CHRISTIAN GERKEN
REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Waxahachie,TX
Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Respiratory Therapist committed to helping improve breathing of children with lung disease and various types of pulmonary distress. Strong focus on team collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and achieving optimal patient outcomes. Reliable and flexible, ensuring high standards of respiratory care in dynamic healthcare environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Cook Children's Medical Center
07.2024 - Current
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Enhanced patient safety with thorough ventilator management and monitoring.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Administered aerosol and inhalation therapy to improve patient's breathing and lung function.
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
Patient Care Technician
Children's Medical Center
09.2021 - 06.2024
- Assisted nurses with essential tasks, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency in the healthcare setting.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, ensuring timely medical interventions when necessary.
- Assisted nursing staff with medical procedures to support patient care plans.
- Maintained patient stability by checking weights and recording intake and output information.
- Assisted in training new Patient Care Technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure consistency in care delivery.
Resident Care Coordinator
Heartis Seniors Living
10.2020 - 04.2021
- Enhanced resident well-being by implementing personalized care plans and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Conducted assessments to identify residents' needs, ensuring appropriate placement within the facility's programs and services.
- Advocated for residents' rights, promoting dignity and respect throughout interactions between staff members and residents.
- Hired and trained new staff members on facility policies and patient care.
- Promoted family engagement through regular updates on resident progress and involvement in care planning decisions.
Department Assistant
Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital
11.2013 - 09.2020
- Managed front desk operations efficiently while greeting patients warmly and addressing their concerns professionally.
- Prioritized calls through screening process and transferred calls and recorded messages for appropriate personnel.
- Scheduled patient appointments in respective doctors' calenders and followed up with reminder calls.
- Performed various administrative tasks by filing, copying and faxing documents.
- Organized files both physically and electronically, improving document accessibility for all team members.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Tarrant County College
Fort Worth, TX 05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Timberview High School
Arlington, Texas 05.2001 -
Skills
Airway management
Ventilator management
Non-invasive ventilation
Respiratory medication administration
Tracheostomy care
Respiratory equipment setup
Team collaboration
Professional bedside manner
Problem-solving
Time management
Multitasking
Certification
BLS for Healthcare Providers 9/2026
Licenses
Respiratory Care Practitioner - State of Texas
License: RCP 02006853
Expiration: 5/2026
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Cook Children's Medical Center
07.2024 - Current
Patient Care Technician
Children's Medical Center
09.2021 - 06.2024
Resident Care Coordinator
Heartis Seniors Living
10.2020 - 04.2021
Department Assistant
Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital
11.2013 - 09.2020
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Tarrant County College
05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Timberview High School
05.2001 -
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