Laura Evans
De Soto
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
St. Luke's Health System
Overland Park
08.2021 - Current
- Implemented evidence-based protocols for diagnosing and treating respiratory disorders.
- Managed emergency airway situations and provided ventilator support.
- Monitored vital signs during oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation to ensure patient stability.
- Assisted physicians during complex procedures, including bronchoscopy, intubation, and extubation.
- Conducted diagnostic tests, including arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests.
- Collaborated with medical staff to interpret test results for patient care plans.
- Educated patients on medication compliance and lifestyle modifications to enhance health outcomes.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive patient care.
- Maintained accurate documentation in electronic health records for patient assessments and treatments.
- Documented test results in patient files to ensure accuracy.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations when handling confidential patient information.
- Followed safety protocols to ensure a secure testing environment for patients.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Aya Healthcare
Kansas City
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Coordinated teamwork among colleagues to enhance efficiency and ensure timely task completion.
- Completed daily documentation and charts regarding patient care and input reports into practice databases.
- Utilized PPE appropriately and followed patient safety and infection control guidelines.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills while interacting with clients and their families.
- Monitored ICU patients' response to therapy using various modalities such as CPAP, BIPAP, Ventilation Support devices.
- Provided airway management techniques such as intubation, extubation, suctioning.
- Operated mechanical ventilators to provide appropriate ventilation support for critically ill patients.
- Applied critical thinking to analyze arterial blood gas data, guiding diagnosis and treatment decisions for optimal patient outcomes.
- Consulted with referring physician regarding patient treatment, medical condition and plan of care.
- Adjusted ventilator settings, monitored oxygen saturation levels, and administered aerosolized medications to support patient respiratory needs.
- Instructed patients, families and staff on proper use of respiratory care equipment.
- Assessed patient's condition and evaluated the effectiveness of respiratory therapy treatments.
- Initiated and monitored patients requiring various types of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
- Provided essential education to patients on respiratory medications to enhance understanding and compliance.
- Applied appropriate patient care interventions according to protocol guidelines and priority of care.
- Communicated effectively with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals regarding patient's status and care plans.
- Maintained accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, therapies, and progress notes in accordance with department policies.
- Exhibited strong problem-solving abilities when faced with complex clinical scenarios or difficult patient situations.
- Administered chest physiotherapy techniques like percussion, vibration and postural drainage.
- Performed diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures in accordance with physician orders.
- Conducted pulmonary function testing including spirometry, diffusion capacity measurements, body plethysmography.
- Used therapeutic treatment techniques appropriate to patient age and desire for treatment.
- Assisted physicians during bronchoscopy procedures by preparing necessary supplies and equipment.
- Instructed patients in diaphragmatic and pursed lip breathing to facilitate exercise programs.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted and instructed patients in performance of breathing exercises.
- Conducted electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
- Performed pulmonary function and adjusted equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
- Monitored cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as holter monitor.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Truman Medical Center
Kansas City
08.2020 - 11.2020
- Intubated patients and managed artificial airways to support complex cases in need of advanced ventilation assistance.
- Administered breathing treatments and utilized specialty gases to treat patients with various lung diseases such as bronchitis, pneumothorax, and pulmonary edema.
- Administered oxygen therapy, helium-oxygen therapy, and CPAP therapy to improve patient care.
- Initiated oxygen delivery and respiratory medication to assess effectiveness.
- Maintained optimal function of mechanical ventilators, capnometers, and aerosol generators to deliver reliable treatments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and specialists to tailor patient care plans for optimal recovery.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory conditions and care strategies, enhancing understanding and compliance for conditions like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
- Instructed patients on correct use of respiratory care devices and procedures for continued at-home care.
- Completed blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and other assessments to determine patients' needs.
- Used blood gas analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulse oximetry to develop deeper a deeper understanding of patients' current symptoms and underlying conditions.
- Monitored patient pulmonary health by analyzing blood work, breath sounds, and x-rays.
- Responded calmly in rapidly-changing situations to stabilize patients and restore optimal respiratory function.
- Supported patients with emergency issues by providing them skilled assistance with artificial respiration and external cardiac massage.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Comp Health
US
12.2019 - 07.2020
- Monitored physiological responses to therapy and documented vital signs and blood chemistry changes to inform treatment decisions.
- Completed blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and other assessments to determine patients' needs.
- Maintained optimal function of mechanical ventilators, capnometers, and aerosol generators to deliver reliable treatments.
- Used inhaled medications, proactive therapies, and passive approaches to carry out treatments prescribed by physicians.
- Guided patients in proper use of respiratory care devices and at-home care procedures to enhance self-management and recovery.
- Used blood gas analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulse oximetry to develop deeper understanding of patients' current symptoms and underlying conditions.
- Delivered therapies such as oxygen therapy, helium-oxygen therapy, and CPAP therapy to meet patients' treatment goals.
- Provided education to patients and families on respiratory conditions and care strategies, including asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, to promote understanding and adherence.
- Monitored patient pulmonary health by analyzing blood work, breath sounds, and x-rays.
- Responded calmly in rapidly-changing situations to stabilize patients and restore optimal respiratory function.
- Intubated patients and managed artificial airways to support complex cases in need of advanced ventilation assistance.
- Supported patients with emergency issues by providing them skilled assistance with artificial respiration and external cardiac massage.
- Set up, operated and monitored mechanical ventilators and therapeutic gas administration devices to support the individual needs of each patient.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Lincare
Osage Beach
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Set up, operated and monitored mechanical ventilators and therapeutic gas administration devices to support the individual needs of each patient.
- Administered oxygen and respiratory medication to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
- Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and specialists to give each patient the best possible care.
- Facilitated patient comfort and cooperation through clear treatment explanations.
- Communicated test results to physicians and collaborated on addressing abnormalities.
- Updated the master chart and individual patient records with current therapy information.
- Maintained well-functioning, clean and safe equipment to protect the patients from unnecessary risks.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Mercy Hospital
Springfield
12.2018 - 03.2019
- Managed daily tasks and identified opportunities to exceed requirements, supporting overall business targets.
- Completed assigned tasks with little or no supervision.
- Maintained an orderly workspace to enhance productivity.
- Fostered positive working relationships with co-workers and management to enhance team collaboration.
- Reviewed activities to pinpoint areas for improvement and optimize workflow.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Lake Regional Healthcare System
Osage Beach
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Maintained optimal function of mechanical ventilators, capnometers, and aerosol generators to deliver reliable treatments.
- Used inhaled medications, proactive therapies, and passive approaches to carry out treatments prescribed by physicians.
- Monitored patient pulmonary health by analyzing blood work, breath sounds, and x-rays.
- Delivered therapies such as oxygen therapy, helium-oxygen therapy, and CPAP therapy to meet patients' treatment goals.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory conditions and care strategies, enhancing understanding and compliance with treatment plans.
- Instructed patients on correct use of respiratory care devices and procedures for continued at-home care.
- Stabilized patients in rapidly-changing situations, restoring optimal respiratory function through quick assessment and intervention.
- Completed blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and other assessments to determine patients' needs.
- Used blood gas analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulse oximetry to develop deeper understanding of patients' current symptoms and underlying conditions.
- Intubated patients and managed artificial airways to support complex cases in need of advanced ventilation assistance.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and specialists to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
- Supported patients with emergency issues by providing them skilled assistance with artificial respiration and external cardiac massage.
- Maintained accurate patient records to ensure comprehensive treatment documentation.
- Set up, operated and monitored mechanical ventilators and therapeutic gas administration devices to support the individual needs of each patient.
- Relayed the results of tests to physicians and worked with them to address abnormalities.
- Administered breathing treatments and utilized specialty gases to treat patients with various lung diseases such as bronchitis, pneumothorax, and pulmonary edema.
- Initiated oxygen delivery and respiratory medication to assess effectiveness.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Capital Region Medical Center
Jefferson City
12.2017 - 03.2018
- Maintained optimal function of mechanical ventilators, capnometers, and aerosol generators to deliver reliable treatments.
- Used inhaled medications, proactive therapies, and passive approaches to carry out treatments prescribed by physicians.
- Instructed patients on correct use of respiratory care devices and procedures for continued at-home care.
- Monitored patient pulmonary health by analyzing blood work, breath sounds, and x-rays.
- Used blood gas analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulse oximetry to develop deeper understanding of patients' current symptoms and underlying conditions.
- Educated patients and families on management of respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer to enhance understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
- Intubated patients and managed artificial airways to support complex cases in need of advanced ventilation assistance.
- Delivered therapies such as oxygen therapy, helium-oxygen therapy, and CPAP therapy to meet patients' treatment goals.
- Completed blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and other assessments to determine patients' needs.
- Responded calmly in rapidly-changing situations to stabilize patients and restore optimal respiratory function.
- Administered breathing treatments and utilized specialty gases to treat patients with various lung diseases such as bronchitis, pneumothorax, and pulmonary edema.
- Communicated test results to physicians and collaborated on addressing abnormalities to ensure timely and effective patient care.
- Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and specialists to give each patient the best possible care.
- Set up, operated and monitored mechanical ventilators and therapeutic gas administration devices to support the individual needs of each patient.
- Maintained well-functioning, clean and safe equipment to protect the patients from unnecessary risks.
- Updated the master chart and individual patient records with current therapy information.
- Supported patients with emergency issues by providing them skilled assistance with artificial respiration and external cardiac massage.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Great River Medical Center
West Burlington
05.2006 - 11.2017
- Responded calmly in rapidly-changing situations to stabilize patients and restore optimal respiratory function.
- Used blood gas analyzers, co-oximeters, and pulse oximetry to develop a deeper understanding of patients' current symptoms and underlying conditions.
- Intubated patients and managed artificial airways to support complex cases in need of advanced ventilation assistance.
- Completed blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and other assessments to determine patients' needs.
- Instructed patients on proper use of respiratory care devices and at-home care procedures to enhance self-management of respiratory conditions.
- Educated patients and families regarding respiratory conditions and care, including asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
- Delivered therapies such as oxygen therapy, helium-oxygen therapy, and CPAP therapy to meet patients' treatment goals.
- Used inhaled medications, proactive therapies, and passive approaches to carry out treatments prescribed by physicians.
- Monitored patient pulmonary health through analysis of blood work, breath sounds, and x-rays to inform treatment adjustments.
- Maintained optimal function of mechanical ventilators, capnometers, and aerosol generators to deliver reliable treatments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and specialists to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs.
- Administered breathing treatments and utilized specialty gases to treat patients with various lung diseases such as bronchitis, pneumothorax, and pulmonary edema.
- Set up, operated and monitored mechanical ventilators and therapeutic gas administration devices to support the individual needs of each patient.
- Monitored the physiological response of each patient to therapy and documented vital signs and blood chemistry changes.
- Initiated oxygen delivery and respiratory medication to assess effectiveness.
- Supported patients with emergency issues by providing them skilled assistance with artificial respiration and external cardiac massage.
- Relayed the results of tests to physicians and worked with them to address abnormalities.
Education
Certification - Medical Coding & Billing
DeVry University
Naperville, IL09.2026
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - Arts
Southeastern Community College
West Burlington, IA05.2012
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE - RESPIRATORY CARE
Southeastern Community College
West Burlington, IA05.2006
Skills
- ICD-10
- CPT
- Manage ventilation
- Monitor patients
- Blood gas analysis
- Pulse oximetry
- Pulmonary function testing
- Oxygen therapy
- Emergency medical care
- Deliver treatment
- Educate patients
- Patient advocacy
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Medical coding
- Critical thinking
Certification
- Respiratory Care Practitioner - Missouri
- Respiratory Care Practitioner - Kansas
- Respiratory Care Practitioner - Iowa
References
References available upon request
Personal Information
Title: Registered Respiratory Therapist
Timeline
REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
St. Luke's Health System
08.2021 - Current
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Aya Healthcare
08.2020 - 08.2021
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Truman Medical Center
08.2020 - 11.2020
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Comp Health
12.2019 - 07.2020
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Lincare
03.2019 - 03.2020
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Mercy Hospital
12.2018 - 03.2019
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Lake Regional Healthcare System
03.2018 - 12.2018
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Capital Region Medical Center
12.2017 - 03.2018
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Great River Medical Center
05.2006 - 11.2017
Certification - Medical Coding & Billing
DeVry University
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS - Arts
Southeastern Community College
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE - RESPIRATORY CARE
Southeastern Community College