Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Respiratory Care Program has received the American Association for Respiratory Care 2026-2027 APEX Acute Care award.
The RWJBarnabas facility in New Brunswick is only the third hospital in New Jersey to receive the honor, and is one of only 64 in the United States.
The Apex Program requires facilities to provide comprehensive documentation on various factors essential for delivering top-notch care. Apex honorees excel in areas such as staff education, credentialing, and implementation of protocols that ensure safe and effective care delivery.
The AARC Apex Recognition Award is a recognition program for respiratory care departments in acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home medical equipment (HME) companies, educational programs, acute care international, post-acute care, and dedicated transport teams.
AARC developed the Apex Recognition Award to recognize the significant contribution of respiratory therapists and highlight best practices in respiratory care that are aligned with evidence-based medicine. This program also helps consumers choose healthcare facilities that enhance patient safety and outcomes by providing access to respiratory therapists delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.
RWJUH President Alan Lee praised the unit and all the work that goes into treating and caring for patients.
“As an academic medical center with a broad range of advanced specialty care services and programs addressing many complex illnesses with many patients experiencing some degree of difficulty breathing, respiratory care is the foundation for the care we provide,” he said. “We’re proud that our team has been recognized for its commitment to quality and providing exceptional care in a safe environment for our patients.”
RWJUH’s Respiratory Care team’s dedication was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. During the height of the pandemic, RWJUH’s Respiratory Therapy Team cared for COVID-positive patients throughout the hospital including several temporary ICUs. RWJUH peaked at 83 ventilator patients daily along with a large number of patients on high-flow oxygen and other treatments.
