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.

In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne sits down with Garry Kauffman, Past President of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and a recognized thought leader in operational and organizational issues impacting respiratory care services.

The conversation explores one of the most pressing challenges facing the profession today: staffing shortages and their impact on both respiratory therapists and patient care.

Garry discusses the key drivers behind these shortages, including increased demand from an aging population, rising prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions, workforce attrition, and declining enrollment in respiratory therapy programs. He also highlights the real-world consequences of these challenges, such as high patient-to-therapist ratios, excessive overtime, reduced autonomy, and the growing reliance on costly agency staffing.

The episode also focuses on practical solutions. Garry emphasizes the importance of using validated tools like the AARC’s Safe and Effective Staffing Guide (SESG) to accurately assess clinical workload, support staffing decisions, and advocate for appropriate resource allocation.

In addition, he outlines how respiratory therapists can play an active role in advancing evidence-based care by working with medical directors and hospital leadership — demonstrating how protocol-driven care can improve patient outcomes while also supporting operational efficiency.

This episode offers valuable insight for respiratory therapists, department leaders, and healthcare professionals looking to better understand and address the ongoing staffing challenges in respiratory care.

In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne is joined by Frank Salvatore, MBA, RRT, FAARC and Keith Siegel, MBA, RRT, CPFT, FAARC, co-chairs of the AARC’s 2026 Fellowship Committee, to discuss what it truly means to be recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC).

Frank and Keith explain the purpose and significance of AARC Fellowship, outlining the eligibility criteria, nomination process, and evaluation standards used to select recipients. They also highlight how respiratory therapists can contribute to the profession beyond bedside care—through volunteerism, leadership, advocacy, and engagement at the local, state, and national levels.

The conversation concludes with encouragement for RTs to view AARC Fellowship not just as a credential, but as a pathway to elevate the profession and strengthen access to safe, evidence-based respiratory care across all practice settings.

In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne speaks with Gina Hoots, MSEd, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, AE-C, Founder and Principal of Hootenanny Joy, about the growing need for respiratory therapists in post-acute care. Gina reflects on her more than 30-year career in respiratory care and how continuous professional development led her to a new and impactful role supporting patients with chronic pulmonary conditions after hospital discharge.

The conversation explores the significant clinical and economic consequences of under-treating chronic respiratory disease in post-acute settings, and why traditional inpatient-focused models often fall short once patients return home. Gina also shares her motivation for launching Hootenanny Joy in 2023, inspired by her personal experience recovering from COVID, and outlines the company’s holistic approach to care.

She discusses how becoming a Certified Health Coach has shaped her work with patients, integrating breathwork, mindful living, sleep, nutrition, and movement to support long-term respiratory health. Listeners interested in learning more about Gina’s approach to post-acute respiratory care can connect with her at HootenannyJoy.com.

In this episode of RTMatters, Patrick sits down with Carri McClure, MBA, RRT, Clinical Supervisor of Respiratory Care at WellStar North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, GA. Carri shares her professional journey in respiratory therapy and discusses how advancing her education helped shape her current leadership role.

The conversation takes a candid look at the growing trend of delegating so-called “routine basic inpatient tasks”—including MDI and nebulizer treatments—to non-RT personnel. Carri highlights why these activities are far more than simple tasks and explains the critical role RTs play in monitoring, teaching, coaching, and assessing patients, especially outside of the critical care environment.

Carri also raises important patient safety concerns regarding a recent proposal, shared on AARConnect, suggesting that PACU nurses perform mechanical ventilation liberation and extubation—procedures traditionally and appropriately managed by respiratory therapists.

This episode underscores the need for RTs to stay actively engaged as the healthcare landscape continues to shift post-pandemic. Carri and Patrick explore how RTs can help shape these changes to protect patient safety and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, effective respiratory care.

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In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne continues the conversation with Dr. Robert Joyner, PhD, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, Director of the Richard A. Henson Research Institute at Tidal Health in Salisbury, MD, on the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in respiratory care.

Dr. Joyner discusses how AI can enhance clinical practice through data analysis, workflow support, and individualized patient management—particularly for COPD patients with complex comorbidities. He also explores the importance of maintaining the respiratory therapist’s critical role in interpreting data, making informed clinical decisions, and ensuring patient-centered care.

The discussion addresses both the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI in healthcare, including the need for transparency, bias mitigation, data security, and informed consent.

Tune in to learn how AI can complement—not replace—the expertise and judgment of skilled respiratory therapists at the bedside.