Cathleen Pierucci
Kern Medical Center
Grover Beach,CA
13
years of professional experience
Dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist with a strong focus on arterial blood gas analysis, airway management, and patient education. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through effective ventilator management and clinical decision-making.
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
5 Months- Administered respiratory therapy treatments and monitored patient responses for optimal outcomes.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop and revise patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health management and equipment usage.
- Operated and maintained ventilators, nebulizers, and other respiratory equipment effectively.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
3 Years- Conducted diagnostic tests, including spirometry and arterial blood gas analysis, to assess patient conditions.
- Implemented infection control protocols to ensure patient safety during therapy sessions.
- Assisted in training new staff on respiratory procedures and equipment operation.
Certified Nursing Assistant
2 Years 10 Months- Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities and ensuring comfort.
- Monitored vital signs, documenting changes to support medical staff in patient assessments.
- Assisted nursing staff with procedures, promoting adherence to safety and infection control protocols.
- Educated patients and families on care plans, enhancing understanding of treatment processes and outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to streamline patient care processes and improve service delivery.
- Mentored junior nursing assistants, sharing best practices for effective patient interactions and care standards.
- Implemented improvements in workflow efficiency, reducing wait times for patient services and enhancing satisfaction.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
- Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Built rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
- Assisted nurses with wound care procedures ensuring proper healing processes took place.
Certified Nursing Assistant
2 Years 2 Months- Led training sessions on new healthcare technologies, fostering staff competency in using electronic health records systems.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Contributed positively towards patient satisfaction scores by consistently providing exceptional care and addressing their concerns.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
- Collaborated with nursing staff to create individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s needs.
- Improved patient satisfaction with empathetic listening and addressing concerns promptly.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate, one-on-one care during daily activities.
- Adapted care practices to meet needs of diverse patient populations, ensuring culturally sensitive care.
- Supported patients with personal care tasks to preserve dignity and promote independence.
- Monitored vital signs for early detection of medical issues, ensuring timely intervention and treatment.
- Advocated for patient rights and needs, ensuring respectful and ethical care.
- Maintained clean and safe environment, reducing risk of infections and promoting health.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
Education
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Skills
Arterial blood gas analysis
Airway management
Tracheostomy care
Non-invasive ventilation
Continuous positive airway pressure
Bronchial hygiene
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Endotracheal intubation
Respiratory equipment setup
Respiratory medication administration
Ethics and professionalism
Patient education
Electronic medical records
Patient care documentation
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation
Medication administration
Home care support
Pediatric respiratory care
Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Ventilator management
Clinical decision making
Oxygen therapy
Pulmonary function testing
Strong clinical judgment
Caring bedside manner
Professional bedside manner
Emergency medical care
Treatment administration
Patient instruction
Equipment setup
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Kern Medical Center
03.2012 - 08.2012Read More
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Good Samaritan
03.2009 - 03.2012Read More
Certified Nursing Assistant
Adventist Health Bakersfield
01.2002 - 11.2004Read More
Certified Nursing Assistant
Dignity Health
01.2000 - 03.2002Read More
San Joaquin Valley College
Associate of Science from Respiratory Therapy
Read More