Karen Michels

Respiratory Therapist

ThedaCare Regional Medical Center

Shawano

03.2004 - Current

Administered respiratory treatments to patients with varying conditions.
Educated patients and families on respiratory health and equipment usage.
Assisted in training new respiratory therapy staff members.
Documented patient progress and therapy outcomes in electronic records.
Responded swiftly to emergency situations requiring immediate respiratory intervention.
Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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.
Maintained records of patient assessments, treatments provided and changes in patient status.
Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
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.
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.
Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
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.