Cheryl Dvorak
Grayslake,IL
Summary
Licensed Respiratory Therapist with 35 years of experience across ICU, NICU, PICU, Level 1 trauma, and home care settings. Provides airway clearance, tracheostomy care, and respiratory treatment coordination. Conducts EHR charting and delivers patient and family education to support safe outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Home Care Respiratory Therapist
Respire
Elmhurst, IL
01.2026 - Current
- Facilitated patient treatment by delivering prescribed respiratory therapies in home and care settings to ensure optimal health outcomes.
- Enhanced patient and family understanding of non-invasive and invasive ventilation, oxygen use, nebulizer care, airway clearance, vest therapy, and safety procedures for pediatric and adult populations.
- Maintained accurate respiratory records for care visits, equipment checks, and patient instructions, ensuring continuity of care.
- Maintained ready-to-use respiratory devices and supplies through setup, cleaning, and upkeep.
Respiratory Therapist
Alexian Brothers Medical Center
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
03.2025 - 01.2026
- Responded to emergency airway needs in emergency and intensive care units.
- Delivered emergency care, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Monitored ventilator settings and supported mechanical ventilation management.
- Set up, monitored mechanical ventilators, and managed critical care duties to ensure optimal patient respiratory support.
- Assessed patients and adjusted respiratory care plans in acute care medical center.
- Identified high risk situations such as airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation and took appropriate action.
- Collaborated with nurses and physicians to implement effective respiratory therapy orders, enhancing patient care.
- Performed arterial blood gas collection and documented results in medical records.
- Met all regulatory requirements within scope of practice guidelines established by governing agencies, ensuring compliance and safety.
Charge Respiratory Therapist
Advocate Condell Medical Center
Libertyville, Illinois
04.2020 - 01.2025
- Coordinated respiratory care workflow across inpatient units at Advocate Condell Medical Center.
- Managed mechanical ventilator support for critically ill patients.
- Assessed patients for ventilation, oxygenation, and airway support needs.
- Responded to rapid response calls and code situations with clinical teams.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and care teams on treatment plans.
- Ensured proper implementation of respiratory care by reviewing and confirming therapy orders. and ensured accurate therapy delivery.
- Trained new therapists on Advocate Condell Medical Center protocols and patient care standards.
- Provided support during transport operations by monitoring vital signs during transit.
- Maintained accurate patient records, including vital signs and treatment outcomes, to support clinical decision-making and continuity of care.
- Adjusted treatment plans based on patient responses.
- Managed cases involving tracheostomy care, chest physiotherapy and bronchopulmonary hygiene therapy.
- Educated patients on disease management strategies including lifestyle modifications and medication compliance.
- Performed emergency resuscitation measures such as intubation, cardioversion or defibrillation.
- Advised staff members on best practices related to respiratory care services delivery.
- Evaluated patient health status by conducting detailed assessments including physical exams and lab work. through physical examination, lab work and clinical observations.
- Coordinated with healthcare professionals to ensure seamless continuity of care, enhancing patient treatment plans and outcomes.
- Actively participated in continuing education courses to stay abreast of new developments in the field.
Clinical Liaison
Health Technology Resources, LLC
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
08.2016 - 04.2020
- Coordinated communication among physicians, case managers, and Health Technology Resources care teams to streamline patient care.
- Presented Health Technology Resources services to healthcare partners and referral sources.
- Resolved questions from patients, families, and provider offices professionally.
- Maintained compliance with Health Technology Resources policies and client confidentiality.
- Educated patients and family members about disease processes, treatment plans, medications, and follow-up care instructions.
- Developed and implemented clinical education programs for medical staff.
- Built strong relationships with patients, enhancing satisfaction scores and ensuring optimal care outcomes.
- Reviewed and verified documentation meticulously to prevent errors that could affect care delivery and reimbursement.
Clinical Coordinator
Health Care Solutions Group, Inc
Skokie, Illinois
08.2006 - 08.2016
- Coordinated patient scheduling and follow-up across Health Care Solutions Group care teams.
- Managed clinical records in EHR systems for accuracy and continuity of care.
- Supported care coordination between clinical staff, case managers, and external partners.
- Communicated with providers, patients, and families about care plans and appointments.
- Reviewed charts for missing information and maintained compliance with clinic protocols.
- Resolved scheduling conflicts and prioritized daily clinical workflow for timely service.
- Provided guidance and support to team members regarding clinical best practices.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress and outcomes.
- Developed and implemented clinical protocols, policies, and procedures.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
Respiratory Therapist
Sherman Hospital
Elgin, Illinois
06.2002 - 08.2006
- Evaluated patients' respiratory status and identified treatment requirements.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to determine appropriate interventions.
- Administered nebulizer, aerosol, and oxygen therapies for hospitalized patients.
- Monitored ventilator settings and supported mechanical ventilation management.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
- Responded to emergency airway needs in emergency and intensive care units.
- Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Educated patients on respiratory care techniques and equipment usage.
- Provided guidance on managing respiratory conditions and improving overall health.
- Worked closely with physicians and nursing staff to optimize patient care.
- Performed arterial blood gas collection and documented results in medical records.
Charge Respiratory Therapist, Clinical Coordinator
Hinsdale Hospital
Hinsdale, Illinois
08.1996 - 08.2005
- Experience in respiratory care for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations
- Level 3 NICU experience
- Level 3 NICU transport team
- Supervised ventilator setup and ongoing airway support for critical care patients.
- Performed respiratory assessments and documented findings in electronic medical records.
- Collected arterial blood gases and reviewed results for clinical follow-up.
- Responded to emergency airway situations in Hinsdale Hospital inpatient units.
- Monitored patient progress and response to treatment, making adjustments as necessary.
- Provided mechanical ventilation to patients with respiratory failure or impairment.
- Managed cases involving tracheostomy care, chest physiotherapy and bronchopulmonary hygiene therapy.
- Trained respiratory staff on equipment use, patient safety, and bedside procedures.
- Directed respiratory therapy workflow across Hinsdale Hospital patient care areas.
- Created strong relationships with all coworkers, especially in the critical care areas
- Educational inservices for physicians, RN's and ancillary staff on new equipment/modalities
- Reviewed physician orders for accuracy prior to administering medications or treatments.
- Clinical educator for respiratory care students from College of DuPage and Malcolm X College
- Educated patients on disease management strategies including lifestyle modifications and medication compliance.
Education
Associate of Science - Respiratory Care
California College For Health Sciences
California06-2004
Certified Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Care
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL06-1992
Skills
- Tracheostomy care
- Home ventilation
- Airway clearance
- Patient and family education
- NICU, PICU, ICU, Level 1 Trauma
- Clinical coordination
- EHR management
- Inservice for Hospice RN's and staff
- Hospice Care
Certification
- Certified Respiratory Therapist
- Neonatal Pediatric Specialtist
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Advanced Adult Life Support
Timeline
Home Care Respiratory Therapist
Respire
01.2026 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Alexian Brothers Medical Center
03.2025 - 01.2026
Charge Respiratory Therapist
Advocate Condell Medical Center
04.2020 - 01.2025
Clinical Liaison
Health Technology Resources, LLC
08.2016 - 04.2020
Clinical Coordinator
Health Care Solutions Group, Inc
08.2006 - 08.2016
Respiratory Therapist
Sherman Hospital
06.2002 - 08.2006
Charge Respiratory Therapist, Clinical Coordinator
Hinsdale Hospital
08.1996 - 08.2005
Associate of Science - Respiratory Care
California College For Health Sciences
Certified Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Care
College of DuPage