Sharing Your Story on Video

Please join the conversation by recording a video of yourself sharing your perspectives on topics like these:

• Please start by introducing yourself: your name, occupation and current city/state.
• If you work in respiratory patient care, describe a recent shift. As you care for respiratory patients, explain the things you – or your respiratory therapy colleague – do for them that are unique to your position as a respiratory therapist. Feel free to share a patient situation that stands out as particularly challenging or meaningful (without identifying the patient, of course).
• If you are a respiratory therapist: Why did you choose to become a respiratory therapist? What makes it rewarding for you? If you work with a respiratory therapist: Describe the importance of the RTs role on your team and in delivering specialized respiratory care.
• If you are a physician or clinician who works alongside therapists: Describe the value the respiratory therapist(s) provides for the patient and the care team. How does their specialization fill critical roles in patient care and outcomes?
• If you are a respiratory therapy patient (or family member of a patient): Describe what you saw in terms of the role the respiratory therapists played in patient care, patient outcome, recovery/condition management – and also the “soft skills” like encouraging positive outlooks, compassion/empathy, etc.
• What do you see for the future of respiratory care and its importance in the medical field?
• What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a respiratory therapist (or considering the medical field in general but isn’t sure which track to take)?

Please Note:

• Videos will be distributed via MoreRTs.com and the NBRC, AARC and CoARC social platforms. As always, patient privacy is extremely important. Please protect patient information appropriately and follow any guidelines required of your institution.
• To avoid confusion with radiologic technician, we ask that you refer to “respiratory therapists” and “respiratory therapy” (rather than “RT”).
• Please remember: The purpose of this video is to elevate the profession and inspire others to join the regarding career of respiratory therapy, far beyond the immediate COVID-19 crisis. To stay true to that objective, we ask that your story refrain from making calls for PPE and ventilators.

RECORDING YOUR VIDEO: A/V RECOMMENDATIONS *

• Devices: You may use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone for your video interview, as long as the device has a video camera and microphone (and an internet connection to upload).
  • On a phone or tablet, use landscape (horizontal) orientation, and place the device on a stable surface, propped up as needed to stand on its own. Holding the device by hand will cause movements that make the video appear shaky for viewers.
• Framing: Make sure there is some amount of headroom, meaning your head should not be cut off or touching the top of the frame.
• Lighting: Strive for even lighting. It is especially important to avoid backlighting, such as a bright window behind you, which will darken your face and image. Facing a window can be a good idea as it provides even light.
• Background: Please ensure the room of your choice is tidy and free of clutter, at least in the immediate vicinity of where you will be sitting or standing during the video interview.
  • Stand or sit at least six feet away from walls if possible. Avoid background décor that will be positioned in a way that will appear as if it is sitting on top of or sticking out of your head.
• Sound: Select a small room with enough inside to minimize “echo” or “tin can” sounds. Close doors and windows to minimize background noise.
• Attire: We recommend wearing your scrubs/work gear, but you are free to wear whatever makes you comfortable. Avoid fine patterns or textures, as they can appear “busy” on video.

* If you are recording at work and can’t control certain room/background factors, that’s okay – your story is what matters most. However, to protect patient privacy, it is extremely important that you find a space where patients cannot be seen in the background as you speak.

Thank you for sharing your story! The World Needs More of you.