Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Carola Bennett

Chesapeake,VA

Summary

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

Tidewater Community College
Carola Bennett