Melissa Schuch
Loveland,CO
Summary
Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with 10 years of experience in acute healthcare settings. Successful at implementing best practices to continuously advance respiratory therapy outcomes for patients and advance the Respiratory Therapy profession. Caring and attentive preceptor and mentor with 10 years of experience in on-the-job clinical instruction. Expert in closely monitoring student progress while implementing modern educational techniques into daily practices. Committed to long-term student success through well-rounded experiences.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Respiratory Therapist – Internal Traveler
Boulder Community Hospital
10.2023 - 02.2024
- Level II Trauma Center
- ER, ICU, Telemetry, Progressive Care, Med/Surg, NICU
- Staffing and scheduling for RT department
- Specialized education and training for new equipment including Trilogy ventilators
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
Respiratory Therapist- PRN
Longmont United Hospital
04.2022 - 01.2024
- Level II Trauma Center
- COVID ICU, Trauma/Neuro ICU, Telemetry, Progressive Care Unit, Med/Surg
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Optimized airway management by skillfully performing endotracheal intubations under challenging circumstances.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
Respiratory Therapist – Internal Travel Team/iFlex
Intermountain Healthcare
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Regional Internal traveler/float pool
- MICU, Neuro/Trauma ICU, Med-Surg, Cardiac, Ortho, Rehab
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Streamlined clinical processes through the implementation of efficient protocols for respiratory care procedures.
- Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
- Kept abreast of industry advancements by attending continuing education courses, maintaining current knowledge of evidence-based practices.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
Fusion Medical Staffing
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Level II Trauma Center
- COVID ICU, Trauma/Neuro ICU, Telemetry, Progressive Care Unit, Med/Surg, Pediatrics, NICU
- Provide education, training, and orientation of new travel staff
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by effectively administering respiratory therapy treatments and interventions.
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
AMN Healthcare Staffing
11.2020 - 07.2021
- Level II Trauma Center
- COVID ICU, Trauma/Neuro ICU, Telemetry, Progressive Care Unit, Med/Surg, Pediatrics, NICU
- Night shift lead, travel staffing and scheduling coordinator
- Provide education, training, and orientation of new travel staff
- Contributed to improved patient satisfaction scores by delivering compassionate and empathetic care throughout the treatment process
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations
- Evaluated care policies using patient records and current research findings to develop better treatment
- Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
LRS Healthcare Staffing
08.2020 - 10.2020
- Level I Trauma Center
- ER, MICU, SICU, PCU, Med-Surg, Cardiac
- Assist in bronchoscopies, thoracentesis, pleural biopsies and chest tube placement
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness
- Contributed to improved patient satisfaction scores by delivering compassionate and empathetic care throughout the treatment process
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management
- Evaluated care policies using patient records and current research findings to develop better treatment
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
Indian Health and Human Services, Government Contract
04.2020 - 08.2020
- Navajo Reservation Hospital, level II Trauma
- ER, ICU, Critical Care Transportation
- Travel staffing coordinator
- Streamlined clinical processes through the implementation of efficient protocols for respiratory care procedures
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
UCHealth
02.2020 - 05.2020
- Level II Trauma Center
- ER, ICU, PICU, General Floors
- Set up for and assist in bronchoscopies, thoracentesis, pleural biopsies and chest tube placement
- Perform ancillary cardiopulmonary diagnostics to include but not be limited to: PFT, ABG, six-minute walk study, pulse oximetry testing and oxygen titrations
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
LRS Healthcare Staffing
01.2020 - 02.2020
- Level II Trauma Center
- ER, ICU, Peds, Med/Surg
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues
Respiratory Therapist
Sky Ridge Medical Center
05.2019 - 01.2020
- Level II Trauma Center
- ER, ICU, NICU, Peds, Med/Surg
- Operate and maintain respiratory care equipment
- Provide consultation and technical assistance to physicians, nursing personnel and other clinical personnel.
Respiratory Therapist/Polysomnography Tech
Davita Medical Group
10.2017 - 10.2018
- Perform diagnostic PSG, split-night, PAP and/or oxygen titration studies
- Provide treatment with CPAP, BiLevel, AVAPS, and/or oxygen per established protocols
- Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure signals are artifact-free
- Score clinical events (respiratory, cardiac, limb movements, arousals, etc.) utilizing current AASM guidelines.
Respiratory Therapist/Polysomnography Tech
Children's Hospital of Colorado
06.2016 - 05.2017
- 434 Bed Acute-Care Hospital
- PICU, ICU, Floor Therapy
- Perform diagnostic PSG, PSG/EEG, and MSLT studies.
Respiratory Therapist Supervisor
Apria Healthcare – Colorado Springs
05.2014 - 06.2016
- Planning, marketing, assessing, implementing, program development, and evaluation of the operation of department
- Provide new and ongoing education, training, and new hire orientation
- Promote teamwork between departments while working professionally within the community and hospital/physician groups
- Set and achieve measurable department goals related to: budgets, company/department growth initiatives, and corporate initiatives
- Mentored junior therapists, fostering a culture of learning and professional growth within the team
- Spearheaded and implemented new projects to expand scope of engagement
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement in clinical skills and knowledge
- Developed strong relationships with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to facilitate seamless communication regarding patient care plans
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others
Education
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Pima Medical Institute
DenverBachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Pima Medical Institute
Tucson, AZ12.2015
Skills
- Registered Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorders Specialist (RRT-SDS)
- Treatment Plan Development
- Airway Management
- Patient Education
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Respiratory Care Protocols
- Clinical Leadership
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Team Management
- Practice Improvement and Management
- Relationship Building
- Training, Education, and Precepting
- Task Prioritization
- Self-Directed
- Supervision and leadership
Certification
- RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
- RRT-SDS - Registered Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorders Specialist
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist – Internal Traveler
Boulder Community Hospital
10.2023 - 02.2024
Respiratory Therapist – Internal Travel Team/iFlex
Intermountain Healthcare
07.2022 - 08.2023
Respiratory Therapist- PRN
Longmont United Hospital
04.2022 - 01.2024
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
Fusion Medical Staffing
10.2021 - 04.2022
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
AMN Healthcare Staffing
11.2020 - 07.2021
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
LRS Healthcare Staffing
08.2020 - 10.2020
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
Indian Health and Human Services, Government Contract
04.2020 - 08.2020
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
UCHealth
02.2020 - 05.2020
Respiratory Therapist - Traveler
LRS Healthcare Staffing
01.2020 - 02.2020
Respiratory Therapist
Sky Ridge Medical Center
05.2019 - 01.2020
Respiratory Therapist/Polysomnography Tech
Davita Medical Group
10.2017 - 10.2018
Respiratory Therapist/Polysomnography Tech
Children's Hospital of Colorado
06.2016 - 05.2017
Respiratory Therapist Supervisor
Apria Healthcare – Colorado Springs
05.2014 - 06.2016
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Pima Medical Institute
Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Pima Medical Institute
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