Please see the impressive nomination below we received for Sophie, and join us in sending her a big congratulations!

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"On behalf of Tavares Pediatric Center, I would like to nominate Sophie Gutman RT for Respiratory Therapist of the year.  First, I think it’s important to know what Tavares Pediatric Center is, we are the only long-term care facility in Rhode Island for children and young adults who are medically complex and fragile.  We are a 30-bed facility with 26 residents, the majority with tracheostomies and on ventilators.  Most of the children have severe additional disabilities, several types of syndromes, none of our kids walk, none eat by mouth, our youngest is under 2 years old.  The children and families look at our facility as their home, and we do everything in our power to fulfill that. 

 

Sophie Gutman is a 2018 graduate of the New England Institute of Technology Respiratory Program.  Sophie started at TPC in late 2018.  She quickly understood what the facility was about and looked to make an impact anyway she could.  She started by taking kids outside for a push around the block or just outside for fresh air, she encouraged other staff to do the same, so groups of kids started to go outside more frequently.  Sophie helped non-medical staff feel safe to take kids on walks when she was with them.  She also works with families to help them understand the child’s condition, and that the tracheostomy and ventilator are not as scary as they seem.  With over 20 tracheostomies in our facility changing them is a daily part of care, Sophie has taught the majority of our staff on proper technique including nurses, licensed practical nurses and new respiratory therapist, as well as student respiratory therapist. 

 

When Covid-19 hit, Sophie came to me and said she felt like she needed to do more to help people, and she traveled for a few months.  I have to say personally, it was a huge loss, but professionally I knew it would help her grow as a therapist and I truly believe that we should never stop learning.  A few months went by and to my great surprise Sophie reached out and wanted to come back.  Sophie came back and hopped right back into her roll at TPC but with more knowledge and confidence.       

 

Sophie Gutman dedicates so much to this facility, the kids and co-workers to improve everyday of their lives.  She does this with education, care, and compassion to our kids, families and staff. Sophie Gutman embodies what we should all thrive to be in our field."