4 minute read
EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE OF iNRRTS
Written by: CAREY BRITTON, ATP/SMS, CRTS®
As I write this, my final article as president of iNRRTS, I have a lot of thoughts running through my mind on what to impart and share. Although I could choose to be dark and discuss the many challenges we face, I chose to celebrate what we have done and continue to accomplish: iNRRTS continues to support and promote the value of the rehabilitation technology supplier to funding sources and medical professionals and consumers who depend on us. Other countries are seeing the need for what iNRRTS provides and stands for, and I am counting on the U.S. market to again see the current direction of Complex Rehab Technology needs iNRRTS to shine the light on the path forward.
I wish I could reach out to each assistive technology professional (ATP)/RTS in our industry to ask them, “Are you already a Registrant, and if not, why do you not see the value of becoming one?” The cost of the registration includes access to worldclass education and required CEUs, code of ethics, professional credentials, mentor network, updates on industry affairs, opportunities to impact the industry’s direction, marketing that shows the value of the RTS, advocacy, CRT improvement, and a network of likeminded people. The latter may be the best perk, as it is proven that who you become both personally and professionally is largely based on the people you surround yourself with.
I still have several years to continue my profession of CRT, and I believe the RTS, now more than ever, needs to embrace leadership. We may all work within local or national organizations, but if we do not demonstrate and share the value of what we do, the funding and business pressures will reduce what we do to a commodity. We need to be shown that what we do directly affects the outcomes of health care. We need to be guiding our companies and funding sources on the need for increased funding based on inflation and equipment innovation and evolution. We are on the front lines, listening and seeing what our clients need, which means we must require our companies and funding sources to understand. We have had some success with seat elevation and repairs/maintenance, yet, there is still work to be done.
I talk to many frustrated RTSs who throw up their hands and retreat to “doing their job” instead of leading their teams to greatness. If we do not advocate and lead, the business side will choose our destination. If you want help improve your leadership skills, find a mentor and join iNRRTS, get involved in committees, learn to advocate and learn how to teach others to advocate for a better tomorrow.
I recognize there were many people who have imparted knowledge and support on my journey. Each day, I commit time to teaching technicians, RTSs, CSRs, clients, caregivers and medical professionals on the value of CRT as well as how to access and advocate for new equipment, modifications and repairs. I feel that giving back to the next generation ensures what iNRRTS and others in our industry perpetuated and continues.
My one challenge for us all is once you have read this article, share the message of iNRRTS with your peers, clients, medical professionals and funding sources. Always ask, “Why do you not demand a Registered Rehabilitation Technology Supplier ® (RRTS ®) or a Certified Complex Rehabilitation Technology Supplier ® (CRTS ®) to provide to provide your equipment?” If you were counting on someone to improve and enhance your seating and mobility, would you not want someone who is committed to providing the best outcomes?
I am pleased to hand the baton off to the next president, Jason Kelln, ATP, CRTS®, a Canadian. This is exciting and appropriate with the evolution from NRRTS to iNRRTS that we have the first international president. I believe his care, commitment and enthusiasm will continue to grow and further develop iNRRTS into more of a global organization; ensuring its roots and value of the RTS within the CRT process is maintained. I am looking forward to joining the past president’s group and adding value when possible. I hope I made an impact and leadership through my term and showed respect to all those who have come before me to help guide and support the direction of iNRRTS. I want to thank all the board members and staff who have continued to make our organization world class.
CONTACT THE AUTHOR
Carey may be reached at CAREY.BRITTON@NSM-SEATING.COM
