for the respiratory care community.
Enroll Now for a chance to win a NSRC T-shirt!! Name:____________________________________________________________ Adress:___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:____________________________________________________ Phone:______________________ Email:_______________________________ Comments:________________________________________________________
*return form to the NSRC, P.O. Box 6295, Lincoln, NE 68506-9998 (two names will be randomly picked from the entry forms submitted). **one entry form for each new PACT member sign-up.
***must be a member of the AARC to be eligible
Last year, the AARC formed the Political Advocacy Contact Team (PACT) to begin the underpinnings of a grassroots network of respiratory therapists advocating for the profession.
So often we hear about the need for grassroots support and a groundswell effort needed to advance an issue, but when we speak of the political arena, grassroots is essential. So much of what we do on the federal government level as a profession requires the support of Senators and Members of Congress across the country. It is the grassroots, the constituents in each Congressional district in each state that motivate the interest and action of these legislative decision-makers.
Shane Blake and Bruce Couillard are the two PACT co-leaders in our state. We are just an organizing or rallying point for information and action that comes down through us from the national AARC. We are seeking volunteers from across the state to help us in this effort. To ensure that the PACT functions as a true grassroots initiative, we must identify, as an optimum, two respiratory therapists from each Congressional district to serve as liaisons to and spokespersons for the profession to the U.S. Representatives in those districts. We would also like two spokespersons for each state legislative district. Please contact:
Patty Bauer (Phone:(402) 354-4184) Omaha Area Districts 3-14, 16, 20, 31, 39 & 45
Doug Stoemel (Phone:(402) 463-0399) Greater Nebraska Area Districts 18-19, 33-38, 40-44, 47-49
Tad Hunt (Phone:(402) 466-1553) Lincoln Area Districts 1-2, 15, 17, 21-30, 32 & 46
We would like to thank the volunteers that have joined the PACT.
What will you do as a PACT representative? Quite simply you will call and write to your U.S. representatives, Senators, and State Senators and develop a relationship with that person so that when issues arise of importance to this profession, you are able to act and speak on behalf of respiratory therapy.
Please join with us in this endeavor. Fill out the form included in this newsletter (and maybe win a free T-shirt) and volunteer today.
As individuals in the "helping and healing" professions, we need to take extra time to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. Our day to day activities usually consist of long hours, frequent interruptions, increasing demands, high expectations and possibly standing for extended periods of time. These kinds of activities can result in many health related concerns. Sometimes, the activity involves pain. Trying to function well on the job while managing pain can be a frustrating and exhaustive process.
There are many alternatives for pain management. Most are very safe but for some people the treatment can create other problems. Some of the more popular methods of pain management are biofeedback, meditation, acupuncture, physical therapy, exercise, and medication. The most often used method is medication. Prescribed medications used appropriately are safe and effective. However, many medications can be addictive. Use of these drugs can become an addiction and can create a high risk of relapse for the patient already diagnosed with an addiction. Most individuals who find themselves abusing or addicted to these drugs, originally began taking them as prescribed for their back, migraine or other pain.
The problems that arise for individuals who are abusing these medications tend to vary. Some individuals begin to have job impairment issues. Some begin to experience rebound pain. Others gravitate to more addictive type drug seeking behaviors to acquire the needed drugs via multiple or fraudulent prescriptions, diversion, or frequent emergency room visits. Many of these individuals go without the treatment they need due to the complexity of the issue. However, acknowledging that this problem can exist is a start. Educating ourselves and others is a step to be taken to help protect these individuals and the public. Employers and healthcare professionals can become more assertive responding to the professional's symptom of addiction. Medical professionals can prescribe "safe" medications for those who are at risk.
It is our responsibility as licensed professionals to help safeguard our profession and the public by reaching out to our colleagues in need. If you are interested in learning more about this issue or suspect you may know of someone who is abusing prescription medications, please contact Julie Buscher, MHR, CADAC, Licensee Assistance Program Coordinator.
A number of times I have found myself staring at the computer screen and keyboard and wondering what I could possibly say at this time. I find myself waiting for some muse to move my thoughts into some coherent pattern, to hopefully create some paradigm of thought for our profession. Then again, how many past presidents have stared at their words with the hope of relating to those in our profession and maybe, just maybe, inspiring them to be a part of something that is bigger than themselves?
The only thing that comes to mind, be it juvenile or not, is those childhood days of social antics and disobedience in the playgrounds of grade school. Monkey bars, swing sets, the open field for kick-ball and soccer. My childhood friends and childhood bullies. Those days of running through the playground without a care. Yet underneath this innocence of childhood lurked a monster that could make any child move a mountain. Three strange but simple words could reck havoc on a child yet could cause them to find a deeper strength within themselves. These simple words could be used by anyone without repercussions or stock; Words so basic but when spoken by any child they could level any playground and silence any child they were aimed at: "I Dare You."
I find myself muttering these words today, not in an egotistical challenge, but in hope of moving you, me and our common profession. I dare you. I dare you to be a better member of your profession. I dare you to be a voice for those patients that you care for day in and day out. I dare you to get involved with those issues that can have an effect on you and your profession. I dare you to become a part of a greater whole. I dare you to be a better professional. I dare you to be active in you profession. I dare you to become a PACT member. I dare you to write an article for the inspiration. I dare you to become involved in becoming a member of the AARC and the NSRC. I dare you to dare a friend to join the AARC. I dare you to run for an open office on the NSRC Board of Directors. I dare you to do something fun and outgoing for Respiratory Care Week September 10-16th.
Besides, if you find yourself not motivated....I could always "Double-Dog Dare You."
For one week in August at YMCA's Camp Kitaki, 30 children with cystic fibrosis get to experience adventure like every other child. At Camp Jenny, these kids will enjoy a variety of activities like running, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and many others. Children with CF will feel "normal" as they share the experiences with others that need breathing treatments, chest physiotherapy, and medication. Camp Jenny looks to the medical professions to volunteer their time throughout the week. If you are interested in helping out or would like more information, please contact Russ Koos of the American Lung Association at (402) 572-3030 or Kristi Farrington, RRT at (402) 558-9098.
Camp Jenny is a wonderful opportunity to help 30 great, full-of-life kids. Ask any one of them the downside to having CF and they will give you a list a mile long. Ask them what the up side to having CF might be and they will say "Camp Jenny"! TOP OF PAGE