Paula Comer
Respiratory therapist
Middle Point,Ohio
Summary
Patient-oriented Respiratory Therapist offering 25-years background assisting in diagnosing, treating and managing patients dealing with pulmonary disorders. Reputable and friendly professional certified in ACLS, BLS, and NRP, paired with excellent time management and critical thinking abilities. Expertise in maintaining respiratory therapy equipment and determining requirements for treatment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapy
OhioHealth Van Wert
11.2022 - Current
- Served as a trusted liaison between patients, families, and healthcare teams regarding respiratory therapy plan adjustments or modifications needed based on changing circumstances or condition improvements.
- Championed patient safety initiatives within the department, reducing incidence of adverse events related to respiratory therapy interventions.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing empathetic support and addressing concerns related to respiratory therapy treatments.
- Contributed to hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall patient experience scores through targeted interventions in the respiratory therapy domain.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Lima Memorial Heath Systems
10.2021 - Current
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases and blood chemistry changes.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management and intubations.
- Provided designated family members with updated information on progress and treatment of patients in critical care unit.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Assisted in the development of clinical protocols for the management of various respiratory conditions.
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Developed innovative approaches for noninvasive ventilation use in eligible patients reducing rates of intubation.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Kindred Healthcare Inc.
05.1998 - 06.2023
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases and blood chemistry changes.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Developed innovative approaches for noninvasive ventilation use in eligible patients reducing rates of intubation.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve overall patient satisfaction with respiratory care services.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
- Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Administered various medications through aerosolized treatments ensuring proper dosages were delivered accurately to patients.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities staying current with best practices and advancements within the respiratory therapy field.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and nursing staff to ensure clear communication of treatment plans.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Van Wert Hospital
04.2004 - 08.2021
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases and blood chemistry changes.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management and intubations.
- Provided designated family members with updated information on progress and treatment of patients in critical care unit.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
Education
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
James A Rhodes State College
Lima, OH06.1996
Skills
- Outpatient care
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Dosage calculation
- Physical assessments
- Diagnostic tools
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Critical thinking and treatment of patient
Timeline
Respiratory Therapy
OhioHealth Van Wert
11.2022 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Lima Memorial Heath Systems
10.2021 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Van Wert Hospital
04.2004 - 08.2021
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Kindred Healthcare Inc.
05.1998 - 06.2023
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
James A Rhodes State College
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