Lou and Kassidy Stevens are a father-daughter team of Respiratory Therapists working at Cleveland Clinic. Below, they share a bit about their history and what led them to pursue their careers in Respiratory Therapy.  

The start of their respiratory journeys 

Lou Stevens was a business professional working 70-80 hours per week and wondering if there might be something better out there for him. He talked it over with his wife (a nurse who was working 36 hours per week), and decided it was time for a career change.  

Lou did some shadowing in different areas and decided to pursue a career in Respiratory Therapy. Now with Cleveland Clinic for 13 years (without ever having missed a shift!), he is the Cardiopulmonary and Respiratory Manager at South Pointe Hospital and has discovered the challenge, rewards and work-life balance he was seeking. 

His daughter, Kassidy, was pursuing her college degree at Bowling Green State University when the coronavirus pandemic occurred. After listening to her dad talk about the hospitals’ nationwide equipment shortages and becoming inspired by healthcare workers that were relentlessly caring for patients despite the barriers they were facing, she was inspired to become a Respiratory Therapist. She joined Cleveland Clinic in October 2020 and is now a Registered Respiratory Therapist in Cardiothoracic Anesthesia at Main Campus. 

Their favorite things about Cleveland Clinic 

When asked what he likes most about working in Respiratory Therapy at Cleveland Clinic, Lou shared, “We have nine protocols in place. They give you the freedom and flexibility to decide the care and the treatment for your patients and do it appropriately, based on your knowledge and within that protocol. We don’t just have to follow orders. Cleveland Clinic gives you control over your patients’ care, allowing you to do what’s best for them.” 

Kassidy has only positive things to say about her experience at Cleveland Clinic. “Not only does management allow us to work to our full potential, but I feel very respected in the interdisciplinary environment at work. Being able to openly communicate with my management and my coworkers has made me love working at Cleveland Clinic. The patient demographic in the Heart and Vascular Institute has made me fall in love with my career.” 

She adds, “Working in the ICU setting and on our CMET team allows me to collaborate with other caregivers to take care of patients. I work closely with nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors and allied health professionals to provide the best care for our patients.” 

Proud of their patient impact 

Many of Cleveland Clinic’s lung transplant patients, whether before or after transplant, go through a certain amount of physical therapy. Kassidy says, “When I first started, I didn’t realize I would be walking patients who were on their ventilator and ECMO. Every time I do it, I’m like, ‘What a difference that makes in that patient’s life.’”  

She also works with tracheostomy patients who are using their speech valves. She says, “When I hear a patient’s voice for the first time after months, it’s amazing.” 

What makes Cleveland Clinic special 

Lou precepts for many respiratory students and tells them to keep their options open. “They can go into pediatrics, adult, home healthcare, emergency, lung transplants – even sleep studies at night for sleep apnea. It’s a great field. It pays very well. And there is job security for the rest of their careers.” 

Kassidy adds, “I started here as an Equipment Tech, and they fostered me into different roles and responsibilities. I go to school and put in the work, but having the support of management makes a huge difference. With tuition assistance programs for employees and scholarship availability, it makes respiratory school affordable. And having opportunities for growth is a huge thing here.”  

Part of one big family 

Not only are Lou and Kassidy two real family members who treat Cleveland Clinic as their home away from home, but they are also valuable caregivers in our healthcare family who are committed to providing the best care to our patients. 

Click here to learn more about our Respiratory career openings.