Heather Back
Grayson,KY
Summary
Skilled Respiratory Therapist with a proven track record at UK Kings Daughters Medical Center, adept in airway management and arterial blood gas analysis. Excelled in patient education, enhancing self-care adherence by 30%. Collaborates effectively with interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating exceptional communication and critical thinking skills.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
UK Kings Daughters Medical Center
01.2020 - Current
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by effectively administering respiratory therapy treatments and interventions.
Respiratory Therapist
A+ Medical HME/DME
02.2011 - 11.2018
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
- Maximized equipment utilization by maintaining regular maintenance schedules for all respiratory therapy devices.
- Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
- Responsible for 32 Ventilator patients age 6 months to 99 years of age in home care setting.
Respiratory Therapist
Leading Respiratory Services
12.2007 - 03.2011
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
- Improved patient care by developing individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments and evaluations.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Streamlined clinical processes through the implementation of efficient protocols for respiratory care procedures.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing effective discharge planning and follow-up care instructions for patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
Respiratory Therapist
Meadowview Regional Medical Center
07.2007 - 11.2008
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- 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.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Promoted a positive workplace culture through active participation in department meetings, committees, and quality improvement initiatives.
Respiratory Therapist
Three Rivers Medical Center
01.2006 - 07.2007
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- 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.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
Respiratory Therapist
Baptist Health Medical Center
05.1999 - 12.2006
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN05.1999
Skills
- Airway Management
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Patient Education
- Respiratory Care Protocols
Certification
Respiratory Care Practitioner- Ky license #5254
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
UK Kings Daughters Medical Center
01.2020 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
A+ Medical HME/DME
02.2011 - 11.2018
Respiratory Therapist
Leading Respiratory Services
12.2007 - 03.2011
Respiratory Therapist
Meadowview Regional Medical Center
07.2007 - 11.2008
Respiratory Therapist
Three Rivers Medical Center
01.2006 - 07.2007
Respiratory Therapist
Baptist Health Medical Center
05.1999 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Tennessee State University
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