Crystal Decoteau
Cheyenne
Summary
Dynamic Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, skilled in critical care, pulmonary function testing, EEG's and EKG's. Proven ability to advocate for patients and families while demonstrating strong clinical judgment. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes through effective airway management and compassionate care. BLS and ACLS certified, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center - West Campus
02.2020 - 03.2025
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- 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.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
- Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.
- Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Charge Respiratory Therapist, making sure staffing was adequate and managing call offs during the shift as well as service recovery if there were any issues during the shift.
- Proficient in Nicotine Cessation and WyoQuit program.
- Participated in many committees including Shared Governance and Unit Practice Council.
- A precentor to students and new Employees.
- Pulmonary function tester for our department and that included outpatient testing for Complete PFT's and Bedside Spirometry in house.
- Performed in house and outpatient EEG's.
EKG/EEG Technician
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center - West Campus
05.2016 - 02.2020
- Educated patients on testing and preparation steps prior to procedure.
- Administered testing with electrocardiogram for patients experiencing events and as screening tool.
- Communicated with healthcare workers and physicians concerning test results.
- Initiated CPR for patients in cardiac failure, responding to hospital crisis codes.
- Employed specialized procedural knowledge and equipment to test and document patient cardiac activity.
- Stocked supplies to maintain functional space for safe procedure delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness of procedure area to meet infection control policies.
- Presented clinical documentation noting acute abnormalities for physician interpretation.
- Managed medical emergencies alerting physicians of ictal and inter-ictal electrographic patterns.
- Operated and maintained variety of equipment to obtain diagnostic data with focus on EEG.
- Monitored patients during tests or surgeries using electroencephalographs (EEG), evoked potential (EP) instruments or video recording equipment.
- Gathered, documented and tracked test results for physician interpretation.
- Managed team member work, oriented new employees and assigned tasks.
- Attached electrodes to patients using adhesives.
Home Health CNA
Self Employed
11.2014 - 12.2015
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patient with bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Managed medications for patient.
- Provided transportation to and from Dr. appointments.
- Supported patient needs in the setting of Dementia.
- Provided support to family of patient.
- In charge of staffing and scheduling for a patient needing 24 hour care in the home.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
Restorative Certified Nursing Assistant
Life Care Center of Casper
01.2013 - 11.2014
- Communicated effectively with patients to identify needs and establish comfortability level throughout therapeutic exercises.
- Administered variety of therapeutic treatments to patients such as range of motion, progressive mobility exercises and speech therapy.
- Assisted patients in development of eating, dressing and grooming skills.
- Maintained accurate and thorough documentation of therapy session outcomes to track patients' progress towards treatment goals.
- Utilized approved restorative approaches and adhered to treatment plans in execution of patient care.
- Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Operated equipment appropriately and according to user instructions, reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
CNA and Medication Aide
Valhaven Nursing Home
05.2011 - 12.2012
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Delivered medications within a timely matter to many patients.
- Helped with some wound care.
- Provided a multitude of treatments.
CNA
Fremont Area Medical Center
04.2010 - 05.2011
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
CNA/Medication Aide
Linden Court
11.2009 - 03.2010
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Provided medications and treatments to patients in a timely manner.
CNA
Life Care Center of Casper
04.2009 - 11.2009
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
CNA/Medication Aide
Nye Point
05.2007 - 10.2008
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
CNA
Arbor Manor
10.2006 - 10.2007
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
CNA
Life Care Center Of Elkhorn
01.2006 - 06.2007
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Independence University
Salt Lake City, UT02-2020
Skills
- Pulmonary function screenings and Pulmonary function testing
- Patient and family advocacy
- Intubation and Airway management
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Medical terminology
- Blood gas analysis
- Tracheostomy care
- BLS, ACLS, NRP, and PALS Certified
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Strong clinical judgment
- Coaching and mentoring
- Caring bedside manner
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center - West Campus
02.2020 - 03.2025
EKG/EEG Technician
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center - West Campus
05.2016 - 02.2020
Home Health CNA
Self Employed
11.2014 - 12.2015
Restorative Certified Nursing Assistant
Life Care Center of Casper
01.2013 - 11.2014
CNA and Medication Aide
Valhaven Nursing Home
05.2011 - 12.2012
CNA
Fremont Area Medical Center
04.2010 - 05.2011
CNA/Medication Aide
Linden Court
11.2009 - 03.2010
CNA
Life Care Center of Casper
04.2009 - 11.2009
CNA/Medication Aide
Nye Point
05.2007 - 10.2008
CNA
Arbor Manor
10.2006 - 10.2007
CNA
Life Care Center Of Elkhorn
01.2006 - 06.2007
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Independence University
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