Christy Pocatko
Clover,SC
Summary
Compassionate Registered Respiratory Therapist known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in patient assessment, mechanical ventilation management, and emergency respiratory care. Excel in communication, teamwork, and adaptability, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in fast-paced environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Novant Health
02.2025 - Current
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments to patients with diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Monitored patient vital signs and adjusted treatment plans accordingly.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory care techniques and equipment usage.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care strategies.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices in respiratory therapy.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive documentation of patient progress and treatment outcomes.
- Evaluated care policies using patient records and current research findings to develop better treatment.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in procedures such as; intubations, thoracentesis, bedside bronchoscopies, bedside tracheotomies, brain death testing, etc.
Registered Respiratory Therapist/Pulmonary Function Technologist
Novant Health PCC
Charlotte, NC
01.2024 - 02.2025
- Perform pulmonary function testing in an outpatient setting according to ATS/ERS standards.
- Inspected equipment regularly to ensure proper functioning before use on patients.
- Communicate with physicians about appropriate testing needs, as well as results.
- Coach patients on how to perform tests to get the best results for diagnostic purposes.
- Educate patients and family on disease process and need for testing.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Med Emporium
Charlotte, NC
10.2021 - 01.2024
- Delivery, set up, and instruction on home respiratory equipment.
- Instructed patients and their families in proper use of ventilators, inhalers, and nebulizers.
- Developed care plans for individual patients based on assessment of the patient's condition.
- Managed home settings for 70+ patients with individual needs
- Train patients and caregivers on proper trach care, suctioning, equipment set up, cleaning, etc.
- Take call for urgent needs after hours.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to advances in respiratory care practices.
Respiratory Therapist/Acting Charge Therapist/Critical Care Specialist
Novant Health- Presbyterian
07.2017 - 11.2021
- Create assignments, communicate with management and physicians, and solve team issues as Charge Therapist
- Manage medical, cardiac, and near intensive care units as Critical Care Specialist
- Set up, monitor, and troubleshoot ventilators in critical care situations
- Manage and monitor CPAP and BI-PAP setup for patients
- Respond to all emergencies to maintain patient airway and initiate CPR
- Observe and monitor client behavior and responses to breathing treatment
- Conduct complex and difficult therapies as per the physical condition of the patient
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition
- Develop and implement 30+ treatment plans which lead to successful wean from mechanical ventilation
- Collaborate with physicians to update patient's respiratory status and administer new treatments based on diagnosis
- 36 hrs/wk
Education
Respiratory Care Professional License -
07.2017
License Number RCP.8881
Registered Respiratory Therapist -
04.2017
Associates of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy Technology
12.2016
12.2016
Respiratory Therapist Student
Skills
- Servo I, Servo U, Hamilton G5, Optiflow, Veletri, Nitric Oxide, Glidescope, Bronchoscopes, Oscillator
- V-60 BiPAP, VPAP
- Extensive use and knowledge of Epic software, excellent knowledge of respiratory equipment, and procedures
- Proven ability to effectively work in emergency situations, critical thinker with decisive judgment, extensive expertise
- In disease management principles and practices, high observation and listening abilities, and superior skills in diagnostics
- And therapeutic equipment operation, calibration, and maintenance; Secretary of the Respiratory Therapy Club, Kent
- State University, Jan 16 - Dec 16
- Pulmonary function testing
- Care Plan Management
- Tracheostomy Care
- Coaching and Mentoring
Certification
BLS and ACLS Certified
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist - Novant Health
02.2025 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist/Pulmonary Function Technologist - Novant Health PCC
01.2024 - 02.2025
Registered Respiratory Therapist - Med Emporium
10.2021 - 01.2024
Respiratory Therapist/Acting Charge Therapist/Critical Care Specialist - Novant Health- Presbyterian
07.2017 - 11.2021
The North Carolina Respiratory Care Board - Respiratory Care Professional License,
The National Board of Respiratory Care - Registered Respiratory Therapist,
Kent State University - Associates of Applied Science, Respiratory Therapy Technology
University Hospitals Cleveland- Cleveland Medical Center Lake Health Systems- TriPoint Medical Center - ,