Mechelle Cross
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Dynamic Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience at UF Health Shands Hospital, skilled in airway management and patient education. Proven track record of enhancing patient outcomes through individualized care plans and effective collaboration with healthcare teams. Committed to delivering compassionate care while ensuring safety and compliance in high-pressure environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Baptist Medical Center
07.2004 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
UF Health Shands Hospital
06.2013 - Current
- Administered respiratory therapies according to established protocols to enhance patient outcomes.
- Monitored patients' vital signs and oxygen levels to ensure effective treatment plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop individualized care strategies for patients.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health, treatment options, and equipment usage.
- Maintained and calibrated respiratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety standards.
- Assisted in the training of new staff on best practices in respiratory care procedures.
- Evaluated patient responses to therapies and adjusted treatments as necessary for optimal results.
- Documented patient progress accurately in electronic health records for continuity of care.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
- 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.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
- Improved patient care by developing individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments and evaluations.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by effectively administering respiratory therapy treatments and interventions.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Ensured patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs during therapeutic interventions.
- Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
- Evaluated care policies using patient records and current research findings to develop better treatment.
- Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Led workshops for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, empowering them with strategies to manage symptoms.
- Developed protocols for emergency respiratory situations, significantly improving response times and patient outcomes.
- Improved patient satisfaction by quickly addressing concerns and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
- Supported surgical teams during complex procedures, ensuring optimal patient breathing support.
- Customized respiratory care plans to address unique needs of pediatric patients, enhancing comfort and cooperation.
- Facilitated smoother transitions from hospital to home care for patients, coordinating with external healthcare providers.
- Improved patient outcomes by educating families on home care techniques and importance of medication adherence.
- Contributed to research projects focused on innovative respiratory therapies, advancing field and patient care options.
Education
A.S. Degree Respiratory Care - Respiratory Care
Florida State College
Jacksonville, FL05.2010
Skills
- Airway management
- Tracheostomy care
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Patient education
- Respiratory care protocols
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Medication administration
- Bronchial hygiene techniques
- Professional bedside manner
- Continuous positive airway pressure
- Patient care documentation
- Caring bedside manner
- Equipment setup
- Medical record documentation
- Physical assessments
- Treatment administration
- Patient and family advocacy
- End-of-life care
- Patient instruction
- Emergency medical care
- Coaching and mentoring
- Patient care
- Team collaboration
- Infection control
- Intubation
- Equipment cleaning
- Strong clinical judgment
- Pediatric respiratory care
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Smoking cessation counseling
- Patient advocacy
- Care planning
- Sleep disorder treatment
- Medical terminology
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
UF Health Shands Hospital
06.2013 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Baptist Medical Center
07.2004 - Current
A.S. Degree Respiratory Care - Respiratory Care
Florida State College