Melissa Thornton
Shreveport,LOUISIANA
Summary
Dynamic Registered Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience at Ochsner Hospital/LSU, excelling in mechanical ventilation and strong clinical judgment. Proven track record in enhancing patient outcomes through effective therapeutic treatments and staff training. Adept at managing critical situations, ensuring optimal equipment performance, and maintaining meticulous clinical documentation.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Intensive Specialty Hospital
Shreveport, LOUISIANA
01.2023 - Current
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments and procedures to patients with diverse conditions.
- Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients unable to breathe on own.
- Assisted in training new staff on best practices in respiratory therapy procedures.
- Managed mechanical ventilation systems including setting up ventilators and adjusting settings according to physician orders.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.
- Provided therapeutic treatments to patients with respiratory illnesses including oxygen therapy, aerosol medication delivery, chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Ocshner Hospital/LSU
Shreveport, LA
01.2017 - 07.2023
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments and procedures to patients with diverse conditions.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted care plans based on clinical assessments.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop effective treatment strategies for patients.
- Maintained and calibrated respiratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Provided therapeutic treatments to patients with respiratory illnesses including oxygen therapy, aerosol medication delivery, chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient assessments, treatments, medications administered and outcomes of treatments.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
LifeCare Hospital of Shreveport
Shreveport, LOUISIANA
06.2013 - 12.2019
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments and procedures to patients with diverse conditions.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop effective treatment strategies for patients.
- Documented patient records accurately in compliance with hospital protocols.
- Assisted in training new staff on best practices in respiratory therapy procedures.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.
- Monitored vital signs for changes in patient status or response to treatment.
- Inspected equipment regularly to ensure proper functioning before use on patients.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient assessments, treatments, medications administered and outcomes of treatments.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory
Southern University At Shreveport
Shreveport, LA05-2013
Skills
- Mechanical ventilation
- Strong clinical judgment
- Therapeutic treatments
- Equipment maintenance
- Clinical documentation
- Staff training
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Airway management
- Non-invasive ventilation
- Nitric oxide therapy
- Tracheostomy care
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Endotracheal intubation
Certification
BLS
ACLS
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Intensive Specialty Hospital
01.2023 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Ocshner Hospital/LSU
01.2017 - 07.2023
Registered Respiratory Therapist
LifeCare Hospital of Shreveport
06.2013 - 12.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory
Southern University At Shreveport
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