Describe the process of generating an idea for a research project.

Describe how to search the literature and assure you have the background data to write an effective research protocol.

Describe how to start your research career.

Describe how to include a wide variety of personnel, ideas, and viewpoints in your research process.

Social media has revolutionized the way we approach networking, collaborating, and educating. This session will highlight the role of social media in promoting health sciences education, research, and interprofessional collaboration. Using real life examples, attendees will be able to understand how social media may influence their professional presence and develop a plan to supercharge their online network.

As the scope of respiratory care practice continues to expand, critical thinking and sound clinical judgement will only become more important. The exploration of critical thinking skill development within respiratory care education programs can provide valuable information to assist with the education of the next generation of respiratory care providers and the status of our respiratory care programs. Presenterswill share the results of a study conducted using the Health Sciences Reasoning Test-Numeracy to determine the critical thinking skills between near and recent graduates of two- and four-year respiratory therapy programs.

This session invites participants to apply evidence-based practice (EBP) resources and strategies to learning activities that promote engagement. The presentation will include facilitated small and large group discussions on developing a plan to incorporate EBP resources and teaching strategies. Participants will actively engage in open reflection on ways to incorporate EBP content, promote role modeling, and create a culture for EBP in respiratory therapy programs and hospital departments.

Entry-into-practice respiratory care graduates are often unprepared for scholarly practice as they enter the workforce. Fostering scholarly practice among respiratory therapists is an important step toward enhancing the professionalization of respiratory therapy, which may contribute to professional empowerment and role satisfaction. This presentation will provide an overview of theories of professionalization and illustrate why respiratory therapists should embrace scholarly practice as a vehicle for supporting the professionalization of the profession.