Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Craig Heard

San Antonio

Summary

Dedicated and experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist with a strong background in patient assessment, critical care, and therapeutic interventions. Proficient in mechanical ventilation management, airway care, and emergency response in high-acuity settings. Skilled in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Reliable, adaptable, and committed to delivering high-quality respiratory care in fast-paced healthcare environments

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
07.2018 - Current

Managed and optimized respiratory care for patients, ensuring effective breathing support

and life-saving interventions.

• Conducted pulmonary function testing and utilized data-driven insights for informed

patient care decisions.

• Maintained patient confidentiality and adhered to HIPAA regulations, upholding high

standards of patient care.

• Operated and maintained mechanical ventilators and embedded computer systems,

ensuring accurate and reliable respiratory support.

• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality healthcare services and

improve patient outcomes.

  • Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
  • Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
  • Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
  • Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
  • Developed innovative approaches for noninvasive ventilation use in eligible patients reducing rates of intubation.
  • Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and nursing staff to ensure clear communication of treatment plans.
  • Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital
04.2020 - 08.2022

• Provided critical respiratory care in various units, including COVID MICU, COVID

SICU, ER, PACU, O2, and Aerosol therapy units.

• Conducted comprehensive pulmonary function testing and utilized electronic health

records (EHR) for accurate patient data management.

• Specialized in critical care, managing advanced life support systems and performing

emergency procedures with quick decision-making skills.

  • Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
  • Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
  • Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
  • Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
  • Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
  • Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
  • 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.

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Kindred Central (SCION)
04.2019 - 08.2021
  • Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
  • Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
  • Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
  • Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
  • Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
  • Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
  • Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
  • Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
  • Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.

Warm Springs Post Acute Medical Center

PAM Specialty Hospital
06.2009 - 04.2020
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
  • Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
  • Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and nursing staff to ensure clear communication of treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
  • Developed innovative approaches for noninvasive ventilation use in eligible patients reducing rates of intubation.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities staying current with best practices and advancements within the respiratory therapy field.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive respiratory care plans and interventions.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
  • Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
  • Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.

Education

Associate of Science - Respriratory Therapy

Academy of Health Sciences (Fort Sam Houston-Army
San Antonio

Bachelor of Arts - Writing

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago

Skills

  • Skilled in Acute Rehab units (ARU), LTACH, SICU, CCU, ICU, ER, MICU, Med Surg, Telemetry, and PACU
  • Proficient in invasive and noninvasive airway management including Cough Assist, CPT, NT and Trach Suctioning
  • Proficient with tracheostomy and stoma care
  • EKG, ABG, Aerosol and O2 therapy and bedside pulmonary functions
  • CPR, ACLS
  • Polysomnography, Overnight (NOC) oximetry
  • Acute care, SICU, CCU, ICU, ER, MICU, Med surg, telemetry and PACU experience

Certification

  • Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) - American Heart Association.
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification (ACLS) - American Heart Association.
  • Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner – TEXAS Health Department

Languages

English
Full Professional

Timeline

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital
04.2020 - 08.2022

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Kindred Central (SCION)
04.2019 - 08.2021

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
07.2018 - Current

Warm Springs Post Acute Medical Center

PAM Specialty Hospital
06.2009 - 04.2020
  • Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) - American Heart Association.
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification (ACLS) - American Heart Association.
  • Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner – TEXAS Health Department

Associate of Science - Respriratory Therapy

Academy of Health Sciences (Fort Sam Houston-Army

Bachelor of Arts - Writing

Columbia College Chicago
Craig Heard