At Hartig Drug, our customers are the reason we do what we do - and our employees are how we make it happen. They’re the heart that keeps Hartig beating, and we’re grateful for their dedication every day. Today, we’re proud to introduce Brittany Ronek, a Certified Respiratory Therapist at our Finley-Hartig Homecare location, as one of our Hearts of Hartig. 

Brittany began her career with Finley-Hartig Homecare in April 2018, but her path to respiratory therapy wasn’t exactly planned. Originally intending to become an X-ray technician, she faced a wait to enter the program and, at the suggestion of a friend, decided to enroll in the respiratory therapist program at NICC instead. After graduating, she worked at UW-Madison Hospital before returning to Dubuque to join Medical Associates.

Then came another unexpected turn. When Finley-Hartig Homecare was searching for a respiratory therapist, Brittany decided to apply—even though she admits she didn’t even know where the office was located despite being a lifelong Dubuque resident. Leaving behind the fast-paced, high-adrenaline hospital environment was initially a bit daunting, but she quickly realized it was the perfect fit. Today, she finds fulfillment in helping patients not just during a hospital stay, but by supporting them in their homes and giving them the tools and care they need to thrive.

Life at work changes daily for Brittany, with no two days ever looking the same. Some days are spent fitting patients for respiratory equipment and filling orders, while others are dedicated to working with insurance companies, physicians’ offices, and completing paperwork. She works with patients in every stage of life—from new parents and newborns needing Biliblankets, to children requiring nebulizers, to adults being fitted for CPAP or BiPAP machines—all with the goal of providing healthy, stable breathing and proper oxygen flow.

Her patients quickly become like family. Respiratory care is rarely a one-time visit; many patients return month after month for refills, equipment adjustments, or changes to their therapy settings. Through these ongoing relationships, Brittany becomes deeply invested in her patients’ healthcare journeys and forms meaningful bonds that make her work all the more special.

A career in respiratory therapy can lead to unexpected opportunities, and for Brittany, it has included participating in three local Honor Flights for veterans traveling to our nation’s capital. Before each trip, Brittany and the team at Finley-Hartig Homecare ensure wheelchairs are ready for the wear and tear of travel, provide portable oxygen equipment, and assist veterans throughout the day by monitoring and assessing their respiratory function. Helping ensure these veterans have a safe and memorable experience has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

Outside of Finley-Hartig Homecare, Brittany is a proud hockey mom to her son and a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan. With her daughter currently a junior at the University of Iowa, she never misses an opportunity to tailgate in Iowa City and cheer on the Hawkeyes.