Melanie Hodge
Elizabethtown,KY
Summary
Experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist & Adult Critical Care Specialist with over 15 years of experience working with adult and geriatric patients experiencing pulmonary issues, as well as neonatal patients in the NICU. Highly skilled in treatment of chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma and bronchitis. Excellent data analysis and patient evaluation skills. Serve as a team leader and mentor to other staff members, as well as, preceptor to students from 2 different colleges. Have a passion for learning and sharing that knowledge with other therapist and future RT's.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist, ACCS
Baptist Health Hardin
11.2010 - Current
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Aid physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Evaluate patient response to respiratory treatments and revise care plans accordingly.
- Work with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Deliver treatments for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Coordinate with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Document therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Serve as team leader and mentor.
- Serve as preceptor for students from two different colleges and new hires as well.
- Lab technical consultant for blood gases.
- Work in all critical care areas including; SICU, CICU, ED, & NICU
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Norton Audubon Hospital
05.2008 - 11.2010
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
Student Respiratory Therapist
Norton Audubon Hospital
05.2007 - 05.2008
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Administered breathing treatments and monitored and titrated oxygen.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Treated patients after conducting assessments.
Education
Bachelors of Science Respiratory Care -
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX05.2024
Associate of Science - Respiratory Care
Jefferson Community And Technical College
Louisville, KY05.2008
Skills
- Respiratory Equipment Setup
- Ventilator Management
- Patient Care Documentation
- Care Plan Management
- Patient Education
- Medication Administration
- Infection Control
- Relationship Building
- Clinical Leadership
- Blood gas analysis
- Lab technical consultant for blood gases
- Treatment Administration
- Team Collaboration
- Equipment Cleaning
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Caring Bedside Manner
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Emergency Medical Care
- Practice Improvement
- Patient Needs Assessment
Accomplishments
KSRC Recognition Award for 2023
Baptist Health Inspiration Award Nominee for both 2023 & 2024
Certification
- RRT-ACCS - Registered Respiratory Therapist - Adult Critical Care Specialist
- ACLS certified
- PALS certified
- NRP certified
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist, ACCS
Baptist Health Hardin
11.2010 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Norton Audubon Hospital
05.2008 - 11.2010
Student Respiratory Therapist
Norton Audubon Hospital
05.2007 - 05.2008
Bachelors of Science Respiratory Care -
Midwestern State University
Associate of Science - Respiratory Care
Jefferson Community And Technical College