All licensure renewals for all professions have been suspended until further notice because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Lil O'Neill, NSRC president.
Renewals will continue after the pandemic. The DHHS Licensure Unit will inform licensees when renew will start up.
Lil O'Neill, NSRC president, has announced the 2020 NSRC election results. The newly elected NSRC board members will begin their terms starting on June 1, 2020.
Following is a message from Lil O'Neill, NSRC president:
The events leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic have been alarming. I am sure that most of us never thought that we could be caring for patients with COVID-19. It has been overwhelming because of how the speed and intensity of this virus has effected the world. How many hospitals were prepared for the possible volume of negative pressure rooms needed, use of personal protective equipment daily, and having enough ventilators to use in the Intensive Care Units?
Unfortunately, we are seeing patients with COVID-19 going into respiratory failure quickly. Our role has become very vital in caring for COVID-19 patients. In times of crisis, we need to rely on our training and experience to help us navigate through this uncertain period.
Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the NSRC Board Members have decided to cancel the 2020 state conference.
"The Board met on Friday, March 20 to discuss the conference," said President Lil O'Neill. "Those who registered already will receive refunds."
Members who have already booked rooms can cancel their reservations with no penalty. They will need to call the hotel at 308-237-5971 or toll-free at 855-444-5769 option “0” to cancel.
Annie Kobold is the winner of the $100.00 Amazon gift card for the Join in January event, according to Lil O'Neill, NSRC President. "We currently have 363 active members," ONeill said. "We continue to encourage respiratory therapists throughout the state to join the AARC. We are strength in numbers."