Audra Wiggins
Sebree,KY
Summary
Respiratory Therapist focused on patient assessment, ventilator management, and safe respiratory care in critical care settings. Collaborates with nurses and physicians to adjust treatment plans, monitor blood gases, and support airway clearance, tracheostomy care, and extubation readiness. Delivers patient and family education while maintaining accurate clinical documentation and infection control standards.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Select Medical
Evansville, IN
11.2018 - Current
- Managed ventilator support, oxygen therapy, and airway clearance treatments.
- Monitored blood gases, adjusting therapy to optimize patient outcomes.
- Performed respiratory assessments for Select Medical patients across critical care settings.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
- Instructed patients on proper use of respiratory equipment including oxygen therapy, ventilators and aerosol therapy.
- Suctioned airways, maintained tracheostomy care, and supported extubation readiness.
- Provided emergency care including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Documented respiratory care in electronic medical records and flow sheets.
- Collaborated with nurses and physicians during care planning and rounds.
- Identified high-risk situations, including airway obstruction, and implemented timely interventions to ensure patient safety.
- Administered medication, monitored vital signs and assisted in the delivery of medical gases to patients.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
- Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures using treatment methods and equipment.
- Performed diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing and sleep studies.
- Monitored patient progress to determine effectiveness of treatments and make necessary adjustments.
- Assessed the patient's response to therapeutic interventions by observing physical conditions or interpreting test results.
- Adhered to standards of excellence for respiratory care and diagnostic services.
- Consulted with physicians about potential problems related to prescribed respiratory therapies or medications.
- Determined patient safety risks to identify medical intervention needs.
- Met regulatory requirements according to scope of practice guidelines set by governing agencies.
- Consulted current literature to enhance knowledge of respiratory disorders and treatments. related to respiratory disorders and treatments in order to update clinical skill set.
- Followed infection control and safety standards during respiratory procedures.
- Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
Patient Advocate
Solace
West Hollywood, California
- Guided patients through care navigation, ensuring understanding of next steps in treatment.
- Coordinated appointments with providers and specialists, enhancing patient access to necessary care.
- Reviewed insurance benefits and addressed coverage questions, resolving billing concerns for patients.
- Documented case details, updates, and follow-up actions in records.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN05-2022
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory
Madisonville Community College
Madisonville, KY12-1996
Bremen Consolidated High School
Bremen, KY05-1990
Skills
- Mechanical ventilation
- Mechanical ventilation management
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Arterial blood gases
- Pulmonary function testing
- Respiratory assessments
- Tracheostomy care
- Infection control
- Electronic medical records
- Clinical documentation
- Patient care
- Treatment administration
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Pulse oximetry
- Spirometer reading
- Patient needs assessment
- Patient education
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Verbal and written communication
- Team collaboration
- Bedside manner
- Patient advocacy
- Ventilator management
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
Select Medical
11.2018 - Current
Patient Advocate
Solace
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory
University of Southern Indiana
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory
Madisonville Community College
Bremen Consolidated High School