Karen Ezell
St. Petersburg,FL
Summary
Dynamic Certified Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience at BayCare Medical Group, excelling in advanced ventilator management and emergency medical response. Proven track record of enhancing patient outcomes through effective clinical assessment and education. Committed to continuous professional development and fostering a collaborative work environment to ensure optimal respiratory care.
Healthcare professional with strong foundation in delivering respiratory care services. Known for successfully managing patient treatment plans and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Reliable in adapting to changing clinical needs and using respiratory techniques.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Respiratory Therapist
BayCare Medical Group
03.2006 - 01.2019
- Expedited emergency response times, participating in Code Blue situations as an essential member of the rapid response team.
- Assisted physicians in diagnosing complex respiratory conditions through thorough assessment and interpretation of diagnostic tests.
- Optimized ventilator management by assessing patient needs and making necessary adjustments based on clinical findings.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing education on the proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques.
- Improved patient outcomes by administering prescribed respiratory therapy treatments and monitoring patient responses.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge in the field of respiratory therapy through continuous professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, or certifications renewals.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through active participation in staff meetings, sharing valuable insights, and promoting open communication among colleagues.
- Ensured optimal patient outcomes in high-stress situations, such as acute respiratory distress or cardiopulmonary arrest, by providing quick and effective interventions.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- 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.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
- 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.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Reduced hospital readmissions for respiratory patients through proactive discharge planning and at-home follow-up care coordination.
- Contributed to a safer healthcare environment by adhering to infection control policies and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Increased staff efficiency by providing training and guidance on best practices in respiratory care protocols.
- Ensured accurate documentation of patient progress, treatment plans, and medical histories for improved continuity of care.
- Facilitated timely weaning from mechanical ventilation by closely monitoring vital signs, blood gas results, and overall readiness for extubation.
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Vencor Hospital
01.2005 - 03.2008
- Expedited emergency response times, participating in Code Blue situations as an essential member of the rapid response team.
- Optimized ventilator management by assessing patient needs and making necessary adjustments based on clinical findings.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge in the field of respiratory therapy through continuous professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, or certifications renewals.
- Supported successful surgical procedures for patients requiring intubation or tracheostomy placement by providing expert assistance to the surgical team.
- Facilitated timely weaning from mechanical ventilation by closely monitoring vital signs, blood gas results, and overall readiness for extubation.
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Tenet Health Care
06.1994 - 01.2005
- Improved patient outcomes by administering prescribed respiratory therapy treatments and monitoring patient responses.
- Enhanced patient experience during aerosol treatments by demonstrating proper technique while ensuring they are comfortable throughout the process.
- Ensured optimal patient outcomes in high-stress situations, such as acute respiratory distress or cardiopulmonary arrest, by providing quick and effective interventions.
- Ensured accurate documentation of patient progress, treatment plans, and medical histories for improved continuity of care.
- Facilitated timely weaning from mechanical ventilation by closely monitoring vital signs, blood gas results, and overall readiness for extubation.
Education
Respiratory Therapist - Certified Respiratory Therapist
Saintpetersburg Vocational College
Saintpetersburg Fl01-2001
Skills
- Aerosol Administration
- Arterial Blood Gas Assessment
- Advanced
- Airway Management
- Resuscitation Certification
- Tracheostomy Management
- Advanced Ventilator Management
- Oxygen Administration Expertise
- Respiratory Equipment Configuration
- Effective Clinical Assessment
- Endotracheal Intubation
- Medication Administration
- Airway management
- Noninvasive ventilation
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Healthcare regulations
- Diagnostic interpretation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Tracheostomy care
Timeline
Certified Respiratory Therapist
BayCare Medical Group
03.2006 - 01.2019
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Vencor Hospital
01.2005 - 03.2008
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Tenet Health Care
06.1994 - 01.2005
Respiratory Therapist - Certified Respiratory Therapist
Saintpetersburg Vocational College
Similar Profiles
Michael MedinaMichael Medina
Clinical Laboratory Scientist at BayCare Medical GroupClinical Laboratory Scientist at BayCare Medical Group
Tealer GoodenTealer Gooden
Registar ll at BayCare Medical GroupRegistar ll at BayCare Medical Group
Simona BakhtanSimona Bakhtan
Medical Receptionist at BayCare Medical GroupMedical Receptionist at BayCare Medical Group
Tami Von HovenTami Von Hoven
Medical Office Representative at BayCare Medical GroupMedical Office Representative at BayCare Medical Group
Ian CampbellIan Campbell
Financial Representative at Westshore FinancialFinancial Representative at Westshore Financial