Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Amy Cantu

Grand Rapids,MI

Summary

Seasoned respiratory therapist with several years of experience in healthcare locations and community-based settings. Highly skilled in patient assessments, blood gas analysis and interpretation and airway management. Successful at implementing best practices to advance respiratory therapy outcomes.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Respiratory Therapist Team Lead

Corewell Health Hospital
Grand Rapids, MI
02.2023 - Current
  • Provided supervision to Respiratory Therapy staff, including scheduling and evaluating performance.
  • Created policies and procedures for the department in accordance with organizational standards.
  • Trained new employees on proper respiratory therapy techniques.
  • Developed innovative strategies for improving patient care outcomes.
  • Conducted regular meetings with staff members to identify areas of improvement and discuss changes within the department.
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure efficient patient care delivery.
  • Reviewed medical charts for accuracy and completeness prior to submission to physicians or other healthcare providers.
  • Coordinated with external vendors regarding equipment maintenance, repairs, and purchases.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to respiratory therapy services.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to plan treatment plans for patients.
  • Oversaw the development of educational materials related to respiratory therapy services for use by staff members.
  • Monitored inventory levels of supplies used in the department.
  • Implemented safety protocols within the department as needed.
  • Investigated complaints concerning respiratory therapy services provided by the department.
  • Provided guidance and mentorship to junior staff members regarding clinical practice issues.
  • Obtained patient medical histories and assessed presenting problems to create treatment plans.

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Corewell Health Hospital
Grand Rapids, Michigan
10.2013 - 02.2023
  • Performed diagnostic tests on patients such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and sleep studies.
  • Provided therapeutic treatments to patients with respiratory illnesses including oxygen therapy, aerosol medication delivery, chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques.
  • Assessed patient's progress during treatments and reported results to physicians or other healthcare professionals.
  • Instructed patients and their families in proper use of ventilators, inhalers, and nebulizers.
  • Monitored vital signs for changes in patient status or response to treatment.
  • Maintained accurate records of all patient assessments, treatments, medications administered and outcomes of treatments.
  • Responded promptly to emergency situations involving respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive plans for patient care.
  • Managed mechanical ventilation systems including setting up ventilators and adjusting settings according to physician orders.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of treatments by monitoring physiological responses using specialized equipment such as spirometers or pulse oximeters.
  • Administered nitric oxide therapies when prescribed by a physician.
  • Ordered medical supplies necessary for providing quality respiratory care services.
  • Participated in continuing education programs related to advances in respiratory care practices.
  • Inspected equipment regularly to ensure proper functioning before use on patients.
  • Consulted with physicians regarding diagnosis and treatment options for patients with complex conditions.
  • Facilitated communication between caregivers and family members concerning the health status of the patient.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations while performing all procedures related to respiratory therapy.
  • Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
  • Administered medication and ventilatory support.
  • Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
  • Adhered to standards of excellence for respiratory care and diagnostic services.
  • Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with treatment methods and equipment.
  • Evaluated patients for deficiencies and abnormalities and made medical decisions based on assessments.
  • Determined patient safety risks to identify medical intervention needs.
  • Followed established guidelines to compliantly deliver services.
  • Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
  • Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
  • Monitored patient's vital signs, arterial blood gases or blood chemistry changes, consulting with physician during adverse reactions.
  • Educated patients and families about conditions and taught appropriate disease management techniques.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
  • Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
  • Demonstrated respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
  • Maintained charts containing patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
  • Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
  • Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Managed care of patients with diverse conditions alongside physicians, nurses and support team members.
  • Enforced physicians' orders for specific treatment protocols and durations.
  • Tracked changes in blood chemistry, vital signs and other markers of improvement or decompensation in critically ill patients.
  • Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and instructed patients in breathing exercises.
  • Read prescription information and laboratory results to assess patients' needs and conditions.
  • Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Provided artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Metro Health University Of Michigan Health
Wyoming, MI
08.2007 - 10.2013
  • Performed diagnostic tests on patients such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and sleep studies.
  • Provided therapeutic treatments to patients with respiratory illnesses including oxygen therapy, aerosol medication delivery, chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques.
  • Assessed patient's progress during treatments and reported results to physicians or other healthcare professionals.
  • Instructed patients and their families in proper use of ventilators, inhalers, and nebulizers.
  • Monitored vital signs for changes in patient status or response to treatment.
  • Developed care plans for individual patients based on assessment of the patient's condition.
  • Maintained accurate records of all patient assessments, treatments, medications administered and outcomes of treatments.
  • Responded promptly to emergency situations involving respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive plans for patient care.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of treatments by monitoring physiological responses using specialized equipment such as spirometers or pulse oximeters.
  • Managed mechanical ventilation systems including setting up ventilators and adjusting settings according to physician orders.
  • Prepared reports summarizing test results and recommendations for further action or follow-up care.
  • Participated in continuing education programs related to advances in respiratory care practices.
  • Inspected equipment regularly to ensure proper functioning before use on patients.
  • Consulted with physicians regarding diagnosis and treatment options for patients with complex conditions.
  • Facilitated communication between caregivers and family members concerning the health status of the patient.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations while performing all procedures related to respiratory therapy.
  • Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
  • Administered medication and ventilatory support.
  • Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
  • Adhered to standards of excellence for respiratory care and diagnostic services.
  • Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with treatment methods and equipment.
  • Evaluated patients for deficiencies and abnormalities and made medical decisions based on assessments.
  • Determined patient safety risks to identify medical intervention needs.
  • Followed established guidelines to compliantly deliver services.
  • Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
  • Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
  • Monitored patient's vital signs, arterial blood gases or blood chemistry changes, consulting with physician during adverse reactions.
  • Educated patients and families about conditions and taught appropriate disease management techniques.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
  • Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
  • Demonstrated respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
  • Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Managed care of patients with diverse conditions alongside physicians, nurses and support team members.
  • Enforced physicians' orders for specific treatment protocols and durations.
  • Tracked changes in blood chemistry, vital signs and other markers of improvement or decompensation in critically ill patients.
  • Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and instructed patients in breathing exercises.
  • Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Conducted EKGs, stress testing or lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
  • Provided artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Sparrow Health Hospital
Lansing, Michigan
08.2005 - 08.2007
  • Performed diagnostic tests on patients such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and sleep studies.
  • Provided therapeutic treatments to patients with respiratory illnesses including oxygen therapy, aerosol medication delivery, chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques.
  • Assessed patient's progress during treatments and reported results to physicians or other healthcare professionals.
  • Instructed patients and their families in proper use of ventilators, inhalers, and nebulizers.
  • Monitored vital signs for changes in patient status or response to treatment.
  • Developed care plans for individual patients based on assessment of the patient's condition.
  • Maintained accurate records of all patient assessments, treatments, medications administered and outcomes of treatments.
  • Responded promptly to emergency situations involving respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive plans for patient care.
  • Provided education related to prevention strategies for reducing the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases.
  • Managed mechanical ventilation systems including setting up ventilators and adjusting settings according to physician orders.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of treatments by monitoring physiological responses using specialized equipment such as spirometers or pulse oximeters.
  • Administered nitric oxide therapies when prescribed by a physician.
  • Prepared reports summarizing test results and recommendations for further action or follow-up care.
  • Participated in continuing education programs related to advances in respiratory care practices.
  • Inspected equipment regularly to ensure proper functioning before use on patients.
  • Consulted with physicians regarding diagnosis and treatment options for patients with complex conditions.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations while performing all procedures related to respiratory therapy.
  • Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
  • Administered medication and ventilatory support.
  • Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
  • Adhered to standards of excellence for respiratory care and diagnostic services.
  • Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with treatment methods and equipment.
  • Evaluated patients for deficiencies and abnormalities and made medical decisions based on assessments.
  • Determined patient safety risks to identify medical intervention needs.
  • Followed established guidelines to compliantly deliver services.
  • Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
  • Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
  • Monitored patient's vital signs, arterial blood gases or blood chemistry changes, consulting with physician during adverse reactions.
  • Educated patients and families about conditions and taught appropriate disease management techniques.
  • Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
  • Demonstrated respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
  • Maintained charts containing patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
  • Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Managed care of patients with diverse conditions alongside physicians, nurses and support team members.
  • Tracked changes in blood chemistry, vital signs and other markers of improvement or decompensation in critically ill patients.
  • Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and instructed patients in breathing exercises.
  • Read prescription information and laboratory results to assess patients' needs and conditions.
  • Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Conducted EKGs, stress testing or lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
  • Provided artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
08-2005

Skills

  • Quality improvement
  • Airway clearance techniques
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Endotracheal intubation
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Ventilator management
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Neonatal resuscitation
  • Scheduling coordination
  • Interdepartmental collaboration
  • Airway management
  • Excellent communication
  • Document conditions
  • Educate patients
  • Active listening
  • Self motivation
  • Problem-solving
  • Mechanical ventilation support
  • Dosage calculation
  • Clinical judgment
  • Emergency care
  • Decision-making
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Bronchial treatment
  • Analytical thinking
  • Care plan management
  • CPR/AED
  • Goal setting
  • Monitor patients
  • Attention to detail
  • Deliver treatment
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Patient advocacy
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Emergency medical care
  • Strong clinical judgment
  • Relationship building
  • Professional bedside manner
  • Respiratory treatment planning
  • Professionalism
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
  • Continuous improvement
  • Patient education
  • Multitasking
  • Medical terminology
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Manage ventilation
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Registered respiratory therapist - neonatal/pediatric specialist
  • Analytical skills
  • Team collaboration
  • Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Reliability
  • Written communication

Timeline

Respiratory Therapist Team Lead

Corewell Health Hospital
02.2023 - Current

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Corewell Health Hospital
10.2013 - 02.2023

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Metro Health University Of Michigan Health
08.2007 - 10.2013

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Sparrow Health Hospital
08.2005 - 08.2007

Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy

Ferris State University

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Amy Cantu