Respiratory Residency: Establishing Excellence for the Newly Licensed Respiratory Therapist

BACKGROUND: Workforce issues have highlighted the fact that newly graduated respiratory therapists (RTs) need more support during their transition to practice; however, there are few data on best practices for RT residency programs.

METHODS: The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a residency program for licensed RTs with < 1 y of experience post graduation. The approach to improve new graduate transition to practice included a streamlined clinical-based orientation, didactic learning, evidence-based practice plan, and incorporated simulation. Data were collected in a secure electronic database at a multi-campus health care system utilizing anonymous questionnaires. The participants responded to questions about demographic information, overall confidence, clinical skills, and knowledge base topic confidence.

RESULTS: Participant responses reported an increase in their overall factor score measures for role confidence, clinical skills, and knowledge-based topics.

CONCLUSIONS: The collected responses showed an increase in a wide range of clinical skills and other soft skills. These results indicate that a respiratory care residency program adds value to the training, overall well-being, and retention of the newly graduated RT.