Heather Harrison
Grafton
Summary
Skilled Respiratory Therapist with broad experience in managing patients with diverse respiratory diseases. Strengths include comprehensive knowledge of respiratory care procedures, adeptness in patient assessment and ventilation management, and ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Previous roles reflect significant contributions towards improving patient outcomes through delivery of quality respiratory care.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
UHC - WVU Medicine
Bridgeport
05.2012 - Current
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments for patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted therapy plans as needed.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop comprehensive patient care
- Maintained and calibrated respiratory equipment for optimal performance.
- Documented patient interactions and treatment outcomes in electronic health records.
- Trained junior staff on best practices in respiratory care procedures.
- Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
- Administered medication, monitored vital signs and assisted in the delivery of medical gases to patients.
- Identified high risk situations such as airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation and took appropriate action.
- Assisted in training new hires on department policies, protocols and safety procedures related to respiratory therapy practices.
- Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
- Maintained records of patient assessments, treatments provided and changes in patient status.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
- Performed diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing and sleep studies.
- Monitored patient progress to determine effectiveness of treatments and made necessary adjustments.
- Attended staff meetings, educational conferences and seminars related to respiratory therapy practice.
- Assessed patient's response to therapeutic interventions by observing physical conditions or interpreting test results.
- Developed individualized plans of care based on assessment findings, patient needs and physician orders.
- Adhered to standards of excellence for respiratory care and diagnostic services.
- Consulted with physicians about potential problems related to prescribed respiratory therapies or medications.
- Determined patient safety risks to identify medical intervention needs.
- Reviewed current literature related to respiratory disorders and treatments in order to update clinical skillset.
- Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
- Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
- Demonstrated respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
- Managed care of patients with diverse conditions alongside physicians, nurses and support team members.
- Enforced physicians' orders for specific treatment protocols and durations.
- Tracked changes in blood chemistry, vital signs and other markers of improvement or decompensation in critically ill patients.
- Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
- Read prescription information and laboratory results to assess patients' needs and conditions.
- Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
- Assisted physicians with intubations, bronchoscopies, thoracenteses and other procedures.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient care was achieved.
- Provided education to patients regarding lifestyle changes that may help improve their condition.
- Participated in continuing education programs to maintain knowledge of current trends in respiratory therapy practices.
- Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Monitored patient's vital signs, arterial blood gases or blood chemistry changes, consulting with physician during adverse reactions.
- Administered medication and ventilatory support.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and instructed patients in breathing exercises.
- Maintained charts containing patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Followed established guidelines to compliantly deliver services.
Student Respiratory Therapist
Ruby Memorial Hospital - WVU Medicine
Morgantown
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Administered respiratory therapies to diverse patient populations at state-of-the-art medical facility.
- Observed safety precautions when handling hazardous materials like oxygen tanks or chemical agents used for aerosol treatments.
- Disinfected respiratory equipment to minimize potential cross-contamination.
- Reported any adverse reactions or unusual events related to patients' treatments to the supervisor and attending physician immediately.
- Monitored vitals such as oxygen saturation levels, blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rates.
- Evaluated effectiveness of therapy programs by measuring vital signs before and after treatment sessions.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and instructed patients in breathing exercises.
- Administered aerosolized medications and other treatments via nebulizers or inhalers to improve patient's breathing patterns.
- Evaluated and assessed patient respiratory health under supervision of respiratory therapist.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation in electronic health systems.
- Administered medically prescribed medications following policy and procedures under supervision of licensed respiratory therapists.
- Monitored and assessed patient respiratory status using advanced diagnostic equipment.
Education
Respiratory Therapist, RRT - Respiratory Care
Pierpont Community & Technical College
Fairmont, WV 08.2010 - 12.2011
Skills
- Mechanical ventilation
- Patient assessment
- Emergency care
- Electronic health records
- Medication administration
- Diagnostic testing
- Patient education
- Team collaboration
- Data analysis
- Critical thinking
- Clinical documentation
- Time management
- Interpersonal communication
Certification
- Registered Respiratory Therapist/ RRT
Accomplishments
- Outstanding Respiratory Care Student 2011
Affiliations
- Hiking
- Reading
- Travel
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
UHC - WVU Medicine
05.2012 - Current
Respiratory Therapist, RRT - Respiratory Care
Pierpont Community & Technical College
08.2010 - 12.2011
Student Respiratory Therapist
Ruby Memorial Hospital - WVU Medicine
01.2010 - 01.2011