We Are IH: Kelowna respiratory educator helps kids breathe easier

October 20, 2022

Renee Faubert enjoying the Armstrong Tulip Festival.

Name: Renee Faubert (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Clinical Respiratory Educator (Registered Respiratory Therapist, or RRT)
Years of Service: 5.5
Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: It is what it is.

Renee Faubert’s goal as Kelowna General Hospital’s (KGH’s) respiratory therapy (RT) educator is to ensure Interior Health delivers the best respiratory care to all patients, but especially pediatric patients. Registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) are certified medical professionals who treat problems with a patient's lungs or breathing. RRTs work closely with doctors to diagnose and monitor a patient's condition.

Renee keeps her colleagues up to date with the latest medical evidence, shows them how to use the latest respiratory equipment and serves as a resource in complex cases.

“I’m involved with respiratory therapy education related to ventilation in the ICU, tracheostomy education on wards, and I’m available to all KGH staff who have respiratory-related questions,” says Renee.

Most of her career has been spent in pediatrics and neonates (newborns). She has been involved with many pediatric regional policies, educational opportunities and presentations. Renee is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support instructor, and takes pride in sharing her respiratory knowledge of pediatrics to other specialties.

In this Story…

Learn more about her journey with IH

Explore Respiratory Therapy Careers@IH

Learn more about her journey with IH

Smiling young woman stands next to a respiratory machine in hospital. — Renee at work.

Renee's current projects are developing and implementing the new neonatal intensive care unit respiratory therapist role, and developing regional tracheostomy weaning and management documents. Renee loves teaching her RT colleagues new skills and sharing her knowledge.

“I'm so proud of all my colleagues when they practice something they recently learned or feel more comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.”

After many years of advocating, the Respiratory Department was recently approved for 24/7 coverage for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

I'm working with an incredible team to develop the role, policies and procedures, and standards so the smallest IH patients can have the best care possible! My goal is to set the standard of respiratory neonatal care within Interior Health.

-- Renee Faubert

In her spare time, Renee enjoys all that the Okanagan has to offer: hiking, wine tasting, paddle boarding, rock climbing, skate skiing, downhill skiing and trying new restaurants. She also enjoys travelling and when we spoke to her earlier this year, was looking forward to a Vancouver Island camping trip. “I’m hoping to see all the whales!”

Young woman pauses on a snow trail while resting her hands on her ski poles. — Renee on the slopes.

Renee Faubert nominates Joanne Slinn, Regional Knowledge Coordinator, to keep We Are IH going:

“Joanne almost single-handedly runs the simulation program at KGH for med students, nursing, allied health, residents, and students. She is so compassionate, caring, and patient.” - Renee Faubert