RTMatters Episode 016 – Stress, Burnout, and Building Resilience in Respiratory Care

In this episode of RTMatters, host Patrick Dunne is joined by Katlyn Burr, DSL, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC, Senior Director of Respiratory Care, Sleep Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering at Nemours Children’s Health, for an important conversation about the impact of chronic work-related stress on respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals. Drawing on both her professional expertise and recent research, Dr. Burr discusses how chronic stress affects physical and mental health through normal physiological responses, including increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol. She explains how prolonged exposure to workplace stressors can contribute to fatigue, burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and impaired overall well-being. The discussion explores practical, evidence-based strategies for recognizing and managing stress, including physical activity, breathing techniques, cognitive distraction methods, and the importance of maintaining healthy sleep habits. Dr. Burr also emphasizes the value of identifying personal stressors early and taking proactive steps to reduce their impact before they become overwhelming. Beyond the individual effects, the conversation examines how workplace stress can influence patient care and clinical outcomes, highlighting why supporting the health and well-being of healthcare professionals is essential for delivering safe, high-quality respiratory care. Whether you are an experienced clinician, department leader, educator, or student, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools for building resilience and maintaining a healthier mind-body balance in today’s demanding healthcare environment. Listen now and join the conversation on what matters most to respiratory therapists.