James Prehoda
Springfield,IL
Summary
Dedicated Respiratory Therapist skilled in therapy administration, patient assessment, and ventilator management. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare teams to deliver critical care and develop personalized treatment plans.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Memorial Medical Center
Springfield, Illinois
09.1994 - Current
- Educated patients and families on effective use of respiratory equipment to enhance treatment outcomes.
- Monitored patient vital signs and oxygen levels during therapy sessions.
- Administered respiratory treatments to patients with diverse pulmonary conditions.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop treatment plans for patients.
- Maintained and calibrated respiratory therapy equipment, ensuring reliable performance for optimal patient care.
- Provided emergency interventions in critical care situations as needed.
- Documented patient progress and treatment effectiveness in medical records, ensuring accurate tracking of therapeutic interventions.
- Trained new staff on best practices for respiratory care procedures.
- Provided emergency care including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Instructed patients on proper use of respiratory equipment including oxygen therapy, ventilators and aerosol therapy.
- 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.
- Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with treatment methods and equipment.
- 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.
- Evaluated patients for deficiencies and abnormalities and made medical decisions based on assessments.
- 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.
- Ensured all regulatory requirements were met within scope of practice guidelines set forth by governing agencies.
- 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.
- 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.
- Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients unable to breathe on own.
Education
Associate of Applied Science -
Memorial Medical Center School of Respiratory Ther
Springfield, IL06-1994
Skills
- Therapy administration
- Patient assessment
- Respiratory equipment maintenance
- Patient education
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Ventilator management
- Treatment planning
Certification
License Registered Respiratory Therapist
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
Memorial Medical Center
09.1994 - Current
Associate of Applied Science -
Memorial Medical Center School of Respiratory Ther