Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Charla Wolfe

Charla Wolfe

Ooltewah,TN

Summary

As a respiratory therapist for the past 34 years I have had my share of experiences. Some of them have been heart breaking, but the rest rewarding. I started my career at a children’s hospital and made the news because of the RSV outbreak in Chattanooga in 1998. I set up every croup tent we had with little those sweet little angels filled with ribavirin and having to NT suction them every 2 hours in the emergency room. All of the protective equipment we had to put on because of the side effects of that drug. Never did I think I would experience anything like that again. 32 years later I was doing it again, but it was much more serious this time. Covid reared its ugly head and therapist were in the trenches. It was an exhausting time and a very scary time as well because I became the patient with Covid. I was on a bipap and oxygen just to make it through the days. I was so lonely and isolated because family couldn’t come round. I look back at that time and realize it just made me an even better respiratory therapist. I love my patients and their families. I strive every hour of my shift to make sure my patients know that they are not alone and that they are going to be cared for. I wanted to write all this down because a “resume” to me is so sterile and I’m anything but that!! If you choose me as your travel therapist rest assured you will have my full support any and every time I step through your doors. I look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to get ahold of me anytime!




Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1

BLS

1
1

ACLS

1
1

Sleep lab courses

Work History

Certified Respiratory Therapist

Kindred Hospital Cl
01.2021 - Current
  • Facilitated timely weaning from mechanical ventilation by closely monitoring vital signs, blood gas results, and overall readiness for extubation.
  • Enhanced patient comfort by providing education on the proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with respiratory disorders.
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering prescribed respiratory therapy treatments and monitoring patient responses.
  • Optimized ventilator management by assessing patient needs and making necessary adjustments based on clinical findings.
  • Contributed to a safer healthcare environment by adhering to infection control policies and maintaining a clean workspace.
  • Expedited emergency response times, participating in Code Blue situations as an essential member of the rapid response team.
  • Elevated patient satisfaction rates by promptly addressing concerns, answering questions, and delivering exceptional bedside manner.
  • Promoted health literacy among patients and their families with clear communication regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive measures.
  • Increased staff efficiency by providing training and guidance on best practices in respiratory care protocols.
  • Enhanced patient experience during aerosol treatments by demonstrating proper technique while ensuring they are comfortable throughout the process.
  • Ensured optimal patient outcomes in high-stress situations, such as acute respiratory distress or cardiopulmonary arrest, by providing quick and effective interventions.
  • Supported successful surgical procedures for patients requiring intubation or tracheostomy placement by providing expert assistance to the surgical team.
  • Streamlined department operations through effective inventory control and maintenance of respiratory therapy equipment.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge in the field of respiratory therapy through continuous professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, or certifications renewals.
  • Assisted physicians in diagnosing complex respiratory conditions through thorough assessment and interpretation of diagnostic tests.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through active participation in staff meetings, sharing valuable insights, and promoting open communication among colleagues.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of patient progress, treatment plans, and medical histories for improved continuity of care.
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
  • Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
  • Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
  • Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
  • Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
  • Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
  • Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
  • Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
  • Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
  • Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
  • Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
  • Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
  • Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
  • Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
  • Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
  • Evaluated care policies using patient records and current research findings to develop better treatment.
  • Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.

CRT

Parkridge Medical Center
03.2010 - 12.2021
  • Served as a mentor to new CRT staff members, providing guidance on clinical procedures and fostering a supportive team environment.
  • Actively participated in interdisciplinary rounds, contributing valuable insights from the perspective of a certified respiratory therapist.
  • Performed diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analyses, to guide treatment decisions and monitor effectiveness.
  • Monitored, recorded and communicated patient condition.
  • Optimized ventilation settings to ensure appropriate respiratory support for critically ill patients.
  • Managed inventory of respiratory equipment and supplies, ensuring availability for timely patient care delivery.
  • Assessed patient for appropriate type and frequency of treatment and developed plan of care based on diagnoses.
  • Evaluated respiratory practice, administration of medication and treatment based on patient outcomes.
  • Provided emergency respiratory care in high-stress situations, maintaining composure and applying critical thinking skills to support patients effectively.
  • Implemented evidence-based interventions that reduced complications related to ventilator-associated pneumonia among ICU patients.
  • Implemented and monitored patient care plan and equipment.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices through continuing education and participation in professional organizations.
  • Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized respiratory care strategies.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and seamless care transitions.
  • Provided education to patients and families on respiratory conditions, medications, and self-care techniques.
  • Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
  • Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
  • Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
  • Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
  • Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
  • Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.

CRT

The Health Center at Standifer Place
01.2004 - 01.2009

CRT

Cleveland Community Hospital
04.1997 - 12.2002
  • Implemented and monitored patient care plan and equipment.
  • Actively participated in interdisciplinary rounds, contributing valuable insights from the perspective of a certified respiratory therapist.
  • Evaluated respiratory practice, administration of medication and treatment based on patient outcomes.
  • Monitored, recorded and communicated patient condition.
  • Performed diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analyses, to guide treatment decisions and monitor effectiveness.
  • Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized respiratory care strategies.
  • Assessed patient for appropriate type and frequency of treatment and developed plan of care based on diagnoses.
  • Provided education to patients and families on respiratory conditions, medications, and self-care techniques.
  • Managed inventory of respiratory equipment and supplies, ensuring availability for timely patient care delivery.

CRT

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
01.1997 - 07.2002
  • Received documents from both electronic and hard copy forms for processing.
  • Assisted in training new employees on CRT operation, sharing expertise to ensure smooth onboarding process.
  • Sorted, imaged, documented, filed and archived information by form type.
  • Contributed to a positive workplace culture by maintaining professionalism and displaying strong interpersonal skills when interacting with colleagues.
  • Supported successful project completion through diligent work ethic and commitment to delivering results within established timeframes.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current with best practices relevant to CRT operation roles.
  • Collaborated with other departments as necessary, providing timely and accurate information exchange for cross-functional initiatives.
  • Provided support to colleagues as needed, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork and cooperation.
  • Managed workload effectively while juggling multiple priorities simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of all tasks.
  • Followed work orders precisely to identify equipment needed, materials required and sequences to correctly completing assignments.

CRT

Parkridge East (formally Humana Hospital)
East Ridge , TN
05.1990 - 07.1995

Education

Associate Of Science - Respiratory Care

Hamilton County Collegiate High School At Chattanooga State
Chattanooga, TN
08.1990

Skills

  • Aerosol Therapy
  • Arterial blood gas analysis
  • Respiratory Care Protocols
  • Bronchial Hygiene
  • Airway Management
  • Noninvasive Ventilation
  • Quality Improvement
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Healthcare regulations
  • Tracheostomy Care
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Sleep Study Assistance
  • Respiratory equipment setup
  • Patient Care
  • Strong Clinical Judgment
  • Team Collaboration
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Heavy Lifting
  • Patient Education
  • Caring Bedside Manner
  • Relationship Building
  • Equipment Cleaning
  • Physical assessments
  • Intubation
  • End of life care
  • Medication Administration
  • Infection Control
  • Medical Terminology
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Patient care documentation
  • Care Planning
  • Patient Instruction
  • Emergency medical care
  • Professional Bedside Manner
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Treatment Plan Development
  • Equipment Setup
  • Care Plan Management
  • Treatment Administration
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Reliability
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Excellent Communication
  • Organizational Skills
  • Active Listening
  • Effective Communication
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Decision-Making
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Patient support
  • Team building
  • Task Prioritization
  • Self Motivation
  • CPR/AED
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Goal Setting
  • Professionalism
  • Emergency Care
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Time management abilities
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Adaptability
  • Written Communication
  • Professional Demeanor
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Care management
  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
  • Treatment Planning
  • Respiratory treatment planning
  • Analytical Skills
  • Certified Respiratory Therapist

Certification

BLS, ACLS

Timeline

Certified Respiratory Therapist

Kindred Hospital Cl
01.2021 - Current

CRT

Parkridge Medical Center
03.2010 - 12.2021

CRT

The Health Center at Standifer Place
01.2004 - 01.2009

CRT

Cleveland Community Hospital
04.1997 - 12.2002

CRT

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
01.1997 - 07.2002

CRT

Parkridge East (formally Humana Hospital)
05.1990 - 07.1995

Associate Of Science - Respiratory Care

Hamilton County Collegiate High School At Chattanooga State

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Charla Wolfe