Derek Kitamura
Cleveland,TN
Summary
Experienced Respiratory Therapist with 5 years of experience in Hospital healthcare settings. Skillful in completing patient assessments, blood gas analysis and interpretation and airway management. Successful at implementing best practices to continuously advance respiratory therapy outcomes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist Supervisor
Parkridge Medical Center Main and East
12.2019 - Current
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management and intubations.
- Provided emergency care to patients.
- Charge Respiratory Therapist duties
- NICU Therapist for Parkridge East
- Supervisor since December 2022
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland
12.2019 - 08.2021
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management
Patient Care Technician
Parkridge Medical Center
08.2018 - 12.2019
- Obtained patient vital signs and reported results to staff nurse or physician, noting changes from prior measurements.
- Answered patient assistance calls, assessed needs and offered qualified support.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
- Supported patient admissions, discharges and transfers to promote team productivity.
- Organized and replenished unit supplies to maintain team readiness for expected demands.
Patient Care Technician, Emergency Department
Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland
10.2013 - 12.2018
- Assembled admissions pages and added new pages to patients' charts.
- Organized and replenished unit supplies to maintain team readiness for expected demands.
- Collected and transported specimens to prepare for lab testing.
- Lifted or assisted others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, surgical tables or stretchers.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Pet Trainer 3
Petsmart
10.2012 - 12.2013
- Employed positive reinforcement with animals using "clicker-training" method, voice rewards and food rewards.
- Instructed owners and dogs on basic obedience commands using different techniques to match dogs' drives for reward.
- Evaluated animals to determine temperaments, abilities and aptitude for training.
- Worked individually with dogs on track for higher-level certifications in obedience and show performance.
- Maintained clean training arena for group classes.
- Operated cash register for cash, check and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
Emergency Medical Specialist
Northridge Hospital Medical Center
08.2009 - 09.2012
- Took patient medical histories and vital signs as well as performed venipunctures, injections and diagnostic procedures and ancillary tests.
- Developed health plans for patients to improve overall health or recover from injuries and illnesses.
- Cleaned and sterilized medical instruments and disposed of contaminated supplies.
- Administered and prescribed appropriate courses of treatment.
- Performed various medical procedures such as wound cleaning and care and trauma procedures.
- Worked with nurses to assess patients and prepare for tests and procedures.
Emergency Technician Lead
Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital
04.2000 - 05.2010
- Assisted in obtaining and documenting vital signs and placement of oxygen saturation, cardiac monitoring and non-invasive blood pressure monitoring systems.
- Assisted with resuscitation, CPR and emergency airway procedures.
- Quickly responded to codes and cardiac monitor alarms.
- Received direction and assignments from physicians and nurses, providing efficient technical support to optimize patient care.
- Carried out phlebotomy procedures and watched for adverse reactions.
- Order supplies for department
- Trained new EMT's and student EMT's
Education
Bachelor of Science - BSRT
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH2025
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, TN08.2019
Skills
- Team building
- Decision-Making
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Multitasking Abilities
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- PPE Compliance
- Interpersonal Communication
- Organization and Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
Certification
ACLS
PALS
BLS
NRP
ECMO Specialist with over 800 hours
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist Supervisor
Parkridge Medical Center Main and East
12.2019 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland
12.2019 - 08.2021
Patient Care Technician
Parkridge Medical Center
08.2018 - 12.2019
Patient Care Technician, Emergency Department
Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland
10.2013 - 12.2018
Pet Trainer 3
Petsmart
10.2012 - 12.2013
Emergency Medical Specialist
Northridge Hospital Medical Center
08.2009 - 09.2012
Emergency Technician Lead
Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital
04.2000 - 05.2010
ACLS
PALS
BLS
NRP
ECMO Specialist with over 800 hours
Bachelor of Science - BSRT
University of Cincinnati
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Chattanooga State Community College
Similar Profiles
Odesha WilsonOdesha Wilson
Med/Surg Nurse at Parkridge East Medical CenterMed/Surg Nurse at Parkridge East Medical Center
Claire SplawnClaire Splawn
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit at Parkridge Medical CenterRegistered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit at Parkridge Medical Center
Ben CooperBen Cooper
SICU RN at Parkridge Medical CenterSICU RN at Parkridge Medical Center