Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) Respiratory Care graduate Jay Shedd, system director of Respiratory Therapy, Sleep Lab and Neurodiagnostic at Atrium Health Floyd in Rome, continues to collaborate with GNTC faculty and students to prepare future respiratory therapists for the workforce.
Shedd advocates for students to learn first-hand to use the latest technology to improve patient outcomes. The Armuchee resident has worked at Atrium Health Floyd since 1993.
“When I was in nursing school and working at Atrium Health Floyd in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), I was asked my intentions for the future,” Shedd said. “A friend showed me the technical side of Respiratory Care, and I fell in love with it. I decided to pursue a career in Respiratory Care.”
He said he was glad that GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome offered the program so that he could remain near his family because he had a 1-year-old son at that time; he already had a connection with GNTC because his mother had completed GNTC’s Practical Nursing program and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). He earned his Respiratory Care diploma at GNTC in 2000.
“Between the didactic training in labs and clinical experience we got, GNTC provided a continuum of knowledge,” Shedd said.
He went on to earn an associate degree in Business Administration from Georgia Highlands College in 2016 and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Reinhardt University in 2018. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Business Administration, he said.
Throughout his career, he has worked as a phlebotomist, Respiratory Care technician and Respiratory Care supervisor. Shedd also currently works with the Neonatal/Pediatric transport team, Trauma Committee, Neuro-surgical Council and Pulmonary Council.
“A lot of students don’t have a good understanding of all the different jobs offered in a hospital, so I encourage them to shadow someone in a healthcare field that appeals to them,” he said. “Allied Health is a great career opportunity for someone who doesn’t want to perform total care. It provides a good quality of life and lifestyle for those who are willing to do the work to progress in the discipline.”
Shedd has continued to have a relationship with GNTC’s Respiratory Care program since his graduation. For one semester, he filled in for a faculty member as an adjunct instructor, which he described as a “great experience that allowed me to give back to GNTC and to have a connection with students.”
“GNTC is a huge part of our pipeline and culture at Atrium Health Floyd,” Shedd said. “The instructors are hands-on, and the didactic training program has expanded to prepare all generations for preliminary and clinical care.”
Atrium Health Floyd and GNTC signed a partnership agreement on May 8, 2024, to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in northwest Georgia. The five-year, $1.1 million commitment supports increased enrollment in Respiratory Care, Radiologic Technology and CNA (Nurse Aide Accelerated) programs at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus, with students placed in preceptorships at Atrium Health Floyd.
“GNTC’s Respiratory Care program is designed to prepare graduates with planned learning experiences and to provide knowledge and skills that will prepare them for successful employment as an entry- and advanced-level Registered Respiratory Therapist,” said Zenia Bratton, program director of Respiratory Care at GNTC, citing Shedd as a Respiratory Therapy graduate who has “advanced in his career through years of experience, hard work and dedication to the profession.”
Shedd visits GNTC periodically to bring specialized equipment for students to see and annually to do neonatal resuscitation credentials, he said. He also leads Respiratory Care students on a tour of Atrium Health Floyd during their first semester in the program.
“This tour provides insight into the facility, what they can expect from Atrium Health Floyd and what we will expect from them,” Shedd said.
Kimberly Temple, clinical coordinator and instructor of Respiratory Care at GNTC, oversees the program’s student clinical rotations with GNTC’s clinical affiliates.
“My interactions with Jay are consistently positive and deeply appreciated,” Temple said. “He demonstrates an unwavering commitment to support, often going above and beyond to ensure my students’ needs are fully met.”
“His openness to welcoming more students into his facility speaks volumes about his dedication to education and community growth,” Temple explained. “I am truly grateful for the wealth of opportunities his facility offers, providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that enrich their learning journey.”
Shedd also serves on GNTC’s Respiratory Care Advisory Committee.
“Jay’s professionalism, commitment to excellence and continued support of our Respiratory Care program and students are a valuable asset to our program’s Advisory Committee,” Bratton said.
Shedd encourages Respiratory Therapists to become involved in state and national organizations so that they can promote and advocate for the profession. These organizations also provide exciting opportunities for new and upcoming respiratory therapists to help shape health care legislation, Shedd said.
He said he is excited for Atrium Health Floyd to branch out in to pulmonary diagnostics, pulmonary rehabilitation and post care for lung nodules.
“I love being a caregiver,” Shedd said. “I am comfortable in guiding the next generation of workers to maintain and build these programs.”
Shedd is a member of the American Society for Respiratory Care, Georgia Society for Respiratory Care and Georgia Vascular Access Network (PEACHVAN) Specialty Practice: Neonatal Care, Neonatal Transport, Vascular Access.
Shedd is married and has four children. His daughter plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA).
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.
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