Michelle Schell
Spartanburg,SC
Summary
Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with 24 years of experience in healthcare locations and community-based settings. Highly skilled in patient assessments, blood gas analysis and interpretation and airway management. Successful at implementing best practices to advance respiratory therapy outcomes.
Flexible hard worker ready to learn and contribute to team success.
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapist II
Medical University Of South Carolina
Charleston , SC
09.2022 - Current
- Performed diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing and sleep studies.
- Assisted physicians with intubations, bronchoscopies, thoracenteses and other procedures.
- Instructed patients on proper use of respiratory equipment including oxygen therapy, ventilators and aerosol therapy.
- Monitored patient progress to determine effectiveness of treatments and made necessary adjustments.
- Provided education to patients regarding lifestyle changes that may help improve their condition.
- Developed individualized plans of care based on assessment findings, patient needs and physician orders.
- Administered medication, monitored vital signs and assisted in the delivery of medical gases to patients.
- Maintained records of patient assessments, treatments provided and changes in patient status.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient care was achieved.
- Assessed patient's response to therapeutic interventions by observing physical conditions or interpreting test results.
- Consulted with physicians about potential problems related to prescribed respiratory therapies or medications.
- Identified high risk situations such as airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation and took appropriate action.
- Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Participated in continuing education programs to maintain knowledge of current trends in respiratory therapy practices.
- Attended staff meetings, educational conferences and seminars related to respiratory therapy practice.
- Ensured all regulatory requirements were met within scope of practice guidelines set forth by governing agencies.
- Reviewed current literature related to respiratory disorders and treatments in order to update clinical skillset.
- Assisted in training new hires on department policies, protocols and safety procedures related to respiratory therapy practices.
- Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
- Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with treatment methods and equipment.
- Evaluated patients for deficiencies and abnormalities and made medical decisions based on assessments.
- Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
- Adhered to standards of excellence for respiratory care and diagnostic services.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
- Educated patients and families about conditions and taught appropriate disease management techniques.
- Managed care of patients with diverse conditions alongside physicians, nurses and support team members.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
- Administered medication and ventilatory support.
- Explained treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Demonstrated respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
- Maintained charts containing patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
- Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients unable to breathe on own.
- Enforced physicians' orders for specific treatment protocols and durations.
Respiratory Therapist
Spartanburg Regional Medical Center
Spartanburg, SC
04.2001 - 10.2023
- Performed diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing and sleep studies.
- Assisted physicians with intubations, bronchoscopies, thoracenteses and other procedures.
- Instructed patients on proper use of respiratory equipment including oxygen therapy, ventilators and aerosol therapy.
- Administered medication, monitored vital signs and assisted in the delivery of medical gases to patients.
- Maintained records of patient assessments, treatments provided and changes in patient status.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient care was achieved.
- Provided emergency care when required including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Participated in continuing education programs to maintain knowledge of current trends in respiratory therapy practices.
- Attended staff meetings, educational conferences and seminars related to respiratory therapy practice.
- Assisted in training new hires on department policies, protocols and safety procedures related to respiratory therapy practices.
- Conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway maintenance.
- Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
- Adhered to standards of excellence for respiratory care and diagnostic services.
- Managed care of patients with diverse conditions alongside physicians, nurses and support team members.
- Set up and operated mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Operated mechanical ventilators following specified parameters of treatment.
- Administered medication and ventilatory support.
- Explained treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Demonstrated respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
- Maintained charts containing patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
- Inspected and cleaned respiratory therapy equipment to maintain functionality.
- Conducted EKGs, stress testing or lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
- Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients unable to breathe on own.
- Tracked changes in blood chemistry, vital signs and other markers of improvement or decompensation in critically ill patients.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and instructed patients in breathing exercises.
- Enforced physicians' orders for specific treatment protocols and durations.
- Provided artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Education
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Spartanburg Technical College
Spartanburg, SC05-2001
Skills
- Treatment Administration
- Caring Bedside Manner
- Relationship Building
- Patient Advocacy
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
- Patient Care
- Drug administration trained
- Medical Terminology
- Patient Education
- Treatment Plan Development
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Clinical Leadership
- Infection Control
- Physical assessments
- Team Collaboration
- Patient and caregiver education
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Regulatory Compliance
- Patient care documentation
- Patient and family advocacy
- Tracheostomy Care
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Airway Management
- Intubation
- Emergency medical care
- Ventilator management
- Medication Administration
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist II
Medical University Of South Carolina
09.2022 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Spartanburg Regional Medical Center
04.2001 - 10.2023
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Spartanburg Technical College