Heather O'Connell
Professor
Fort Myers,FL
Summary
Registered respiratory therapist in the field since 2007. I have moved into the aspect of teaching as a clinical associate in the hospital setting, and I fell in love with teaching. I became a full time professor in 2017 after many years of teaching as an adjunct. I believe in implementing technology-based curriculum to deliver classroom material and assessment tools to our students. I am passionate about fostering academic development and success for every student. I have also been teaching online for the past four years. As a practicing respiratory therapist this allows me to stay up to date with the current trends in practice.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Planner
Elite
Ormond Beach, FL
04.2020 - Current
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with new potential authors for continuing education courses.
- Prioritized schedules to meet project goals and overall company satisfaction.
- Worked on organizing and building course inventory for respiratory care.
- Working on interdisciplinary courses for continuing education.
- Authoring and revising courses for continuing education.
- Maintain the budget for respiratory care.
Director of Clinical Education
Florida Southwestern State College
Fort Myers, United States
01.2017 - Current
- Chair of the Bachelors of Science for Cardiopulmonary.
- Optimized student educational strategies with clear advice on course choices, progression and career options.
- Conferred with educators to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization and integrate new technology.
- Devised strategies to reduce expenses, modernize operations and revamp procedures to improve institution operations.
- Conferred with educators to identify current classroom concerns and diversify instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with departments, assessed educational needs of staff and implemented needed in-servicing and education.
- Built, maintained and supported culture that fostered productive working relationships, desired patient outcomes and organizational goals.
- Partnered with vendors and outside consultants to schedule training for new equipment, protocols, medication and documentation forms.
- Performs as a liaison with clinical sites which are used for extramural clinical or laboratory educational experiences.
- Performs duties such as teaching classes in ground class and online, conducting orientation programs and maintains all students records to assure compliance with local healthcare systems.
- Determined course schedules and coordinated teaching assignments and room assignments to optimize use of buildings and equipment.
- Supervises and coordinates schedules of clinical instructors, adjunct faculty and clinical associates within the program; provides guidance and direction to assigned clinical instructors, adjunct faculty and clinical associates for proper evaluative and instructional techniques.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Gulf Coast Medical Center
Fort Myers, Florida
12.2005 - Current
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support and managing and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions while evaluating patients response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management and intubations.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases and blood chemistry changes.
- 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.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and working with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
Education
Doctorate - Healthcare Administration
Walden University
Minneapolis, MNMSM - Healthcare Administration
University of Southern New Hampshire
Manchester, NH2016
Bachelor of Science - Cardiopulmonary Sciences
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL2009
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Edison State College
Fort Myers, Fl2007
Skills
Registered Respiratory Therapist
ACCS certification
CPFT certification
ACLS certified
BLS certified
Proficient in Canvas and Blackboard
Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, and graphic presentation packages
Continuing Education- online instruction
Interest
Teaching and educating.
Volunteer services
Reading
References
References are available upon request.
Timeline
Respiratory Planner
Elite
04.2020 - Current
Director of Clinical Education
Florida Southwestern State College
01.2017 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Gulf Coast Medical Center
12.2005 - Current
Doctorate - Healthcare Administration
Walden University
MSM - Healthcare Administration
University of Southern New Hampshire
Bachelor of Science - Cardiopulmonary Sciences
University of Central Florida
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Edison State College