Michelle Gard
RRT, LVN
Texline,TX
Summary
- Ambitious, caring and knowledgeable medical professional dedicated to bring ethical healthcare to patients. I went back to school to become a nurse to learn more about holistic care, and fell in love with the medical field even more. I am a dedicated Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with experience in a wide range of therapy. I have knowledge in Emergency care, pediatric, delivery, newborn, sleep study therapy, protocol therapies, pulmonary functions testing, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, and home therapy. I am a reliable, compassionate, ethical healthcare provider with the ability to stay calm and intervene during crises, proven ability to build positive relationships with patients, family members, physicians and other medical professionals. I am known as a patient advocate and team player; I believe in empowering patients by delivering health education and care that enhances wellness and quality of life. I love our hospital and the staff I work with, from direct coworkers and all the way up
- Current Goals: Currently enrolled in Allegany College of Maryland LVN to RN transition program, will graduate with RN in the spring of 2023.
- Currently enrolled in Midwestern State University to complete 4 classes to complete Bachelors in Respiratory Care Program, will also complete concurrently with RN degree in the spring of 2023.
Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with 13 years of experience in hospital healthcare settings. Highly skilled in patient assessments, blood gas analysis and interpretation, therapy administration and airway management. Successful at implementing best practices to continuously advance respiratory therapy outcomes. Recognized consistently for performance excellence and contributions to success in healthcare industry.
Overview
9
9
Certifications
12
12
years of post-secondary education
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Respiratory Therapy
DHCHD
Dalhart, Texas
02.2021 - Current
- Accomplished respiratory therapy services goals by interviewing, hiring and training new staff and communicating and enforcing rules and regulations.
- Provided clinical consultation to physicians and staff nurses on respiratory therapy interventions and treatments for discharge.
- Educated medical care providers such as staff and nurses through seminars on respiratory care.
- Initiated organizational techniques to improve respiratory therapy services outcomes and developed information, strategies and changes for overall department direction.
- Oversaw cleaning, calibration and maintenance of all respiratory therapy equipment.
- Maintained and initiated communication and collaboration with physicians, care team leaders and staff nurses to develop, implement and evaluate plans of care for each patient.
- Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
- Direct day-to-day administrative and operational functions, providing guidance and leadership.
- Implemented best practice standards for billing resulting in substantial reduction of accounts receivable delays.
- Evaluated and assessed health care trends to establish new patterns of service based on vital measurements, productivity statistics and quality control outcomes.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District
Dalhart, TX
10.2020 - Current
- Worked to provide bedside care, treatment and clinical documentation for patients in medical-surgical floor.
- Quickly learned about COVID disease process, treatments and management of symptoms.
- Assist Anesthesia with conscious sedations.
- Present on all births, Draw and run Arterial blood gases, Perform EKG’s, administer breathing treatments, facilitated admissions, discharges and protocols; prepared chart notes and other documentation; and participated on interdisciplinary team.
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District, Home Health & Hospice
Dalhart, TX
05.2019 - Current
- Work directly under the RN’s, clinical manager as well as the administrator.
- Assess and chart observations of the patient’s condition at each visit.
- Complete evaluation tasks including reviewing medications and vital signs.
- Dress or redress wounds and assess the healing process, consult Physical Therapy and Physician if wound has worsened.
- Provide education to patients and families/caregivers on proper home health procedures and strategies.
- Coordinate care between physicians and patients as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and other professionals included in the patients care plan.
- In Hospice care, patient’s health status is evaluated with each visit, with the main goal of keeping that patient as comfortable as can be as well as recommend tools or devices that may improve the quality of life for the patient.
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District, Med Surg Unit/ER/L&D
Dalhart, TX
06.2017 - Current
- Work directly under the Charge RN, providing care to the ill patients, provide IV therapy, as well as administering ordered medications, daily rounding with physicians, assist patients with basic activities of daily living as well as additional therapy needs.
- Execute physician’s orders, provide care as indicated by a care plan set by the RN, document information relevant to patient care, maintain communication with Charge nurse and other staff on patient’s care team, notify the charge nurse of any changes in patients status, ensure treatments by other staff is done on a timely basis, ensures a safe and calm patient environment to allow healing.
- Report given to oncoming shift completely to ensure continuity of care.
Bookkeeping
John Hartwell, KGMS, Rafter Lazy L Cattle
Dalhart, Texas
05.2013 - Current
- Input monthly bank statements to produce quarterly and end of year Profit and Loss for 5 different businesses.
- Produce 1099’s for contract laborers.
- Data entry for multiple fields during silage harvest.
- Eliminated discrepancies in finances by expertly documenting expenses, monitoring income, handling bank deposits and managing statements.
- Tracked monthly business revenue and costs with Quickbooks, diligently reconciling accounts to maintain high accuracy.
- Verified postings to ledgers to confirm accurate entry and account balances.
- Accurately calculated deductions and processed payroll for 5-10 employees, depending on the time of year.
- Maintained account accuracy by reviewing and reconciling checks monthly.
- Entered financial information and payments to guarantee accurate and on-time payments for employees and vendors.
- Organized and carried out efficient month-end, quarterly and year-end processes.
- Maintained and processed invoices, deposits and money logs.
- Established QuickBooks accounting system to reflect accurate financial records.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab
Dalhart, TX
12.2018 - 05.2019
- Work under the direction of Physicians to evaluate and rehabilitate patients that are in need of Cardiac Rehab as well as patients that need Pulmonary Rehab.
- Education of disease processes are covered with each session.
- Hooked up patients to telemetry and pulse oximetry to evaluate both during exercise and at rest.
- Adjust treatment plan as patient improves.
- Provide patients a home exercise plan to allow them to return to their normal daily activities without further complications.
Office Manager
H&H Farms
Dalhart, Texas
05.2013 - 11.2016
- Perform many daily business functions including; payroll for 15 employees, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivables, QuickBooks, keeping up with multiple checking accounts, and Microsoft Office programs.
- Kept physical files and digitized records organized for easy updating and retrieval by authorized team members.
- Optimized organizational systems for payment collections, AP/AR, deposits and recordkeeping.
- Maintained computer and physical filing systems.
- Tracked and recorded expenses and reconciled accounts to maintain accurate, current and compliant financial records.
- Developed and updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze and report on performance and sales data.
- Produced accurate office files, updated spreadsheets and crafted presentations to support executives and boost team efficiency.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Reviewed and balanced daily bank deposits and deposit report.
- Processed gross pay, state and federal tax withholding, social security, Medicare and other deductions for all employees.
- Entered invoices requiring payment and disbursed amounts via check, electronic transfer or bank draft.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District
Dalhart, Texas
06.2010 - 04.2014
- Worked to provide bedside care, treatment and clinical documentation for patients in medical-surgical floor.
- Handled medication administration, Facilitated admissions, discharges and protocols; prepared chart notes and other documentation; and participated on interdisciplinary team.
- Key Accomplishments:.
- Treated an average of 4 patients daily.
- Earned a reputation for excellence in service delivery.
- Perform Routine Aerosol therapy.
- Work in 5 bed Emergency Department Level IV.
- Cooperated and communicated effectively with physicians to deliver client satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Established respiratory care plans for patients suffering from COPD, asthma and other Respiratory related illnesses.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Baptist St. Antony’s Hospital, Coon Memorial Hospital
Amarillo, Dalhart, TX
08.2012 - 09.2013
- Served as a RT at a 445 bed hospital.
- Assigned to different areas of the hospital, including, Adult ICU, Floor Therapy and ED.
- Played a key role in interdisciplinary team of RN’s, Physician’s, and other medical professionals.
- Experience: Protocol Therapy, Adult ICU ( CCU, MICU, SICU), Emergency Room, Floor Therapy, Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation, Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation, ABG’s.
Respiratory Therapist- Director of Respiratory Therapy
DME, Union County General Hospital
Clayton, NM
01.2009 - 08.2012
- Served as RT at a 25 bed Critical Access hospital.
- Assigned to the whole hospital, including Emergency Room and played a key role on interdisciplinary team of RNs, Physician’s, Nurse Practitioners and other medical professionals.
- Actively participated in development and implementation of individual treatment plans for patients with broad range of respiratory health issues.
- Ensured that doctors’ orders were effectively carried out, including testing, medical procedures, consultations and stat orders.
- Active in the Patient’s Respiratory Wellness, Including Emergency Airway management in the ED.
- Helped refine unit policies and procedures in the all areas of respiratory care.
- On call 24/7 for Emergency Department and Newborn Deliveries.
- Completed training in team building, management of Respiratory Therapy Department, ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC and BLS.
- Active member in the hospital’s many committee’s to form educational monthly wellness seminars of different health concerns.
- Formed bi-annual floats for community parades.
- Incorporated a Sleep Study Program within the hospital in October of 2009 to better service our community, performing 4-8 studies/month average.
- Completed Accreditation for Durable Medical Equipment Business within the hospital.
- Managed 50+ patients on oxygen, and 30+ patients on PAP therapy.
- Was an active member of implementing hospital wide employee health and wellness program.
- Cooperated and communicated effectively with physicians to deliver client satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Routinely collaborated with department managers to correct problems and improve services.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Analyzed patient and family feedback to identify opportunities for staff recognition as well as areas for improvement.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Created spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel for daily, weekly and monthly reporting.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to all customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Received and processed stock into inventory management system.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to ensure projects were completed on time.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked closely with CEO to maintain optimum levels of communication to effectively and efficiently complete projects.
- Met weekly with CEO to discuss budget, projects and department standings.
- Met monthly with other department directors to collaborate and discuss events and/or changes.
Education
Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy Advanced Practice Anticipated graduation - Respiratory Therapy
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX 01.2019 - 01.2023
LVN To RN Transition Program -
Allegany College Of Maryland
Cumberland, MD 01.2021 - Current
Basic classes required for LVN to RN transition program -
Frank Phillips College
Borger, TX 01.2017 - Current
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX 08.2007 - 08.2009
Certificate of Nail Technology - Nail Technologist
Clovis Community College
Clovis, NM 01.2006 - 08.2006
Skills
Kinnser-Home Health & Hospiceundefined
Accomplishments
- IV Therapy Certified CPR, Healthcare Provider –Current through RQI PALS Provider- Current through RQI ACLS(Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)- Current through RQI TNCC (Trauma Nurse Core Course)- Completed as RT, was not able to obtain Certification at that time due to the class only certified Registered Nurses.
- NRP(Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
Affiliations
8-2013-3-2018, XIT Rangers, Board Member
5-2012 – 8-2013, Union County Youth Supporter’s, Volunteer
4-2004 – 8-2016, Dallam Hartley County Relay For Life, Event Chair
3-2012- 8-2013, Union County Relay for Life, Chair
Additional Information
- LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION , Registered Respiratory Therapist- Texas license #RCP00073619 NBRC Credentials Valid until 8/31/2022 Registry # 131331 Licensed Vocational Nurse- Compact State license #337903
Certification
Respiratory Therapist- license number RCP-00083619
Timeline
Director of Respiratory Therapy
DHCHD
02.2021 - Current
LVN To RN Transition Program -
Allegany College Of Maryland
01.2021 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District
10.2020 - Current
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District, Home Health & Hospice
05.2019 - Current
Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy Advanced Practice Anticipated graduation - Respiratory Therapy
Midwestern State University
01.2019 - 01.2023
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab
12.2018 - 05.2019
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District, Med Surg Unit/ER/L&D
06.2017 - Current
Licensed Vocational Nurse- compact states #337903
05-2017
IV therapy certified
05-2017
Basic classes required for LVN to RN transition program -
Frank Phillips College
01.2017 - Current
Bookkeeping
John Hartwell, KGMS, Rafter Lazy L Cattle
05.2013 - Current
Office Manager
H&H Farms
05.2013 - 11.2016
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Baptist St. Antony’s Hospital, Coon Memorial Hospital
08.2012 - 09.2013
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Dallam Hartley Counties Hospital District
06.2010 - 04.2014
NBRC credentials valid until 8/2022 registry # 131331
05-2009
PALS- current through RQI
05-2009
ACLS- current through RQI
05-2009
TNCC- took class with Registered Nurses, unable to I rain certification at that time due to credentials only offered to RN’s
05-2009
NRP
05-2009
Respiratory Therapist- license number RCP-00083619
01-2009
Respiratory Therapist- Director of Respiratory Therapy
DME, Union County General Hospital
01.2009 - 08.2012
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Amarillo College
08.2007 - 08.2009
CPR certified, current through RQI
05-2007
Certificate of Nail Technology - Nail Technologist
Clovis Community College
01.2006 - 08.2006
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