Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Karen roberts

Concord,VA

Summary

Dynamic and compassionate RRT with critical care experience at Centra Health, skilled in arterial blood gas analysis and airway management. Proven track record of improving patient outcomes through evidence-based protocols and effective teamwork. Adept at operating complex respiratory equipment and fostering a collaborative environment, ensuring optimal care for patients in distress.

Professional healthcare provider with specialized expertise in respiratory therapy. Skilled in patient assessment, airway management, and ventilator support. Strong focus on team collaboration and adapting to changing needs, ensuring reliable performance and optimal patient outcomes. Known for effective communication and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations.

Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with 20 years of experience in Intensive and Emergent 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.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

RRT

Centra Health
08.2021 - 02.2025
  • Performed comprehensive assessments of patients'' respiratory status to determine appropriate interventions and treatment strategies.
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • 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.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • 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.
  • Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
  • Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.
  • Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.

RRT

American Traveler Staffing Professionals
08.2020 - 08.2021

Worked in Surgical Trauma and Neurological ICU. Transported patient to emergent CT scan and MRIs.

  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient care, resulting in better overall health management.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
  • Skillfully operated complex respiratory equipment, ensuring proper function and accurate results for optimal patient care.
  • Provided effective airway management interventions for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure, resulting in stabilized conditions and improved outcomes.
  • Promoted infection control standards consistently by following established guidelines for hand hygiene, disinfection of equipment, and isolation precautions when necessary.

RRT

Centra Health - Lynchburg, VA
05.2003 - 01.2020
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient care, resulting in better overall health management.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong communication between colleagues and actively participating in team meetings.
  • Skillfully operated complex respiratory equipment, ensuring proper function and accurate results for optimal patient care.
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients requiring ventilator support or palliative measures in collaboration with hospice teams.
  • Maintained meticulous documentation of all patient interactions, treatments administered, and progress updates in electronic medical records systems.
  • Mentored new RRT staff members, contributing to their professional growth and development within the field of respiratory therapy.
  • Ensured timely response to emergency situations involving airway management or ventilator support needs by prioritizing tasks effectively during high-stress scenarios.
  • Provided effective airway management interventions for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure, resulting in stabilized conditions and improved outcomes.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based respiratory care protocols and individualized treatment plans.
  • Promoted infection control standards consistently by following established guidelines for hand hygiene, disinfection of equipment, and isolation precautions when necessary.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions for patients with chronic respiratory conditions by providing comprehensive discharge planning and follow-up care instructions.
  • Performed comprehensive assessments of patients'' respiratory status to determine appropriate interventions and treatment strategies.
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • 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.
  • Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
  • Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
  • Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
  • Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.

EKG Technologist

Centra Health - Lynchburg, VA
04.1997 - 05.2003
  • Supported cardiologists in providing comprehensive care to patients with cardiovascular issues through skilled EKG testing and analysis.
  • Enhanced patient comfort during EKG procedures by maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
  • Optimized time management skills while working under pressure during emergency situations or high-volume periods without sacrificing accuracy or quality of care.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy

Central Virginia Community College
Lynchburg, VA
05-2003

High School Diploma -

Heritage High School
Lynchburg, VA
06-1994

Skills

  • Arterial blood gas analysis
  • Aerosol medication delivery
  • Critical care experience
  • Non-invasive ventilation
  • Emergency room was main - Assessed and addressed all Airway issues and stabilizied before MD assigned
  • Continuous positive airway pressure
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Pediatric advanced life support (PALS Expires 2026)
  • Skilled in Ventilator Operation
  • Blood gas analysis
  • Airway management expertise
  • Respiratory disease knowledge
  • Invasive mechanical ventilation
  • Oxygen therapy administration
  • First aid and CPR (BLS Expires 2026)

Certification

  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (PALS) - American Heart Association.
  • Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) - American Heart Association.
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification (ACLS) - American Heart Association.
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Timeline

RRT

Centra Health
08.2021 - 02.2025

RRT

American Traveler Staffing Professionals
08.2020 - 08.2021

RRT

Centra Health - Lynchburg, VA
05.2003 - 01.2020

EKG Technologist

Centra Health - Lynchburg, VA
04.1997 - 05.2003

Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy

Central Virginia Community College

High School Diploma -

Heritage High School
Karen roberts