Melissa Foster
Hattiesburg,MS
Summary
Certified Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience in ventilator management, intubation support, and respiratory assessment. Known for attention to detail, calm performance in high-pressure settings, and strong collaboration with physicians and nurses. Skilled in documenting care, monitoring blood gases, and educating patients and families.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Memorial Hospital @ Stone County
Wiggins, Mississippi
07.2021 - Current
- Managed ventilator settings for critical care patients in hospital respiratory services.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
- Assisted physicians with bronchoscopies and intubations.
- Maintained patient airways through endotracheal intubation, ensuring adequate ventilation for critically ill patients.
- Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients unable to breathe on own.
- Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
- Administered medication and ventilatory support to optimize patient respiratory function.
- Administered oxygen therapy and nebulizer treatments across inpatient units.
- Administered aerosolized medications in the form of nebulizers, inhalers and other devices.
- Monitored vital signs and arterial blood gases, collaborating with physicians to address adverse reactions and adjust treatment plans.
- Collected arterial blood gases and monitored patient responses to treatment.
- Evaluated effectiveness of therapeutic interventions by assessing changes in patient symptoms and vital signs.
- Provided instruction to patients on effective inhaler techniques and breathing exercises. and families on inhaler use, breathing exercises, and home care.
- Educated patients on lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation to improve respiratory health.
- Performed pulmonary function tests to evaluate lung volume, capacity and gas exchange.
- Documented respiratory treatments and charted patient progress in medical records.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care services provided using electronic health record software programs.
- Maintained detailed records of patient treatment plans and progress notes.
- Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
- Managed inventory levels of supplies used in the department ensuring adequate stock is available at all times.
- Trained new respiratory staff on hospital protocols and equipment use.
- Developed protocols for ventilator weaning for mechanically ventilated patients based on clinical evidence.
- Monitored patient progress through physical assessments, laboratory results and diagnostic studies.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
- Collaborated with physicians and nurses on care plans and therapy changes.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Participated in continuing education activities to remain current with advances in respiratory care technology and best practices.
- Performed quality assurance checks on equipment prior to use according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
- Read prescription information and laboratory results to assess patients' needs and conditions.
- Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
- Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
- Conducted EKGs, stress testing or lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
- Provided artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients unable to breathe on own.
- Read prescription information and laboratory results to assess patients' needs and conditions.
- Maintained charts containing patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Marion General Hospital
Columbia, MS
07.2002 - Current
- Provided oxygen therapy aerosols and breathing treatments per physician orders.
- Supported ventilator operation and airway monitoring in critical care settings.
- Collected arterial blood gas samples and communicated results to care teams.
- Instructed patients and families on inhaler use and breathing techniques.
- Maintained respiratory equipment and prepared supplies for Memorial Hospital procedures.
- Documented therapy services and patient responses in medical records.
- Performed pulmonary function tests to evaluate lung volume, capacity and gas exchange.
- Assisted physicians with bronchoscopies and intubations as needed.
- Provided instruction on proper use of home medical equipment including oxygen therapy delivery systems, CPAP and BiPAP devices, tracheostomy care and suctioning.
- Performed quality assurance checks on equipment prior to use according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Educated patients on lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation to improve respiratory health.
- Participated in continuing education activities to remain current with advances in respiratory care technology and best practices.
- Demonstrated proficiency in advanced life support techniques including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Administered aerosolized medications in the form of nebulizers, inhalers and other devices.
- Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
- Responded to emergency airway needs during hospital code situations.
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Merit Health Wesley
Hattiesburg, MS
02.2021 - 07.2021
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosols, and breathing treatments per physician orders.
- Operated ventilators and monitored airway support in critical care settings.
- Collected arterial blood gases and reported results to care teams.
- Responded to emergency airway needs during hospital code situations.
- Instructed patients and families on inhaler use and breathing techniques.
- Documented therapy services and patient responses in medical records.
- Assisted physicians with bronchoscopies and intubations as needed.
- Provided instruction on proper use of home medical equipment including oxygen therapy delivery systems, CPAP and BiPAP devices, tracheostomy care and suctioning.
- Participated in continuing education activities to remain current with advances in respiratory care technology and best practices.
- Demonstrated proficiency in advanced life support techniques including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Administered aerosolized medications in the form of nebulizers, inhalers and other devices.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
- Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
- Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
- Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
- Enforced physicians' orders for specific treatment protocols and durations.
- Conducted EKGs, stress testing or lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Song Health and Rehabilatiton
Columbia, MS
04.2016 - 07.2019
- Administration of oxygen therapy and nebulizer treatments.
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning.
- Assessed breathing status and adjusted oxygen therapy plans.
- Managed ventilator settings and monitored patient airway support.
Education
Associate of Arts - Respiratory Care Therapy
Pearl River Community College
Poplarville, MS07-2002
High School Diploma -
East Marion School
Columbia, MS05-1999
Skills
- Mechanical ventilation
- Ventilator management
- Airway management
- Noninvasive ventilation
- Oxygen therapy
- Aerosol therapy
- Tracheostomy care
- Pulmonary function testing
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Arterial blood gases
- Respiratory assessment
- Critical care support
- Bronchial hygiene
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Positive airway pressure
- Patient care
- Patient education
- Care documentation
- Record documentation
- Clinical communication
- Team collaboration
- Communication skills
- Safety protocols
- Emergency medical care
- Quality improvement
- Hygiene techniques
- Infection control techniques
- Medication administration
- Treatment administration
- Equipment maintenance
- Equipment setup
- Maintenance troubleshooting
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Healthcare regulations
- Coaching and mentoring
- Family advocacy
- End-of-life care
- Caring bedside manner
- Pediatric care
- Neonatal care
- First aid and CPR
- Blood gas analysis
- Spirometer reading
- Patient care
- Communication skills
- Blood gas analysis
- Spirometer reading
- Patient education
Certification
-Certified Respiratory Therapist- RCP2859
-ACLS- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
-PALS- Pediactric Adavanced Life Support
- NRP- Neonatal Resuscitation Program
-BLS- Basic Life Support
Timeline
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Memorial Hospital @ Stone County
07.2021 - Current
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Merit Health Wesley
02.2021 - 07.2021
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Song Health and Rehabilatiton
04.2016 - 07.2019
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Marion General Hospital
07.2002 - Current
Associate of Arts - Respiratory Care Therapy
Pearl River Community College
High School Diploma -
East Marion School