In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne is joined by Lori Tinkler, MBA, ICE-CPP, Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), for an in-depth discussion on the vital role the NBRC plays in advancing the respiratory therapy profession.

While many respiratory therapists know the NBRC as the organization responsible for entry-level credentialing, Lori explains that its mission extends far beyond initial certification. The conversation explores how specialty credentials can support career advancement, professional growth, and expanded clinical opportunities throughout an RT's career.

Lori provides an inside look at the NBRC's rigorous examination development process, including how job analysis surveys, pre-testing, psychometric evaluation, and ongoing performance monitoring help ensure that credentialing examinations accurately reflect current clinical practice.

The discussion also highlights the NBRC's specialty credentials, including:

• Adult Critical Care (ACCS)
• Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (NPS)
• Pulmonary Function Technology (CPFT/RPFT)
• Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS)
• Asthma Educator Certification (AE-C)

Patrick and Lori also discuss significant changes coming to the NBRC's entry-level credentialing examinations in January 2027, including the transition from the current two-exam pathway to a single examination with separate cut scores for the CRT and RRT credentials. The goal is to streamline the credentialing process while continuing to ensure that newly credentialed respiratory therapists demonstrate the knowledge and clinical competency needed for safe patient care.

Whether you're a respiratory therapy student preparing for your first credential, an experienced RT considering a specialty certification, or an educator helping prepare the next generation of clinicians, this episode offers valuable insight into the credentialing process and the future of 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.

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.