Melissa Patterfritz
Monroe,MI
Summary
Professional respiratory care provider with comprehensive experience in patient assessment, therapeutic interventions, and critical care. Tech-savvy with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and a passion for continuous improvement. Strong focus on team collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and achieving optimal patient outcomes. Skilled in mechanical ventilation, airway management, and emergency response. Reliable and flexible, ensuring high standards of respiratory care in dynamic healthcare environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital
Wyandotte, Michigan
06.2025 - Current
- Administered respiratory therapies and treatments per physician orders.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop patient care plans.
- Educated patients on home care techniques for respiratory conditions.
- Assisted in maintaining and calibrating respiratory therapy equipment.
- Participated in departmental meetings to improve patient care protocols.
- Documented patient progress and responses to therapies accurately.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Corewell East Hospital
Dearborn, Michigan
05.2019 - 06.2025
- Utilized advanced equipment for diagnostic testing and treatment delivery.
- Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Sinai-Grace Hospital
08.2015 - 05.2019
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- 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.
- Administered various medications through aerosolized treatments ensuring proper dosages were delivered accurately to patients.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Select Specialty Hospital LTAC
10.2010 - 08.2015
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive respiratory care plans and interventions.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
- Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
U Of M Hospital
10.2005 - 10.2010
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities staying current with best practices and advancements within the respiratory therapy field.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
- Maintained accurate records of all procedures performed, contributing to efficient billing processes and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Enhanced patient safety with thorough ventilator management and monitoring.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve overall patient satisfaction with respiratory care services.
- Established respiratory care plans for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, asthma and spontaneous pneumothorax.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Monroe County Community College
Monroe, MI06-2006
Skills
- Blood gas interpretation
- Airway management
- Non-invasive ventilation
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Clinical decision making
- Mechanical ventilator operation
- Patient education and advocacy
- Team collaboration
- Strong clinical judgment
- Respiratory medication administration
- Ethics and professionalism
Certification
- RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
- CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist
- NRP Training - April 2026
- BLS- April 2026
- Licensed Respiratory Therapist - Nov 2027
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital
06.2025 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Corewell East Hospital
05.2019 - 06.2025
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Sinai-Grace Hospital
08.2015 - 05.2019
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Select Specialty Hospital LTAC
10.2010 - 08.2015
Registered Respiratory Therapist
U Of M Hospital
10.2005 - 10.2010
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Monroe County Community College