Megan Balazek
Mechanicsville,VA
Summary
Dedicated professional upholding high standards and achieving tangible results. Knowledge in enhancing operational processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Reputation built on collaborating effectively within teams and adapting to evolving needs. Proficient in implementing performance improvement methodologies and maintaining a focus on quality. Comprehensive background in delivering family-centered care across Neonatal, Pediatric, and Adult patient populations, prioritizing safety above all else.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education and Quality Coordinator
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
07.2020 - Current
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve overall safety and performance improvement.
- Developed a culture of safety within the department by encouraging team members to identify opportunities to improve processes and facilitating their efforts to implement those changes.
- Assisted with quality improvement audits.
- Ensured a positive onboarding experience by addressing any concerns or issues promptly and effectively.
- Streamlined onboarding processes by creating and implementing comprehensive checklists for new hires.
- Oversaw updates to resource documents related to the onboarding process, keeping information current and accessible for all team members.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives, participating in the implementation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for respiratory care.
- Increased staff competency by conducting in-service training on respiratory therapy techniques and protocols.
- Assisted in the development of respiratory care protocols, ensuring that clinical practices were aligned with current evidence-based guidelines and industry standards.
Clinical Instructor
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
01.2019 - 07.2020
- Fostered a culture of safety within the learning environment by emphasizing proper use of equipment, infection control measures, and patient privacy guidelines.
- Provided immediate and constructive feedback to students individually and as group.
- Improved student performance with regular assessments and feedback on their clinical skills and knowledge.
- Maintained a supportive learning environment, addressing individual student needs and concerns.
- Provide clinical instruction to 4 Respiratory Therapy students in clinical settings on pediatric and acute care topics.
Staff Therapist
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Brook Rd
12.2018 - 07.2020
- Managed and operated 6-8 mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Collaborated with physicians to optimize medication management for patients requiring aerosolized drug therapies or bronchodilator treatments.
- Served as a preceptor for new hires and student therapists, imparting knowledge of best practices while fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.
Travel Therapist
University of Cincinnati Hospital
01.2011 - 12.2011
- Utilized advanced ventilator management techniques, optimizing ventilatory support while minimizing complications.
- Applied critical thinking skills to problem solve complex respiratory situations, contributing to more efficient and effective treatment strategies.
- Advocated for patient-centered care, consistently prioritizing safety, dignity, and well-being of patients in all interactions.
Staff Therapist
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
04.2010 - 12.2010
- Enhanced patient care by developing individualized respiratory therapy plans for pediatric patients.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on advancements in pediatric respiratory therapy through professional development courses and conferences.
- Served as a resource for nursing staff, offering guidance on best practices for managing pediatric patients with complex respiratory needs.
Staff Therapist
Primary Children’s Medical Center
08.2005 - 04.2009
- Managed ventilator settings during transport of critically ill children between hospitals or departments, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
- Implemented evidence-based protocols to optimize respiratory treatments, leading to improved patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive and effective treatment for all pediatric patients.
Travel Therapist
American Mobile Healthcare
01.2002 - 08.2005
- Promoted a positive working environment by demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and respect for colleagues and patients alike.
- Applied critical thinking skills to problem solve complex respiratory situations, contributing to more efficient and effective treatment strategies.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
Staff Therapist
National Institutes of Health
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Evaluated patients'' response to treatment plans, adjusting therapies as needed to maximize effectiveness and minimize adverse effects.
- Provided consultation on complex cases to physicians and other healthcare professionals, utilizing extensive knowledge of respiratory therapy principles and interventions.
Staff Therapist
Washington Hospital Center
06.1999 - 01.2001
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Optimized ventilator settings to maximize patient comfort while maintaining optimal gas exchange levels.
- Provided effective airway management during emergency situations, contributing to successful resuscitation efforts.
Education
Master of Applied Science - Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
05.2023
GPA: 3.83
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Care
01.1999
Lambda Beta Honors Student
Skills
- Quality improvement
- Scheduling coordination
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Strong clinical judgment
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Regulatory compliance
- Staff training
Key Areas Of Expertise
- Leadership
- Patient Education
- Performance Improvement
- Patient Care
- Training & Development
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Data Collection and Analysis
- EPIC Superuser
- Workgroup Facilitation
Certification
- Registered Respiratory Therapist, VA
- Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist, VA
- Certified, BLS-Healthcare Provider
- Certified, PALS
- Certified, ACLS
Professional Memberships
American Association of Respiratory Care, 2000-Present
Timeline
Education and Quality Coordinator - Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
07.2020 - Current
Clinical Instructor - J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
01.2019 - 07.2020
Staff Therapist - Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Brook Rd
12.2018 - 07.2020
Travel Therapist - University of Cincinnati Hospital
01.2011 - 12.2011
Staff Therapist - Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
04.2010 - 12.2010
Staff Therapist - Primary Children’s Medical Center
08.2005 - 04.2009
Travel Therapist - American Mobile Healthcare
01.2002 - 08.2005
Staff Therapist - National Institutes of Health
01.2001 - 01.2002
Staff Therapist - Washington Hospital Center
06.1999 - 01.2001
Salisbury University - Bachelor of Science, Respiratory Care
- Registered Respiratory Therapist, VA
- Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist, VA
- Certified, BLS-Healthcare Provider
- Certified, PALS
- Certified, ACLS
Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health - Master of Applied Science, Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
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