LOURDES ACOSTA-ORPINELA
Highland,CA
Summary
Experienced respiratory therapist with expertise in managing diverse pulmonary conditions and ventilator operation. Proven ability to develop individualized treatment plans through effective collaboration with healthcare teams. Skilled in patient assessment, oxygen therapy, and education, ensuring optimal care and safety. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes through critical thinking and tailored care techniques.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Kaiser Permanente
Fontana, California
02.2025 - Current
- Provided patient assessments and monitored respiratory status.
- Administered oxygen therapy and treatments according to protocols.
- Operated ventilators and other respiratory equipment effectively.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory care techniques.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop treatment plans.
- Conducted diagnostic tests to evaluate lung function.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation procedures.
- Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
- Instructed patients on proper use of respiratory equipment including oxygen therapy, ventilators and aerosol therapy.
- Identified high risk situations such as airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation and took appropriate action.
- Assisted in training new hires on department policies, protocols and safety procedures related to respiratory therapy practices.
- Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
- Maintained records of patient assessments, treatments provided and changes in patient status.
- Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with treatment methods and equipment.
- Performed diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing and sleep studies.
- 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.
- Developed individualized plans of care based on assessment findings, patient needs and physician orders.
- 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.
- Determined patient safety risks to identify medical intervention needs.
- Ensured all regulatory requirements were met within scope of practice guidelines set forth by governing agencies.
- Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
- Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
Respiratory Therapist
PRN Staffing
10.2020 - Current
- Educated patients on respiratory health management and device usage.
- Administered respiratory therapies and monitored patient vital signs for safety.
- Operated ventilators and other respiratory equipment in accordance with protocols.
- Performed arterial punctures and conducted diagnostic tests to assess lung function.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to create individualized care plans.
- Maintained accurate patient records to comply with healthcare regulations.
- Set up oxygen devices, cleaned respiratory equipment, and ensured proper functioning.
- Provided emergency care, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, when necessary.
Respiratory Therapist
Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center
01.2021 - 02.2025
- Administered respiratory therapies to patients with diverse pulmonary conditions.
- Evaluated patient responses to treatments, adjusting interventions as necessary.
- Performed assessments in accordance with departmental policies.
- Monitored vital signs during therapy sessions to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to formulate individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health management and device usage.
- Operated ventilators and respiratory equipment following established protocols.
- Monitored performance of respiratory-related equipment to maintain operational standards.
Phlebotomist
Kaiser Permanente
Fontana, CA
10.2012 - 02.2022
- Collected and processed specimens for laboratory testing in compliance with established procedures.
- Applied knowledge of specialized specimen collection and handling for diverse populations.
- Accessioned specimens, retrieved pertinent information, and entered results into databases.
- Participated in performance improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Conducted maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Performed waived testing and EKG testing to support patient diagnostics.
- Instructed phlebotomy students and staff on best practices and techniques.
Respiratory Therapist
Covina Rehabilitation
West Covina, CA
07.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed care for ventilated patients, ensuring optimal respiratory support.
- Assessed patient conditions to inform treatment plans and interventions.
- Administered nebulizer treatments to enhance lung function and alleviate symptoms.
- Provided tracheostomy care to maintain airway patency and prevent complications.
Education
AOS - Respiratory Therapy
American Career College
Ontario, CA02.2020
Phlebotomy Training -
US Colleges
Montclair, CA04.2000
Skills
- Patient-focused dedication
- Organizational skills
- Multitasking ability
- Adaptability to environments
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Patient assessment expertise
- ABG interpretation skills
- Avea and Draeger ventilator knowledge
- V60, V30, Focus, Vision proficiency
- Oxygen and medical gas therapy knowledge
- Humidity and aerosol therapy knowledge
- Respiratory therapy expertise
- Ventilator management skills
- Patient record management
- Care plan development skills
- Collaborative teamwork abilities
- Regulatory compliance knowledge
- Emergency care response skills
- Effective communication skills
- Time management abilities
- Attention to detail focus
- Patient and caregiver education skills
- Medical record documentation expertise
- Clinical judgment strength
- Appointment scheduling skills
- Patient advocacy abilities
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Certification
- RRT, #42549
- Phlebotomy Technician, CPT #00060348, 01/23
- BLS, 8/2027
- PALS, 8/2027
- NRP, 4/2026
References
- Brach Price RRT, (909) 809-8971, San Bernardino Community Hospital, Kindred Hospital Rancho Cucamonga
- Johanna Mendez RRT, (323) 335-8182, Kindred Hospital
- Shannon Rousselo RRT, (909) 333-2180, Loma Linda University Health
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
Kaiser Permanente
02.2025 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center
01.2021 - 02.2025
Respiratory Therapist
PRN Staffing
10.2020 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Covina Rehabilitation
07.2020 - 01.2021
Phlebotomist
Kaiser Permanente
10.2012 - 02.2022
AOS - Respiratory Therapy
American Career College
Phlebotomy Training -
US Colleges
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