CHCS - Perspectives Summer/Fall 2017

24 Nova Southeastern University Cardiopulmonary Sciences Palm Beach Respiratory Therapy Education in Action By Lisa Farach, M.S., R.N., RRT, Cardiopulmonary Sciences Chair and Respiratory Therapy Program Director IN FEBRUARY, 10 Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy students, along with 2 faculty members, volunteered to participate in the 15th Annual Hendry Glades Community Health Fair. This is the third year the Respiratory Therapy Program has participated. The community event includes health promotion, education, and screenings for residents of Clewiston, Florida, and surrounding rural communities. Participants were screened for diabetes and cholesterol level. Their body mass index, temperature, waist circumference, visual acuity were also checked. They learned about eye safety, as well as breast and testicular self-examination. The B.S.R.T. students—who had completed courses related to patient care and assessment, and in pulmonary function testing, followed by a clinic rotation in a pulmonary lab—were more than eager to share their knowledge with health fair participants (who may not have access to many of these basic medical services). The first-year students performed respiratory assessments, which included investigating a patient’s medical history, breath sounds, and oxygen saturation, as well as evaluating signs and symptoms that may be associated with various respiratory diseases. Students referred participants who presented signs, symptoms, or a history of respiratory issues to an adjacent room for pulmonary function testing performed by the program’s second-year students. The students honed their hands-on patient assessment skills and connected with students from other programs and disciplines. Understanding the differences in health care support offered in urban vs. rural communities was a great learning experience for the students, because it prepared them for being effective members of an interprofessional support team. ● From left: First-year student Sergio Pierre and second-year students Sheila Leo, Aniska Russell, Leante Williamson, and Natalie Josma