Respiratory therapists face profound ethical decisions every day in critical care environments, making continuing education in medical ethics and end-of-life care essential for clinical practice. Earning CEUs in this vital area helps practitioners navigate the complex intersection of law, professional standards, and compassionate patient care.
Our comprehensive continuing education course bridges foundational legal and moral frameworks with real-world intensive care scenarios. Practitioners will explore the core pillars of medical ethics—including autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice—and learn how to apply them when managing critical patient conflicts. The curriculum closely examines critical topics such as distinguishing personal morals from professional ethics, understanding organizational standards, and recognizing illegal or unethical behavior within healthcare agencies.
Furthermore, the course dives deep into high-stakes end-of-life decision-making. Respiratory therapists will gain clarity on navigating advance directives, medical powers of attorney, and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. Special emphasis is placed on clinical protocols surrounding terminal weaning, palliative extubation, apnea testing for brain death, and organ donation procedures. By analyzing complex case studies—ranging from patient refusals of life-sustaining treatment to managing family demands for futile care—clinicians will build confidence in multidisciplinary collaboration and communication.
Ultimately, this course equips respiratory therapists with the critical thinking tools needed to uphold patient rights, mitigate clinician moral distress, and deliver exceptional, ethically grounded care at every stage of life.
At AT Respiratory Lectures, we understand that respiratory care is an ever-evolving field. Our courses and resources are meticulously curated to bring you the latest clinical insights, technological breakthroughs, and AARC-approved continuing education (CEU) updates.
Whether you are a seasoned therapist aiming to stay at the forefront of patient care, or a newcomer seeking career advancement strategies, our courses serve as a reliable companion. We are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and resources necessary to deliver exceptional patient outcomes and advance your professional journey.
Terrence Shenfield's career is a remarkable testament to versatility, dedication, and an enduring passion for learning. From his beginnings on Wall Street to his pivotal contributions in the field of respiratory therapy and holistic medicine, his professional path reflects both depth and innovation.
Terrence launched his career in the finance sector, spending 15 years mastering the fast-paced world of Wall Street. Despite his success in finance, his passion for making a tangible impact on people's lives led him back to school to study respiratory therapy. This career pivot marked the foundation of a new chapter where his talents and compassion for others found their true calling.
Since 1992, Terrence has been an active force in the field of respiratory therapy. His expertise spans adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care, demonstrating his depth of knowledge and multifaceted skill set.
At the turn of the millennium in 2000, Terrence took on the role of Education Coordinator at University Hospital (formerly UMDNJ) in Newark, New Jersey. Over the course of 25 years in this position, he worked tirelessly to educate and empower healthcare professionals in the field of respiratory therapy. His legacy includes not just impactful instruction but also an enduring commitment to advancing the standard of care in respiratory medicine.
A sought-after speaker, he has shared his expertise at both local and national conferences, influencing peers and shaping best practices in the field. His presentations and knowledge-sharing initiatives underscore his dedication to spreading awareness and improving patient outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.
Beyond his clinical contributions, Terrence is a successful entrepreneur and visionary. He owns two businesses—ATECAM LLC and A & T Respiratory Lectures LLC—which focus on supporting the professional development of healthcare workers, including nurses and respiratory therapists. Both organizations are structured to provide high-quality learning opportunities and equip healthcare professionals with the tools to excel in their careers. Terrence’s businesses further reflect his unwavering commitment to education, workforce development, and lifelong learning.
Terrence’s passion for healthcare extends beyond conventional practices. He holds a Master’s degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine and applies this expertise to promote holistic wellness. His practical experience includes Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, herbal medicine, medical cannabis, and essential oil therapy.
Blending his comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based holistic practices with a strong foundation in conventional medicine, Terrence takes a balanced and critical approach to integrative care. He is adept at evaluating and adopting holistic therapies to complement standard medical treatments, advancing patient care with a more well-rounded perspective on health and healing.
Terrence Shenfield stands out as a trailblazer whose contributions span multiple domains—from corporate finance to cutting-edge respiratory care and holistic medicine. His enduring commitment to education, paired with his drive to elevate others in their careers, underscores his influential role in healthcare.
Through his roles as an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for alternative medicine, he has made an indelible impact on the lives of individuals and the broader healthcare community. Terrence’s career serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to combine professional excellence with a meaningful contribution to society.
Interdisciplinary Studies
Rutgers – School of Health Professions (SHP)
Albert J. Heuer, PhD, MBA, RRT-ACCS RPFT, FAARC, joined Rutgers University in 1996, where he currently holds the rank of Professor. He is an adjunct faculty within the Respiratory Care Programs at Rowan University (NJ), Rush University (Chicago, Illinois) and County College of Morris (NJ).
Dr. Heuer designs and teaches courses related to health care administration and respiratory care. Dr. Heuer co-authors one textbook, co-edits two others, including the world renowned Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. Furthermore, Dr. Heuer has published numerous articles and book chapters, and has conducted many invited presentations relating to health care administration, clinical simulations and respiratory therapy.
Dr. Heuer is a Fellow in the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARC) and is past recipient of the Rutgers Master Educator Guild and the Rutgers Excellence in Teaching Awards. Dr. Heuer has also in the past held the positions of Treasurer, Vice President and Director-at-Large for the New Jersey Society for Respiratory Care.
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