Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Hobbies
Timeline
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Carina Akonful

Marietta,GA

Summary

Proven achiever in fast-paced healthcare environments, I leveraged my electrophysiology expertise and exceptional communication skills at Northside Hospital Atlanta and other facilities to enhance patient outcomes and team efficiency in the EP Lab. Skilled in intracardiac echocardiography and fostering teamwork, I consistently adapted to new challenges, contributing to continuous improvement and patient care excellence. Well-organized RCES offering eighteen total years of healthcare experience and eight years in electrophysiology. Smoothly evaluate patients using diverse tests and routine procedures. Good prioritization, documentation and records management abilities.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

RCES III Internal Traveler Choice + Local

Northside Hospital Atlanta
04.2024 - Current
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Scrubbing and monitoring, various arrhythmia cases and device cases from leadless pacemaker, CRT, Left bundle cases, dual /single chamber ICD and pacemakers.
  • Stocking and charging of supplies
  • Cardiac stemming of various arrhythmias with ESI and Carto Scrubbing PFA cases with the Abbott Volt for research study.
  • Run the Cryo console and RF console
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.

Registered Respiratory Therapist PRN

WellStar Kennestone Hospital
02.2023 - Current
  • Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
  • Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
  • Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
  • Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
  • Aided physicians with various procedures such intubations and care plans for patients.
  • Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
  • Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
  • Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
  • Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
  • Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
  • Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.

Staff RRT PRN

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
11.2022 - Current
  • Increased department efficiency by maintaining and troubleshooting respiratory equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Evaluated patient response to therapy and adjusted treatment plans accordingly, resulting in improved clinical outcomes and shorter hospital stays.
  • Improved patient outcomes by accurately assessing, diagnosing, and treating respiratory conditions in a timely manner.
  • Provided compassionate care for patients with chronic lung diseases, educating them on disease management techniques and medication administration.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to determine appropriate non-invasive ventilation options for eligible patients thereby improving overall comfort levels.
  • Participated actively in departmental meetings, providing valuable input for process improvements and innovative solutions to challenges faced by the respiratory team.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of all clinical information in electronic medical records systems for proper billing purposes.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
  • Conducted tests such as EKGs, IS and Acapella devices

RCES III

Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
12.2016 - Current
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
  • Trained new personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills with scrubbing and circulating simple cases such as devices to advanced cases of ablation procedures.
  • Performs all phases of interventional and neuro-interventional radiologic examinations to patients in EP Lab in accordance with applicable scope and standards of practice and with the policies, values, and mission of the organization.
  • Scrub and cardiac stem of various afib procedural cases from Cryo to RF to PFA using Boston scientific, Abbott, Medtronic. Run the consoles of Cryo, Medtronic, CARTO console, Mastero and also setup all ablation consoles.
  • Prepares patients for procedures by reviewing medical history, draping, and positioning the patient, preparing procedural/testing sites and administering contrast media and/or medications within scope of practice.
  • Advanced EP Med trained to pace and use the simulator for advanced ablation cases of atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, various SVTs, VTs and PVCs.
  • Assists physicians with performing diagnostic and vascular interventional procedures.
  • Reviews results and takes appropriate action to resolve image quality issues.
  • Prepares equipment and supplies including sterile trays prior to MD scrubbing a case.
  • Select appropriate exposure factors and imaging parameters.
  • Implements safety standards and performs appropriate quality control procedures on equipment.
  • Troubleshoots, resolves, and/or reports equipment malfunctions, as necessary.
  • Assists with clerical and non-technical duties necessary to department operations, such as documenting procedures into department/hospital information systems, as per departmental policy, recording billing, editing and statistical information in radiology information system, maintaining and cleaning patient care equipment per infection control standards and evaluating inventory levels, to ensure par level of stock, suitable for the needs of division.

Registered Respiratory Therapist PRN

Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health
08.2006 - Current
  • Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
  • Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
  • Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
  • Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
  • Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
  • Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
  • Aided physicians with various procedures such as ventilator management, and intubations.
  • Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
  • Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
  • Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
  • Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
  • Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
  • Enhanced patient safety with thorough ventilator management and monitoring.
  • Educated patients and families on respiratory health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and nursing staff to ensure clear communication of treatment plans.
  • Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
  • Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
  • Responded to emergency codes and calls immediately initiated treatment.
  • Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
  • BiPAP noninvasive ventilation on floors or in ICU for management of care or for sleep therapy.
  • Transport therapist that takes ventilated patients both noninvasive and invasive to ICU, MRI, CT, cath lab, interventional radiology and various units.


Registered Respiratory Therapist

Moses Cone Health System
03.2008 - 01.2014
  • Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
  • Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
  • Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development, staying current with industry advancements and best practices for respiratory therapy.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions by conducting thorough post-discharge follow-ups and ensuring proper home care implementation.
  • Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
  • Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
  • Responded to emergency codes and calls, C-sections and during meconium deliveries.
  • Intubate and adjust jet, oscillator, invasive and noninvasive.
  • Worked in neonatal intensive care unit and freestanding emergency room.
  • Learned to place IVs, OGs, Arterial lines and triage and treat patient with care plans and protocols.
  • Intubated babies and adults.

Education

Certification - Electrophysiology

Howard Community College
Columbia, MD
12.2018

Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy

Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-salem, NC
05.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Exercise Physiology And Science

University of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
12.2004

Skills

  • Intracardiac echocardiography
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Medical terminology understanding
  • Continuous Learning Attitude
  • Pacemaker Implantation
  • Interpersonal abilities
  • Ethical Conduct Awareness
  • Electrocardiogram Interpretation
  • Medical Equipment Operation
  • Defibrillator Management
  • Electrophysiology expertise
  • Arrhythmia Diagnosis
  • Cardiac device management
  • Catheter ablation techniques
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Excellent Communication
  • Reliability
  • Team Collaboration
  • Active Listening
  • Effective Communication
  • Certified in CPR/AED/ACLS
  • Vitals monitoring
  • Electronic Charting
  • Decision-Making
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Documentation
  • Professionalism
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Implantable loop recorders
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Analytical Skills
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Adaptability
  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques
  • Cardiac Risk Assessment

Accomplishments

    Attend cardiovascular and respiratory conferences, in-services in the hospitals and off campus for continuing education and learning.

    Academic honors in respiratory school.

    Employee of the month in Health Division of Outpatient Services at Moses Cone Health Care System, November 2012

    Awarded hospital recognition for exceptional employee at Piedmont Healthcare, 2017

    Camp Counselor, North Carolina On the Status of Women (Leadership Connections) Greensboro, NC 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007

    Volunteer and Mentor, Dreams Center for Arts & Education, 2004

    Peer Facilitator (S.T.A.R) Leadership Connections Greensboro, NC 2004, 2005

    Volunteer, Day in the Park Special Olympics, Wilmington NC 2004

    Recreational Instructor and program creator/grant writer of Hoops for Knowledge/ Hoops for Love, North Carolina Juvenile Justice System and Leadership Connections STAR program (Federal Grant funded)

Affiliations

  • AARC
  • CCI
  • NRBC
  • ACVP

Certification

  • RCES CCI 9/2023 Electrophysiology
  • RRT GA Composite Medical Board 2012 and NC Board of Respiratory Care 2008 Respiratory Therapy


Hobbies

Science

Tech

Traveling

Hiking

Photography

Medicine

Nature

Swimming 

Motorcycle riding

Health 

Nutrition

Timeline

RCES III Internal Traveler Choice + Local

Northside Hospital Atlanta
04.2024 - Current

Registered Respiratory Therapist PRN

WellStar Kennestone Hospital
02.2023 - Current

Staff RRT PRN

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
11.2022 - Current

RCES III

Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
12.2016 - Current

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Moses Cone Health System
03.2008 - 01.2014

Registered Respiratory Therapist PRN

Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health
08.2006 - Current

Certification - Electrophysiology

Howard Community College

Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy

Forsyth Technical Community College

Bachelor of Arts - Exercise Physiology And Science

University of North Carolina At Wilmington
  • RCES CCI 9/2023 Electrophysiology
  • RRT GA Composite Medical Board 2012 and NC Board of Respiratory Care 2008 Respiratory Therapy


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Carina Akonful