Kemara Johnson, RRT-ACCS, CES-A
Richmond,VA
Summary
Highly skilled ECMO Specialist II and Respiratory Therapist IV with over 5 years of advanced critical care experience managing complex cardiopulmonary failures in high-acuity environments. Proven clinical expertise across both VV and VA ECMO modalities, intricate circuit troubleshooting, and the management of adult and pediatric populations. Recognized for rapid clinical decision-making, meticulous safety standard adherence, and seamless multi-disciplinary collaboration to maximize patient outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Resp. Therapist IV, ECMO Specialist II
VCU Health System
Richmond, VA
10.2017 - Current
- Monitor and maintain adult and pediatric VV and VA ECMO circuits continuously to ensure optimal pump flows, sweep gas ventilation, and patient safety.
- Evaluate real-time patient hemodynamics, including arterial blood gases (ABGs), electrolytes, and anticoagulation metrics, adjusting ECMO parameters to support therapeutic targets.
- Manage emergency circuit interventions and component troubleshooting under high-pressure conditions to eliminate patient risk.
- Manage full-scale setup, calibration, and maintenance of advanced respiratory equipment, including mechanical ventilators, BiPAP, and CPAP machines tailored to complex cardiopulmonary needs.
- Titrate mechanical ventilation settings in tandem with ECMO flows to facilitate lung-protective strategies and optimize oxygenation.
Registered Respiratory Therapist II
Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation
Henrico, VA
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Administered antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications using hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers, and positive pressure equipment.
- Recorded therapies and diagnostic tests in electronic health records to support comprehensive patient care.
- Performed necessary overnight pulse oximetry studies to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Managed comprehensive tracheostomy care and assessment to ensure patient safety and comfort during decannulation and downsizing.
Student Worker
VCU Health System
Richmond, VA
12.2015 - 10.2017
- Administered manual chest physiotherapy (CPT) and postural drainage for pediatric and adult cystic fibrosis patients to mechanically dislodge and mobilize hyper-viscous secretions.
- Optimized airway clearance by coordinating CPT therapies with inhaled bronchodilators, reducing localized atelectasis and minimizing bacterial colonization risks.
- Cleaned, inspected, and tesed respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it's functioning safely and efficiently for patient needs
- Executed detailed instructions provided by team members to ensure project alignment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Services Administration
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12-2026
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA06-2017
Skills
- Adult Critical Care Specialist (RRT-ACCS) – National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
- Certified ECMO Specialist - Adult (CES-A)- American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association (AHA)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association (AHA)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)- Virginia Board of Nursing
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist II
Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation
06.2021 - 09.2022
Registered Resp. Therapist IV, ECMO Specialist II
VCU Health System
10.2017 - Current
Student Worker
VCU Health System
12.2015 - 10.2017
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Bachelor of Science - Health Services Administration
Old Dominion University