Cynthia Mercado
Memphis,TN
Summary
Compassionate, experienced, and strong knowledge of all areas of Respiratory Therapy with 14 years of experience, with demonstrated track record of hospital respiratory therapy and treatment. Strong experience in Emergency Room quick response, providing all respiratory service and support initiatives within hospital environment. Provide superior patient care and treatment plans, able to perform under high stress situations with professionalism and accuracy, and oversee patients' care and comfort. Worked in all areas of the hospital including ER, ICU, Adult General Floors, and Pediatric floors as well.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Encompass Health Rehabilitation
03.2016 - Current
- Lead Respiratory Therapist at rehab hospital providing respiratory therapy and excellent patient care.
- Ensured patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs during therapeutic interventions.
- Implemented infection control measures within the facility to minimize risks associated with airborne pathogens.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment.
- Improved patient care by developing individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments and evaluations.
- Coordinated with case managers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to address psychosocial factors impacting respiratory health.
- Maximized equipment utilization by maintaining regular maintenance schedules for all respiratory therapy devices.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
- Conducted tests such as EKG's and ABG's
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
Respiratory Therapist PRN
Methodist University Hospital
03.2015 - 11.2018
- Work in all areas of the hospital administering breathing treatments, MDI, SVN, Cpt therapy, bipap and cpap units, drawing ABGs and working with vented patients as well.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Ensured patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs during therapeutic interventions.
- Maximized equipment utilization by maintaining regular maintenance schedules for all respiratory therapy devices.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by effectively administering respiratory therapy treatments and interventions.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
- Optimized airway management by skillfully performing endotracheal intubations under challenging circumstances.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- 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.
- 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.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
Respiratory Therapist
Signature Healthcare at St Francis
10.2014 - 05.2015
- Worked in the 4th floor ventilator unit assisting with trach care, suction patients, weaning parameters and svn treatments.
- Ensured patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs during therapeutic interventions.
- Promoted a positive workplace culture through active participation in department meetings, committees, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Contributed to improved patient satisfaction scores by delivering compassionate and empathetic care throughout the treatment process.
- Maximized equipment utilization by maintaining regular maintenance schedules for all respiratory therapy devices.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
Respiratory Therapist
Banner Thunderbird Hospital
03.2008 - 07.2014
- Work in all area of the hospital including ER, ICU and regular floors with Adults and Pediatrics.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Promoted a positive workplace culture through active participation in department meetings, committees, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Streamlined clinical processes through the implementation of efficient protocols for respiratory care procedures.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment.
- Conducted pulmonary function tests to accurately diagnose lung diseases, facilitating appropriate treatment interventions.
- Improved patient care by developing individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments and evaluations.
- Kept abreast of industry advancements by attending continuing education courses, maintaining current knowledge of evidence-based practices.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by effectively administering respiratory therapy treatments and interventions.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- 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.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- 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.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
Front Office Receptionist/Scheduler
Pediatrix Group LLC
02.2006 - 03.2009
- Front office assistant and scheduler checking patients in and out
- Verifying insurance and collecting copays
- Answering phones, scheduling appointments and helping with medical records as well.
- Maintained a high level of professionalism while handling sensitive customer information, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
- Participated in regular training sessions to stay up-to-date with company policies and industry best practices, ensuring consistent adherence to established guidelines.
- Reduced wait times for callers, promptly answering phone lines and directing calls as needed.
- Demonstrated adaptability in accommodating last-minute changes or emergencies in appointment scheduling without compromising overall efficiency.
- Developed strong relationships with clientele through excellent communication skills and genuine attentiveness to their needs.
- Collaborated with team members for smooth workflow, supporting colleagues during peak hours or absences.
- Handled payments efficiently using company''s billing software which contributed to improved financial record keeping.
- Maintained clean reception area to promote positive, professional environment for clients.
- Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
- Directed incoming calls to internal personnel and departments, routing to best-qualified department.
- Interacted with customers by phone, email, or in-person to provide information.
- Answered multi-line phone system and enthusiastically greeted callers.
- Screened visitors and issued badges to maintain safety and security.
- Minimized errors in medical paperwork by checking terminology and complying with insurance policies.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Apollo College
Phoenix, AZ01.2008
High School Diploma -
IRONWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Glendale, AZ01.2006
Skills
- Offer patient education, answering all inquiries concerning diagnosis and required ongoing treatment plans and medications
- Perform nebulizer treatments, Ventilator care, Oxygen supply, BIPAP/CPAP, ABGs, and EKGs for hospital patients, providing patience and care to keep patient stress at a minimum
- Quickly respond to all emergency codes, and rapid response situations, providing a calm and professional presence while assisting in critical care initiatives
- Familiar with all areas of a busy hospital environment, providing a team oriented skill set that assists hospital staff and attending physicians
- While attending college, successfully completed all Prerequisites, classes and group projects for the Respiratory Program, and was on call for all clinical rotation assignments
- Patient Care
- Equipment Setup
- Regulatory Compliance
- Equipment Cleaning
- Infection Control
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Care Planning
- Relationship Building
- Team Collaboration
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Patient and family advocacy
- Patient Advocacy
- Treatment Administration
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Medication Administration
- Intubation
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Airway Management
- Appointment Scheduling
- End of life care
- Patient Instruction
- Tracheostomy Care
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Respiratory Care Protocols
- Pediatric Respiratory Care
- Medical record documentation
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Bronchial Hygiene Techniques
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
- Certified Respiratory Therapist
- Certified in CPR/AED
- CPR/AED
- Emergency Care
- Reliability
- Problem-solving abilities
- Professionalism
Certification
- ACLS Certification
- BLS Certification
- CRT
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
Encompass Health Rehabilitation
03.2016 - Current
Respiratory Therapist PRN
Methodist University Hospital
03.2015 - 11.2018
Respiratory Therapist
Signature Healthcare at St Francis
10.2014 - 05.2015
Respiratory Therapist
Banner Thunderbird Hospital
03.2008 - 07.2014
Front Office Receptionist/Scheduler
Pediatrix Group LLC
02.2006 - 03.2009
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Apollo College
High School Diploma -
IRONWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
- RRT
- ACLS Certification
- BLS Certification
- CRT
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