Debra Lestage

Performed diagnostic tests such as complete pulmonary function testing, basic spirometry with and without bronchodilators, arterial blood gases, exercise oximetry and six-minute walk tests, and high altitude simulation testing. Routinely delivered results of home sleep apnea tests, in lab diagnostic and therapeutic sleep study results, and faxed CPAP orders to DME company. Frequently acted as liaison between patient and physician.

• Administered medication and ventilatory support.
• Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
• Identified high risk situations such as airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation and took appropriate action.
• Assisted physicians with intubations, bronchoscopies, thoracenteses and other procedures.
• Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
• Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with treatment methods and equipment.
• Maintained charts containing patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
• Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
• Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
• Assisted in training new hires on department policies, protocols and safety procedures related to respiratory therapy practices.
• Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.

• Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient care was achieved.
• Administered medication and ventilatory support.
• Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
• Assisted physicians with intubations, bronchoscopies, thoracenteses and other procedures.
• Maintained records of patient assessments, treatments provided and changes in patient status.
• Consulted with physicians about potential problems related to prescribed respiratory therapies or medications.
• Enforced physicians' orders for specific treatment protocols and durations.
• Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
• Maintained charts containing patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
• Monitored patient's vital signs, arterial blood gases or blood chemistry changes, consulting with physician during adverse reactions.
• Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
• Participated in continuing education programs to maintain knowledge of current trends in respiratory therapy practices.
• Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
• Assisted in training new hires on department policies, protocols and safety procedures related to respiratory therapy practices.
• Attended staff meetings, educational conferences and seminars related to respiratory therapy practice.
• Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
• Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
• Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients unable to breathe on own.
• Collaborated with physicians, nurses or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
• Administered medication, monitored vital signs and assisted in the delivery of medical gases to patients.