Accomplished Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, adept in ventilator management and fostering patient advocacy. Demonstrated success in improving patient outcomes through expert application of pulmonary function screenings and collaborative team leadership. Proven ability to educate patients and families, enhancing recovery processes and care standards.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapist PRN
Bon Secours
Newport News, VA
11.2014 - Current
Administered respiratory therapy treatments to patients, ensuring optimal respiratory function and patient comfort.
Monitored patients' responses to therapy, adjusting treatments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
See the above-mentioned.
Respiratory Therapist
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Norfolk, VA
06.1988 - Current
Identified high risk situations such as airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation and took appropriate action.
Collaborated with physicians, nurses or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
Followed established guidelines to compliantly deliver services.
Provided artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Conducted EKGs, stress testing or lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
Monitored patient's vital signs, arterial blood gases or blood chemistry changes, consulting with physician during adverse reactions.
Assessed patient's response to therapeutic interventions by observing physical conditions or interpreting test results.
Read prescription information and laboratory results to assess patients' needs and conditions.
Conducted follow-up visits with patients to evaluate treatment outcomes and make recommendations for additional care if needed.
Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Managed care of patients with diverse conditions alongside physicians, nurses and support team members.
Provided education to patients regarding lifestyle changes that may help improve their condition.
Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients unable to breathe on own.
Educated patients and families about conditions and taught appropriate disease management techniques.
Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
Assisted in training new hires on department policies, protocols and safety procedures related to respiratory therapy practices.
Administered medication, monitored vital signs and assisted in the delivery of medical gases to patients.
Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach
05-1988
Skills
Spirometer reading
Patient and family advocacy
Physical assessments
Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Pulmonary function screenings
Patient care documentation
Respiratory equipment setup
Clinical leadership
Equipment setup
First aid and CPR
Bronchial hygiene techniques
Respiratory care protocols
Intubation
Reporting and documentation
Oxygen therapy
Pulse oximetry
Medication administration
Emergency medical care
Equipment cleaning
Professional bedside manner
Relationship building
Team collaboration
Patient advocacy
Tracheostomy care
Blood gas analysis
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Safety protocols and procedures
Arterial blood gas analysis
Airway management
Ventilator management
Strong clinical judgment
Mechanical ventilation management
Neonatal intensive care
Affiliations
Chairperson for the Respiratory Care Practice Council for 10 years
Respiratory Care preceptor for 15 years
ECMO Specilaist training 2012 to 2014
Clinical specialist for SAT/SBT protocol initiative
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist PRN
Bon Secours
11.2014 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
06.1988 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy