Melissa Fearnow

Respiratory Therapist

VCU Health

Richmond, Virginia

01.2007 - Current

Initiating, maintaining, and weaning from ventilators
Assisting in intubation of patient
Extubation
Attending code blue events
Attending Rapid Response events
Initiating, maintaining, and weaning from ventilators
Nitric Therapy via INO Vent, with both intubated patient and non-intubated patient
Pre-use setup and check of PB 840, Servo I, Philips V60, and INO Vent
Adapt at modes of ventilation including APRV, Bi-Vent/Bi-Level, AC, SIMV, CPaP; as well as pressure and volume parameters
Tracheostomy care including trach changes, suction, humidification therapy, Passy-Muir valve, and capping trials
Administration of nebulized medications
Spinal Cord Injury Protocol
Pressure and Volume measurements
Artificial Airways including endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes (Shiley, both cuffed and uncuffed, unfenestrated and fenestrated, standard and XLT) Jackson, laryngectomy tubes, and Lary tubes
Educating patients and family members with artificial airways in matters of suction, care of tube and stoma, equipment, safety, humidification, HMEs, and Passy-Muir valve usage and care
Preforming and interpreting Arterial Blood Gases
Administering, maintain, and weaning Hi Flow nasal cannula
Lead therapist in the Burn Unit where I secured endotracheal tubes to burned skin, administered appropriate nebulized medications per inhalation injury protocol, manage ventilators, as well as assessed for airway swelling
Adept in the Emergency Department where I routinely initiated ventilators, administered continuous albuterol, consulted with COPD and trach patients, initiated non-invasive ventilation therapy, initialed Hi-Flow nasal cannula, advocated for placing patient in appropriate bed assignment, and transport of patient to their bed assignment
Initiating invasive and noninvasive ventilation for patient post-operative in PACU, as well as manage ventilator per ABG/protocol, and transport of ventilated patient to ICU when extubation inappropriate
Administering pulmonary hygiene including Cough Assist, CPT, suction (tracheal, nasotracheal, and oral)
Ambulating patients on ventilator, Bi-PaP, and Hi-Flow
Administering Oxygen
Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
Provided designated family members with updated information on progress and treatment of patients in critical care unit.
Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
Analyzed patient and family feedback to identify opportunities for staff recognition and areas for improvement.
Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
Works closely with clear communication with bedside nurse and med team to ensure excellent care of patient