Kari Nieves
Fontana,CA
Summary
Dedicated Respiratory Therapist with expertise in patient education and respiratory care protocols. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes through effective communication and collaboration within healthcare teams.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Inland Valley Hospital
Wildomar, CA
12.2025 - Current
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Administered respiratory therapies to patients, ensuring proper technique and adherence to safety protocols.
- Monitored patient responses to treatments, adjusting interventions as necessary for optimal outcomes.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
Respiratory Therapist
Kindred Hospital Rancho
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
05.2025 - 02.2026
- Educated patients and families about respiratory conditions and treatment options, enhancing understanding and compliance.
- Operated and maintained respiratory equipment, ensuring functionality and reliability during patient care.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Monitored patient responses to therapy, adjusting interventions as necessary for optimal outcomes.
Respiratory Instructor
American Career College
Ontario, CA
01.2021 - 10.2025
- Developed and implemented curriculum for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated engaging classroom environments to enhance student learning experiences.
- Assessed student performance and provided constructive feedback to promote improvement.
- Collaborated with faculty to refine instructional strategies and resources.
- Enhanced course materials through integration of current industry practices and technologies.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
Director of Clinical Education
American Career College
Ontario, CA
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Developed and implemented clinical education programs to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Established partnerships with healthcare organizations for internship opportunities.
- Mentored educators in best practices for clinical instruction and student engagement.
- Coordinated accreditation processes ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in education programs.
- Assisted program director with various tasks including student action plans (SAP) , departmental reporting, instructor recruitment, didactic scheduling and student retention.
Respiratory Therapist
Emanate Health
Covina, CA
11.2013 - 03.2020
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop individualized care plans based on patient needs and conditions.
- Assisted in performing diagnostic tests, contributing to accurate assessments of pulmonary function.
- Work under anesthesiologists during open heart surgeries. Duties consisted of setting up the medications on the Alaris pumps. Assisted with the insertion of arterial lines and central venous catheters via the jugular vein. Draw and analyze blood for ABG's, Activated Clotting Time, Heparin Concentration, and Glucose.
- Filled in as shift lead covering RT assignments, master worksheet updating, and coordinating staffing for the oncoming shift.
- Participated in the Building Connections Committee which included mentoring incoming therapists and collaborating with other teams to provide better care to our patients.
Education
Master of Science - Healthcare Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH04-2022
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
American Career College
Ontario, CA04-2013
Skills
- Respiratory care protocols
- Patient education
- Team collaboration
- Strong communication skills
- Curriculum development
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Team management
- Strategies and goals
Certification
- RRT - #135639 Expires 5/2028
- RCP - #34333 Expires 5/2026
- BLS Expires 3/2028
- ACLS Expires 3/2028
- PALS Expires 3/2028
- NRP Expires 5/2026
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
Inland Valley Hospital
12.2025 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Kindred Hospital Rancho
05.2025 - 02.2026
Director of Clinical Education
American Career College
03.2023 - 05.2024
Respiratory Instructor
American Career College
01.2021 - 10.2025
Respiratory Therapist
Emanate Health
11.2013 - 03.2020
Master of Science - Healthcare Management
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy
University of Cincinnati
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
American Career College