Colleen Shaffer
Zanesville,OH
Summary
Compassionate CRT,CPFT with 44 years of experience ,20 years in Pulmonary Function and 8 years in DME/Homecare, LTAC to optimizing patient outcomes through effective communication,education, and clinical judgement, and empathy.
Overview
1
1
Certification
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Respiratory Therapist / CRT ,CPFT
Genesis Hospital
Zanesville, OH
09.1982 - Current
- Administered respiratory care treatments to patients with diverse pulmonary conditions.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted therapy plans based on clinical assessments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes through effective communication.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health management and equipment usage.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance service delivery and patient safety standards.
- Trained new staff on respiratory protocols, equipment operation, and best practices in patient care.
- Minimized patient discomfort during pulmonary function testing by offering clear instructions and demonstrating empathy throughout the procedure.
- Assisted physicians in diagnosing complex respiratory conditions through thorough assessment and interpretation of diagnostic tests.
- Improved patient outcomes by administering prescribed respiratory therapy treatments and monitoring patient responses.
- Enhanced patient experience during aerosol treatments by demonstrating proper technique while ensuring they are comfortable throughout the process.
- 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.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through active participation in staff meetings, sharing valuable insights, and promoting open communication among colleagues.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge in the field of respiratory therapy through continuous professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, or certifications renewals.
- Elevated patient satisfaction rates by promptly addressing concerns, answering questions, and delivering exceptional bedside manner.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- 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.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
- Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.
Education
High School Diploma -
Philo High School
Philo, OH12 Month Diploma - Respiratory Therapy
Muskingum Area Joint Vocational Adult Respiratory Therapy Pr
Zanesville, OH08-1982
Skills
- Aerosol therapy
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Respiratory care protocols
- Bronchial hygiene
- Airway management
- Noninvasive ventilation
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Healthcare regulations
- Tracheostomy care
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Home care support
- Ventilator management
- Oxygen therapy
- Diagnostic interpretation
- Pulmonary function testing
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Clinical leadership
- Patient care
- Strong clinical judgment
- Team collaboration
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Verbal and written communication
- Patient and family advocacy
- Heavy lifting
- Patient education
- Caring bedside manner
- Relationship building
- Equipment cleaning
- Physical assessments
- Intubation
- Infection control
- Medical terminology
- Coaching and mentoring
- Patient care documentation
- Patient instruction
- Emergency medical care
- Professional bedside manner
- Patient advocacy
- Equipment setup
- Spirometer reading
- Diagnostic tools
- Outpatient care
- Treatment administration
- Pulse oximetry
- Mechanical ventilation management
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
- EMR management
- Patient and caregiver education
- Blood gas analysis
- Pulmonary function screenings
- First aid and CPR
- Infection control techniques
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Clinical judgment
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Professional communication
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Patient support
- Patient monitoring
- Team building
- Self motivation
- CPR/AED
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
Certification
- CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist
- CPFT - Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist
- NRP current certification
- Niosh Spirometry Training Training - current
- Black lung testing -current
- Exercise abg's - current
Timeline
Certified Respiratory Therapist / CRT ,CPFT
Genesis Hospital
09.1982 - Current
High School Diploma -
Philo High School
12 Month Diploma - Respiratory Therapy
Muskingum Area Joint Vocational Adult Respiratory Therapy Pr
NRP,CRT,RCP,CPFT,NIOSH SPIROMETRY CERTIFIED,
I have extensive training in Pulmonary Function testing, Black Lung Testing,Dept of Labor and Bureau of Disability testing, exercise
abg's and Lung Clinic asessment skills, as well . I have 8 years of experience with homecare cpap/bipap setup/nppv and Oxygen setups
and teaching the patients of homecare equipment., also I have extensive training in LTACH,trach unit, I have worked in a hospital setting 39 of the 44 years, and as of the past 15 years pulmonary function testing and also work on the floors as an RT prn.