Inspired by a NICU Bedside: How Leah Hoffmann Built a Career in Respiratory Care

Know what's happening in your hometown. Help us keep you informed. PEOSTA — When Leah Hoffmann sat beside her daughter Rylee's bedside in the neonatal intensive care unit in 2008, she was watching her future take shape. At 19, Leah spent nearly two months in Iowa City as Rylee received care. The experience gave her an unexpected sense of direction. Among the medical professionals caring for her daughter, respiratory therapists made a lasting impression. She saw how closely they worked with patients, guiding them through critical moments and helping them grow stronger. "Respiratory care really stood out to me because you have that patient involvement — you can see your patients get better and form that relationship," Leah said. Determined to turn that inspiration into a career, Leah returned home to Dubuque with her husband and daughter and enrolled in the respiratory care program at Northeast Iowa Community College. Balancing an intensive clinical program with parenting a newborn was a constant challenge. Nights were filled with late feedings and study sessions, but Leah persevered with support from her family and NICC faculty. Small class sizes and an approachable learning environment made her comfortable asking questions and leaning on instructors Jolene Fransen and Amy Raush when family needs arose. Leah's drive pushed her beyond the standard curriculum. During her second year, she took on a student externship at UW Health in Madison. She regularly commuted between Dubuque and Madison, working 24 hours a week on the night shift while maintaining a full-time class schedule and completing clinical rotations. "The clinical rotations are very much simulations of what we do in everyday life, so the amount of clinical hours we had was very, very beneficial for my long-term success," Leah said. Leah graduated from NICC in 2011, but her education did not stop there. Eager to continue her studies, she enrolled in the Learning Institute for Fulfillment and Engagement program at the University of Dubuque. While working as a staff respiratory therapist on the night shift at UW Health, she attended evening classes and earned a Bachelor of Science in health care administration in 2013. Over the next decade, Leah's career continued to develop. She worked as a staff therapist before moving into a lead role in 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Her leadership and clinical experience led to her appointment as manager of respiratory care, cardiopulmonary and neurodiagnostics at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital in 2023. "I still utilize my respiratory education every single day in my manager role, whether that be helping my staff or providing new equipment education," Leah said. Nearly two decades after her journey began in the NICU, Leah's connection to NICC remains strong. After serving as interim faculty on campus, she continues to work as a clinical preceptor, mentoring NICC students during their rotations at Finley Hospital. For Leah, one of the most rewarding aspects of her career is the range of patients she serves, from fragile newborns to older adults receiving end-of-life care. She often reflects on how her education at NICC laid the groundwork for her career, developing the critical thinking skills, adaptability and clinical knowledge that continue to guide her work in management and patient care. Asked what advice she would offer someone considering the respiratory care program, Leah emphasized the importance of dedication and a willingness to learn. "I would tell them it is a very rewarding and successful career. It is hard work, and it does take dedication, and willingness to learn and grow and be adaptable. Come into it with an open mind, and knowing that, at the end of the day, our patients' best interests are at the forefront of our care." Local news, right where you need it. Join our free email newsletter.