As we roll into the 4th season of CollaborationRA we brough on guest host, Nicole Ozinga, a registered PET/CT Nuclear Medicine technologist to visit with us about some of the legislation and professional advocacy that has been going on.  We cover many topics and share personal experiences in our advocacy, be sure to listen in and get inspired!

Timeline:

·      (00:51) Reece opens season four of CollaborationRA.

·      (01:47) Introducing Nicole Ozinga.

·      (04:30) Nicole shares how she first got exposed to the Nuclear Medicine.

·      (06:10) Understanding on the differences between Nuclear Medicine and PET CT and why those certifications are valuable.

·      (08:59) Discussing patient’s understanding of radiation and developing a healthy understanding.

·      (10:44) Digging in deep to learn to learn how improving patient’s exams led to Nicole’s personal advocacy efforts.

·      (15:18) Sharing our advocacy stories and how they relate to best patient care practices

·      (17:46) Going to “Hill Day” and visiting the nation’s capital, an inside perspective.

·      (24:36) Societies give you a safe space to be uncomfortable and build on professional strengths.

·      (27:03) Understanding the “Find Act” and the 2025 push that gained success with CMS.

·      (31:58) Discussing the RA, NMAA, Nuclear Medicine advocacy and supporting each other with state licensure in the future.

·      (37:00) Gaining knowledge that one sentence in legislation can have major outcomes on our professionals.

·      (42:52) Offering paygrades for advanced certifications and job roles as a retention model.

·      (44:18) Discussing the NMAA and the RA, the push for professional recognition.

·      (48:20) The radiologist shortage and how the extenders can be a “part” of the solution.

·      (52:51) Professional advocacy and workplace happiness can aid in retention efforts.

·      (53:57) Closing the episode out!

We hope that you gain new perspectives and understanding with each discussion we have.  Our profession is vital to the care patients receive and nothing showcases that better than sharing our stories.  If you want to come on and share your perspective, find us at [email protected] and let us know!