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Ronnie "JR" Cool, a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RT) at a local hospital in Portland, Oregon, is more than a successful Concorde alumnus; he's also one of our preceptors. Follow JR’s journey and learn how his experience as a preceptor has deepened his understanding of respiratory therapy and enhanced his communication with students, patients and colleagues alike.

Discovering Respiratory Therapy

JR's journey into the world of respiratory therapy began with inspiration from a friend who also worked in healthcare. Initially, JR considered becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). “I wanted to get in healthcare, so I went to school to become a CNA. I quickly discovered that path wasn't for me,” he shares.

His friend suggested exploring respiratory therapy, a field JR was unfamiliar with at the time. Intrigued, JR shadowed RTs in the emergency department at a hospital in Oakland, California, and was immediately drawn to the fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Seeing the direct impact RTs can make on patient care inspired JR to enroll in Concorde’s Respiratory Therapy program when he moved to Portland. “I was excited to start at Concorde! The RT program wasn’t easy but taking what you learned and connecting it to a clinical site where you can see it in action is such an invaluable experience,” he shares.

Finding a Healthcare Professional to Shadow

Shadowing, or observing a professional in their work environment, is an invaluable way to gain firsthand experience before you commit to healthcare career training. For JR, it was a pivotal moment that solidified his decision to pursue training in respiratory therapy.

But is shadowing a healthcare pro as simple as it sounds? JR confirms that it is: "Just ask." “I helped a friend who was interested in a career in healthcare. I told him to call a hospital and find someone to shadow,” recalls JR. “He called a hospital in his area, and they had time for him to shadow for two hours that Friday. Now, he's training to become a rad tech!”&�Բ�����;

Giving Back and Building Connections

JR's interest in teaching and mentoring was evident during his time as a student at Concorde. He sought opportunities to help his classmates, recognizing that some people need more confidence to dive deeper into coursework. Preceptorship, the act of teaching and mentoring students in a clinical setting, felt like the next step in his career.

He explains, "I see it as a way to give back. The moment you connect with a student as you teach, and they also understand what you’re teaching is pivotal during preceptorship. Sometimes, I’m a little sad I didn’t become a preceptor earlier!" JR’s approach to mentoring is centered on understanding what motivates his students.

"For me, it's always about finding out their goals,” says JR. “That motivation will also help them through the process. Because when it gets hard, they have something to work towards.” He also emphasizes the importance of learning about students' backgrounds and experiences to connect with them and tailor his mentorship to their needs.

“Though healthcare information is generally fact-based, it’s always coming at us, and everyone processes it differently. Finding out how students process information is a good way to connect with them.” JR pairs hands-on experience with a nurturing environment, ensuring students feel supported as they gain confidence in their skills.

This philosophy creates a balance between practical application and fostering a sense of security for new RTs. “I’m going to put you everywhere and I want you to get that experience. I’ll put you with senior staff and expect you to ask questions. I find that students catch up so much faster that way. But you’ll never be by yourself.”

Making an Impact Beyond Graduation

JR's experience as a preceptor goes beyond simply imparting technical skills; it's about building relationships and fostering a sense of community.

"When you connect with people who all have a shared experience, you make connections for life," he says. These connections extend beyond a student’s graduation, with former students reaching out to him for advice and support.

For JR, being a preceptor has been a surprisingly rewarding experience, teaching him the value of mentorship and the enduring impact of positive relationships in the healthcare field. When discussing the challenges faced by new RT graduates, JR points to self-doubt and lack of confidence as significant hurdles.

He stresses the importance of feeling "smart enough" and overcoming the anxiety associated with starting a new career path. “Things are going to happen, and you can choose to be a passenger or driver. I like to put students in the driver's seat, because they're challenging themselves to do something new,” JR shares.

“I’m always there to help; I just need to make sure that they understand that they're in control. Emergencies happen all the time. As an RT, you can't be a passenger in those situations,” he continues.

Tips to Becoming an Excellent Preceptor

Becoming a preceptor in healthcare means shaping future professionals. It's about guiding students to become confident and skilled healthcare providers. Here are a few tips to help preceptors excel in this vital role:

Build a Supportive Environment

Set clear expectations from day one. Create a space where trainees feel comfortable asking questions and see mistakes as learning opportunities. Understand their individual learning style to tailor your guidance.

Employ Smart Teaching Strategies

Don't just lecture. Model professional behavior and think aloud your clinical reasoning. Encourage critical thinking by asking probing questions rather than just providing answers. Provide direct observation and specific, constructive feedback, always highlighting what they do well. Connect classroom theory to real-world practice.

Be a Guiding Role Model

Demonstrate patience, empathy, and clear communication. Remember your own journey as a learner. Be adaptable, flexible, and committed to continuous learning yourself. Your enthusiasm for patient care and teaching will be infectious.

The Lasting Impact of Preceptorship

JR's journey from student to preceptor exemplifies the transformative power of teaching and mentorship. It's a chance to give back to the profession, share your knowledge and passion, and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. If you're a healthcare professional seeking a new challenge and a way to give back to your field, consider becoming a preceptor for Concorde. Contact clinicalpartners@concorde.edu to discover how you can inspire, educate and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.