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There are new job postings on the TSRC JOBS page.

The Tennessee Society For Respiratory Care has rescheduled the State Convention and Exhibition to November 15-16, 2021. The conference will still to be held in Memphis at the Hilton as originally planned. Due to concerns with COVID-19, we just cannot take the risk of gathering for the educational event in 2020. We do look forward to the fall of 2021, and hopefully allowing us to get together live, growing our knowledge and celebrating our profession.

The TSRC will be posting some pre-recorded videos soon to help the licensed RT’s in TN get CEUs. Safety and ethics will be posted along with other topics. To help licensed healthcare professionals in Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee has removed the requirement for face to face CEUs for 2020 due to COVID-19. However, 12 CEU’s are still expected for this year.

Donna Marshall – State Vice-President

Tammy Robinson – State secretary

Marla Kirk – State Treasurer

A big congratulations to these ladies in being elected in these positions. They will all serve until July 1, 2022.

Also thanks to Pam Ditto for serving as President until July 1, 2022. I have now moved into Past – President until July 1, 2021.

Thanks also to Kim Kermeen who has served as the State Treasurer for the last two years.

State offices require a big commitment of time, energy, and constant focus on the issues facing the profession. I personally want to thank all that have supported me over the last two years, in my role as State President and would encourage you to support Pam in her President role as well. Let us know if we can assist with any needs that you may have. Stay safe, mask up, wash those hands and remain COVID free. Thanks for all that you have done clinically across the state in caring for COVID patients. I am very proud of our profession and all of the countless hours Respiratory Therapists spend at bedside staying committed to making every breath count. You are true clinical heroes!!

From WKRN.com – Nashville

by: Elizabeth Lane, WKRN Web Staff
Posted: Apr 21, 2020 / 05:47 AM CDT / Updated: Apr 21, 2020 / 06:47 AM CDT

WKRN VIDEO

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Some on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic are facing some of the toughest challenges as part of this crisis.

Respiratory therapists are dealing with unprecedented struggles while trying to help patients recover from the coronavirus.

When a patient has trouble breathing, a respiratory therapist is called to their bedside around the clock.

Troubled breathing is one of the top symptoms of COVID-19 and the respiratory therapists are unsung heroes fighting on the front lines alongside doctors and nurses.

President of the Tennessee Society for Respiratory Care Susan Parsons said her therapists must change masks and protective gear for every new patient they treat. That process slows them down as they move from patient to patient.

“To do all of that and work in a patient’s room, not only can your body heat make you hot and start sweating, that’s a big challenge to have to go from room to room, dress out, wash your hands, take all of that equipment off, and then wash your hands with soap and water and moving to the next patient, that obviously slows you down,” explained Parsons.

She said respiratory therapists train their entire career to respond to diseases like coronavirus.

Parsons added the only way to guarantee you won’t catch COVID-19 is by not being exposed and social distancing — or at the very least wearing a mask — is the only way to keep that from happening.

“Opening things back up, I understand we can’t go forever like this, and it’s probably going to take some models that I’ve seen, two years plus before we can get vaccines on board, get people vaccinated and keep these cases from coming up. But in the meantime, people have to wear a mask covering their mouth and covering their nose,” said Parsons.