Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Jacques Lafontant

Jacques Lafontant

Plantation,FL

Summary

Experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist with over Number years of experience working with adult and geriatric patients experiencing pulmonary issues. Highly skilled in treatment of chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma and bronchitis. Excellent data analysis and patient evaluation skills. Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with Number years of experience in Type 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. Registered Respiratory Therapist known for delivering exceptional patient care in hospital environments. Experience working with pediatric patients with congenital lung conditions, asthma and traumatic pulmonary conditions requiring close care and innovative treatment approaches. Natural communicator with children with talent reducing fears through education and judicious use of humor.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Mount Sinai Hospital Queens
09.1989 - 07.2016
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
  • Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
  • Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
  • Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
  • Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
  • Administered various medications through aerosolized treatments ensuring proper dosages were delivered accurately to patients.
  • Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
  • Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
  • Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive respiratory care plans and interventions.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities staying current with best practices and advancements within the respiratory therapy field.
  • Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
  • Developed innovative approaches for noninvasive ventilation use in eligible patients reducing rates of intubation.
  • Enhanced patient safety with thorough ventilator management and monitoring.
  • Maintained accurate records of all procedures performed, contributing to efficient billing processes and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Educated patients and families on respiratory health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications.
  • Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices to improve overall patient satisfaction with respiratory care services.
  • Provided designated family members with updated information on progress and treatment of patients in critical care unit.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and nursing staff to ensure clear communication of treatment plans.
  • Participated in hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives to optimize patient care standards and practices.
  • Conducted diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function testing, to identify underlying respiratory issues or complications.
  • Assisted in the development of clinical protocols for the management of various respiratory conditions.
  • Established respiratory care plans for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, asthma and spontaneous pneumothoraxes.
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
  • Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
  • Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
  • Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
  • 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.
  • Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
  • Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
  • Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
  • 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.
  • Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.
  • Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.

Respiratory Therapist

North General Hospital
07.1976 - 09.1989

Education

Bachelor Of Applied Arts And Science - Respiratory Therapy

New York University, New York, NY
05.1974

Skills

  • Arterial blood gas analysis
  • Airway Management
  • Tracheostomy Care
  • Non-invasive ventilation
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
  • Bronchial Hygiene
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Endotracheal intubation
  • Respiratory equipment setup
  • Respiratory Medication Administration
  • Ethics and Professionalism
  • Patient Education
  • Electronic Medical Records
  • Patient care documentation
  • Nitric Oxide Therapy
  • Care Plan Management
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation
  • Medication Administration
  • Home Care Support
  • Sleep Disorder Treatment
  • Pediatric Respiratory Care
  • Strong Clinical Judgment
  • Clinical Leadership
  • Caring Bedside Manner
  • Professional Bedside Manner
  • Patient Instruction
  • Treatment Administration
  • Equipment Setup
  • Intubation
  • Equipment Cleaning

Languages

French
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Registered Respiratory Therapist - Mount Sinai Hospital Queens
09.1989 - 07.2016
Respiratory Therapist - North General Hospital
07.1976 - 09.1989
New York University - Bachelor Of Applied Arts And Science, Respiratory Therapy
Jacques Lafontant