Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

GERREN M HARPER

Atlanta,GA

Summary

Professional healthcare provider with comprehensive experience in respiratory care. Demonstrates strong ability to work collaboratively within medical teams, ensuring effective patient care and positive outcomes. Skilled in patient assessment, diagnostic testing, and therapeutic treatments. Adaptable and reliable in responding to evolving healthcare needs and challenges.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Resource Respiratory Therapist

Wellstar Health System
07.2012 - Current
  • Lead shift supervisor
  • I-STAT, ABL and CAPS Survey
  • Responsibilities are to assist in the care of patients with Respiratory diseases (i.e. Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, Emphysema, Lung Cancer etc.)
  • ECMO
  • HFVO
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Flolan administration
  • Heliox
  • Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Determine requirements for treatment, such as method, type and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
  • Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur. Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
  • Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
  • Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
  • Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
  • Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
  • Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
  • Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
  • Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.

Clinical Staff Respiratory Therapist

Aureus Medical-Northside Hospital
07.2021 - 06.2022
  • Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
  • 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.
  • Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
  • Facilitated successful weaning from mechanical ventilation, utilizing progressive strategies tailored to each patient''s unique medical condition.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by serving as a reliable team member, assisting colleagues in resolving issues related to respiratory care services.w
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by serving as a reliable team member, assisting colleagues in resolving issues related to respiratory care services.
  • Evaluated patients'' response to treatment plans, adjusting therapies as needed to maximize effectiveness and minimize adverse effects.
  • Supported quality improvement initiatives, participating in the development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for respiratory care.
  • Streamlined processes for oxygen administration, optimizing delivery methods based on individual patient needs and clinical assessments.
  • Provided expert consultation on complex cases to physicians and other healthcare professionals, utilizing extensive knowledge of respiratory therapy principles and interventions.
  • Served as a preceptor for new hires and student therapists, imparting knowledge of best practices while fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.
  • Improved patient outcomes with timely interventions and accurate documentation of respiratory therapy procedures.
  • Increased staff competency by conducting in-service training on respiratory therapy techniques and protocols.
  • Ensured proper equipment functioning, maintaining and calibrating respiratory care devices for optimal performance.
  • Educated patients and families about their conditions and home care requirements, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health postdischarge.
  • Demonstrated commitment to professional growth by attending continuing education seminars on advancements in the field of respiratory therapy.
  • Managed emergency situations effectively, providing life-saving interventions during critical events such as cardiac arrests and respiratory failures.
  • Maintained compliance with regulatory standards by accurately documenting all therapeutic interventions according to facility policies and procedures.
  • Promoted patient safety, adhering to infection control measures and following established protocols for handling hazardous materials.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary rounds, actively contributing insights regarding patients'' respiratory status and advocating for optimal care strategies.
  • Assisted in the development of respiratory care protocols, ensuring that clinical practices were aligned with current evidence-based guidelines and industry standards.
  • Enhanced patient care by providing comprehensive respiratory therapy treatments and assessments.
  • Collaborated with physicians to optimize medication management for patients requiring aerosolized drug therapies or bronchodilator treatments.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions by collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized patient care plans.
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • 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.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
  • Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
  • Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
  • Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
  • Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
  • Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
  • 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.
  • Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
  • Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
  • Evaluated care policies using patient records and current research findings to develop better treatment.
  • Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.
  • Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.

Clinical Staff Respiratory Therapist

Aureus Medical-Brigham and Women’s Hospital
01.2021 - 06.2021
  • Responsibilities are to assist in the care of patients with Respiratory diseases (i.e. Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, Emphysema, Lung Cancer etc.)
  • COPD Educator
  • Flolan Administration
  • Heliox
  • Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Determine requirements for treatment, such as method, type and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
  • Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur. Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
  • Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
  • Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
  • Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
  • Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
  • Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
  • Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
  • Assist with bedside bronchoscopy and tracheotomies.
  • Perform bronchopulmonary drainage, chest physiotherapy and chest wall percussion.
  • Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to training employees, supervise, teach, train, and utilize the assistance of respiratory students.

DME Respiratory Therapist

Piedmont Health Care-Pulmonary Physician Group
09.2017 - 02.2018
  • Responsibilities are to assist in the care of patients with Respiratory diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
  • Set up and operate devices such as home CPAP, APAP, Bi-Level, Auto-Bi-Level, and ASV devices.
  • Educate patient of different types of mask interfaces (i.e. full-face mask, nasal mask or nasal pillows).
  • Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • Read sleep reports and understand patient obstructive and central sleep apnea severities.
  • Download compliance reports for insurance company compliance.
  • Trouble shooting CPAP, BiPAP and ASV devices.
  • Developing close interaction relationships amongst outside company representatives (i.e. Respironics, ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, RemZzzs)
  • Determine requirements for treatment, such as method, type and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken compatible with physicians' orders.
  • Read prescription and review patient information to assess patient condition.
  • Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
  • Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
  • Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
  • Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
  • Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Applied Science Respiratory Therapy

Dalton State College
Dalton, GA
05-2025

Associates of Science - Applied Science Respiratory Therapy

Forest Park Community College
St. Louis, MO
05.2009

Skills

  • ABG analysis proficiency
  • Airway Management
  • Patient Assessment
  • Analysis and Monitoring of Gas Exchange
  • Basic Therapeutics
  • Bronchopulmonary Hygiene Techniques
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Critical Care
  • NICU, Labor and Delivery
  • Pediatrics
  • EKG
  • Equipment Decontamination and Infection Control
  • Humidity and Aerosol Therapy
  • Hyperinflation Therapy
  • Oxygen and Medical Gas Therapy
  • Patient Safety and Recordkeeping
  • Respiratory Protocols
  • Non-Invasive and Invasive Ventilation Management
  • HFOV
  • COPD Educator
  • Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy experience
  • Nitric Oxide and Flolan administration

Certification

  • March 2012-April 2027 Licensed Respiratory Therapist Georgia Composite Medical Board
  • August 2024-August 2026 BLS
  • September 2024-September 2026 ACLS
  • August 2024-August 2026 NRP
  • November 2023-November 2025 PALS
  • RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
  • RRT-ACCS - Registered Respiratory Therapist - Adult Critical Care Specialist

Timeline

Clinical Staff Respiratory Therapist

Aureus Medical-Northside Hospital
07.2021 - 06.2022

Clinical Staff Respiratory Therapist

Aureus Medical-Brigham and Women’s Hospital
01.2021 - 06.2021

DME Respiratory Therapist

Piedmont Health Care-Pulmonary Physician Group
09.2017 - 02.2018

Resource Respiratory Therapist

Wellstar Health System
07.2012 - Current

Associates of Science - Applied Science Respiratory Therapy

Forest Park Community College

Bachelor of Science - Applied Science Respiratory Therapy

Dalton State College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE