Kara Hunter
Biloxi,MS
Summary
Dynamic Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, skilled in arterial blood gas analysis and team collaboration. Proven track record of enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based protocols and effective airway management. Committed to mentoring peers and optimizing respiratory care in high-pressure environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Select Specialty Hospital
02.2022 - Current
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Optimized airway management by skillfully performing endotracheal intubations under challenging circumstances.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
- Served as back up to the RT manager and lab manager
Respiratory Therapist
Singingbriver Hospital Systems
08.2018 - 01.2022
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments in compliance with clinical protocols and patient care standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment.
- Coordinated with case managers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to address psychosocial factors impacting respiratory health.
Respiratory Therapist
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
05.2012 - 07.2018
- Implemented evidence-based protocols to enhance treatment efficacy and patient safety.
- Trained new staff on respiratory therapy procedures and hospital policies to ensure compliance.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- 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.
- Improved patient outcomes by educating families on home care techniques and importance of medication adherence.
- Pediatric ICU team member and part of the rapid response team
Education
Master of Science -
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MSAssociate of Applied Science -
Columbia State Community College
Columbia, TNSkills
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Team collaboration
- Bronchial hygiene techniques
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Respiratory care protocols
Certification
ACLS and BLS
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
Select Specialty Hospital
02.2022 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Singingbriver Hospital Systems
08.2018 - 01.2022
Respiratory Therapist
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
05.2012 - 07.2018
Master of Science -
University of Southern Mississippi
Associate of Applied Science -
Columbia State Community College