Andrea Cortes
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Dedicated Respiratory Care Practicioner with extensive experience in respiratory therapy. Known for strong clinical judgment and mentorship skills. Effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop strategies that enhance patient care and support clinical excellence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital
05.2020 - Current
- Administered respiratory therapies and interventions to optimize patient outcomes.
- Enhanced patient comfort during procedures by utilizing effective communication and bedside manner skills.
- Conducted comprehensive pulmonary function tests to evaluate patient respiratory health.
- Maintained and calibrated pulmonary function testing equipment for optimal performance.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians, resulting in increased referrals and a growing patient base for the facility''s pulmonary services division.
- Provided exceptional patient education, explaining the purpose and process of pulmonary function tests to ease anxiety and ensure cooperation during testing procedures.
- Ensured accuracy in test results by maintaining and calibrating pulmonary function equipment regularly.
- Enhanced patient care by performing accurate pulmonary function tests and providing reliable results for diagnosis.
- Improved overall productivity within the department by cross-training staff members on various pulmonary function testing techniques.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in ABG lab.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Managed inventory levels effectively by tracking supply usage and placing orders for required materials before depletion.
- Troubleshoot and resolved equipment and process issues.
Staff Respiratory Therapist
St Lukes Baptist Hospital
06.2008 - 05.2020
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care strategies.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for respiratory therapy techniques.
- Participated in interdisciplinary rounds, actively contributing insights regarding patients'' respiratory status and advocating for optimal care strategies.
- Managed emergency situations effectively, providing life-saving interventions during critical events such as cardiac arrests and respiratory failures.
- Served as a preceptor for new hires and student therapists, imparting knowledge of best practices while fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy
UT Health Science Center
San Antonio05-2008
Skills
- Pulmonary function testing
- Strong clinical judgment
- Team collaboration
- Airway management
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Ventilator management
- Bronchoscopy assistance
Accomplishments
Received the Baptist Pillars Award which honors those who exemplify core values.
Certification
- RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital
05.2020 - Current
Staff Respiratory Therapist
St Lukes Baptist Hospital
06.2008 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy
UT Health Science Center