Melissa Baker
Sioux Center,IA
Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented, experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist with over 17 years of knowledge; committed to helping improve breathing of people with lung disease and various types of pulmonary distress. Treats wide range of patients from premature infants to elderly people with lung disease. Delivers expert technical and physical support while assisting and encouraging patients emotionally.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Cass County Hospital
12.2023 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Provided effective airway management during emergency situations, contributing to successful resuscitation efforts.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Administered medications via aerosol or nebulizer treatments, ensuring appropriate dosages for optimal therapeutic effect.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
Travel Respiratory Therapist
Summit Medical Staffing
04.2022 - Current
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Applied critical thinking skills to problem solve complex respiratory situations, contributing to more efficient and effective treatment strategies.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs, Holter & Apnea monitors, and car seat challenges.
- C-section and birthing deliveries; along with Neo-puff/Neo-tee and Bubble Cpap.
- Travel RRT to: Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion & Belmond, IA hospitals for one year; and Cass County Hospital in Atlantic, IA for one year.
- Pre-op assessments, IS therapy, and Six-minute walk qualifications.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Unity Point St. Luke's Hospital
05.2006 - Current
- PRN Staff member for two years and full-time for 16 years.
- Established respiratory care plans for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, asthma and spontaneous pneumothoraxes.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.
- Streamlined patient flow by effectively triaging incoming patients based on the severity of their condition.
- Mentored new hires and student therapists, sharing expertise to support their growth within the profession.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Worked with Epic, Vocera, and RQI in Clinical Informatics; training new hires: Nurses, CNA's, etc.
- NICU, Pediatric, ER, Med/Surg, ICU.
- Drager, Hamilton, Triloy, V30/V60, iVent, Parapac, Airvo, Nitric, Oscalator.
- ABG's
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
St. Luke's College
Sioux City, IA05.2019
Associate of Science - Respiratory Care
St. Luke's College
Sioux City, IA05.2007
Skills
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Equipment Cleaning
- Non-invasive ventilation
- Neonatal intensive care
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Outpatient Care
- Spirometer reading
- Bronchial Hygiene
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Appointment Scheduling
- Tracheostomy Care
- Flexible and Adaptable
- High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation
- Airway Management
- Emergency Care
- Pediatric Respiratory Care
- Arterial blood gas
- Nitric Oxide Therapy
- Epic Software Proficiency
Certification
- RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
- NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- BLS - Basic Life Support
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Cass County Hospital
12.2023 - Current
Travel Respiratory Therapist
Summit Medical Staffing
04.2022 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Unity Point St. Luke's Hospital
05.2006 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
St. Luke's College
Associate of Science - Respiratory Care
St. Luke's College
- RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
- NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- BLS - Basic Life Support
Similar Profiles
Tonya LilienthalTonya Lilienthal
Registered Nurse at Cass County Memorial HospitalRegistered Nurse at Cass County Memorial Hospital
Traci HaskinsTraci Haskins
Foreclosure Specialist at Cass County TreasurerForeclosure Specialist at Cass County Treasurer
William McBeeWilliam McBee
Probation Officer at Cass County GovernmentProbation Officer at Cass County Government