On April 12th, 2015, the largest AARC State Respiratory meeting opened its doors in Seattle, WA. Of the greater than 500 registrants, nearly one hundred and fifty were students. The highlight of this conference was the sessions offered to students. On Monday, April 13th, 2015, students nearing graduation representing each of the five respiratory programs in the state attended a special session organized by the Respiratory Care Society of Washington (RCSW) leadership. Educators, managers, nationally renowned speakers as well as RCSW leaders were on hand to offer advice to those on the verge of entering the respiratory work force.
The session was opened by Jon Jahns MS RRT, president elect of the RCSW and moderated by
Michele Pedicone MSc RRT-NPS, current RCSW Vice President. Carl Hinkson MSc RRT- ACCS NPS, FAARC encouraged students to learn from their mistakes, declaring that “life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. Brady Scott, MS RRT-ACCS, FAARC encouraged the students to be passionate about patient care, Gary White, MEd. RRT RPFT told students to pursue their passion and to read something everyday that interests them. Jennifer Armstrong, RRT-NPS, challenged the students to get involved and Gary Wickman, BS RRT shared how students could go to the AARC website and onto AARC Connect for students.
Fred Goglia MEd. RRT and Cory Martin, MEd. RRT-ACCS NPS CPFT shared information regarding the two baccalaureate programs which are available in WA state asserting that education is transformative.The student session concluded with Scott Mahoney, BS RRT and Daniel Rowley MSc RRT-ACCS NPS RPFT, FAARC encouraging the students to acknowledge the importance of mentorship and to seek a mentor. So, graduates, aspire to be the best RT you can be, forge ahead and “get out of the breakroom!”