Respiratory HQ's Journey to Success: Recent Episodes
Tonya Piehl
The journey to becoming a successful respiratory therapist goes beyond textbooks!
Each week, Tonya Piehl breaks down what it takes to successfully complete a respiratory therapy program, gain the RRT credential. and to transform into a leader in the Respiratory Therapy profession.
As individuals we are increasing the amount of time we spend on social media for entertainment and education. As an RT student if you are looking for answers to your questions, you must exercise extreme caution, making sure you are using quality educational material. Join me as I discuss ways to vet the instructors and tutors you are using.
If you want to check out specific outcome for individual RT Programs, that information can be found here:
https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/
In this episode, Jessica Britton talks about the importance of self-care. We will also be debunking several self-care myths.
- Myth #1: Self-care is just for women
- Myth #2: Self-care is selfish
- Myth #3: Self-care is pampering
- Myth #4: Self-care must be earned
- Myth #5: Self-care is too time-consuming and expensive
In this episode we discuss ways to reset and refocus on your goals of completing respiratory therapy school and gaining your RRT credentials. Discussion includes: • Remembering your why • Honoring yourself by looking at the progress you’ve made this far through your journey • Influences in your life • Not letting temporary setbacks become permanent experiences
In this episode Jackie Betancourt gives insight to RT students about the hazard of comparisons. Topic discussed include:
• Comparison of grades and the importance of setting your own measure of success
• Importance of asking instructors to repeat content to allow for understanding
• Not allowing comparison to rob your inner peace and joy
• Always remembering your WHY!
In this episode, we will talk about understanding test anxiety and anxiety reduction strategies. Topics include:
- Two types of anxiety students can experience around test taking: anxiety from lack of test taking skills and anxiety from external and internal triggers.
- Importance of preparation regarding effective study strategies and advanced studying
- How to deal with rushes of adrenaline before and during the test
- How to take the exam: answer the easy questions first, skip those that you don’t know
- Understanding external triggers and finding solutions to those to minimize anxiety
- Identifying internal factors that create negative thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
In Episode 11, we talk about efficient workflow and time management strategies to include:
• Tackling your most dreaded task immediately to save stress throughout your day
• Explaining the Pomodoro technique
• The importance of eliminating distractions during times of work/studying
• Being intentional and honest about the types of distractions you may encounter
This episode summarizes the personal and group study strategies found successful by students from across the US and abroad.
In this episode, guest speakers and 2nd year students, Caitlyn Heistermann and Stacey Sampley share their expertise and advice for studying in respiratory therapy school. Topics in this podcast include:
• Incorporating different study strategies throughout RT school
• Use of PowerPoints and slides for initial study
• Discussions for critical thinking development
• Memorization vs critical thinking and when to use each
• Caitlyn and Stacey demonstrate a discussion that takes a basic concept into a deeper understanding that allows for critical thinking
• The importance of having a study partner or group for development of critical thinking • Self-guided learning to increase personal knowledge base
• Importance of asking questions to gain clarity
In this episode, guest speaker and 2nd year student, Scarlett Luis shares her expertise and advice for studying in respiratory therapy school. Topics in this podcast include:
- Developing new study skills while maintaining the pace in Respiratory Therapy school
- Contribution to study groups
- Importance of reading the textbook chapter
- Coloring coding textbooks, notes, and instructor PowerPoints
- Use of GoodNotes (app for notetaking)
- Use of iPad to
- Interact with textbooks electronically
- Taking pictures in lab and making notes on top of picture
- Taking pictures of ventilators and different user interfaces
- Use of group chat
- Use of www.purposegames.com to quiz with anatomy
In this episode, guest speaker and 2nd year student, Kiesha Parker shares her expertise and advice for studying in respiratory therapy school. Topics in this podcast include:
- Completing lesson objectives as a beginning study tool for tests
- Listening or watching lectures multiple times
- Forming study groups as an effective strategy for studying
- Technology that works for online study groups (Zoom vs Teams)
- Study group size and effectiveness
- Personality and group dynamics
- Participation in study groups is a team effort, be a team player and participate!
- Other benefits of study groups that go beyond the textbooks
Episode 6 completes the PACE yourself series. In this episode Tonya discusses 5 ways to maintain and recharge energy levels.
- Importance of a healthy diet, regular eating habits, and adequate hydration to maintain stable energy levels
- Exercise to increase blood flow to the brain to combat energy slumps
- Evaluate the types of people you spend your time with (batteries vs black holes)
- Benefits of music for a quick pick-me-up
- Importance of recharging in a manner that is restorative to your personality type.
In this episode, Tonya shares her favorite definition of commitment and suggests 5 different strategies to incorporate to help maintain commitment toward long term goals.
Tonya continues the discussion on the importance of knowing how to PACE Yourself through RT school. This episode focuses on assessing relationships, downtime, and anxiety.
In Episode 3, Tonya discusses the need to set an appropriate pace as the RT student transitions through their program. This pace will keep physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion at bay while maintaining important relationships in life. Tonya will use the acronym P.A.C.E. (preparation, assessment, commitment, and energy), over the new few episodes. This episodes discusses the importance of preparation and planning prior to the start of RT school. If the listener is interested, Tonya also suggests taking a free version of the Myers-Briggs personality inventory. https://www.truity.com/test/type-finder-personality-test-new This is not intended to be used ad medical advice, but rather to reach a deeper understanding in the way we prefer to learn and process information.
In this episode, Tonya explains 4 phases through which RT students will transition. Key elements for success are discussed with each phase. From preparation, to visualization, to aligning with positive influences (don't drill holes in the canoe)...Tonya will help students transition through their programs and transform to critical thinking RRTs.
Embarking on the first journey of it's kind, Tonya Piehl welcomes the respiratory therapy community to Respiratory HQ's Journey to Success. In this episode Tonya reveals the purpose of Respiratory HQ, emphasizes the necessity of "finding your why", and challenges both student and instructor to create an environment that allows learning to happen with less intimidation.