Portia Tharpe
Nashville,TN
Summary
14yr Therapist with both clinical and homecare experience. Hardworking, self starter who's passionate about patient care, and being an advocate for them.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
St. Thomas Midtown
06.2021 - Current
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Ensured patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs during therapeutic interventions.
- Improved patient care by developing individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments and evaluations.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
Respiratory Therapist
Nashville General Hospital At Meharry
04.2020 - Current
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Apria Healthcare
09.2015 - 08.2020
- Provided instruction and education to patients and families to foster optimal outcomes
- Administered medication, performed airway clearance, pulmonary testing, and ventilator support
- Ensured seamless healthcare operations by providing optimal medical support within a fast-paced ER/NICU/ICU setting
- Determined requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, and precautions to be taken
- Set up and operated devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment
- Obtained Arterial Blood Gases, administer nebulizer treatments, make ventilator changes and perform weaning procedures
- Provided patient transportation to and from hospital
- Inspected, cleaned, tested and maintained respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment was functioning safely and efficiently.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with respiratory disorders.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing education on the proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques.
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Summit Medical Center
07.2010 - 08.2015
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cardiopulmonary Sciences
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN05.2010
Skills
- Ventilator Care and Management
- ABG drawing, assessment/analysis and management
- Nebulized therapy and medication dispensing
- Charting via MEDITECH and ACIS systems
- Intubation and extubation
- Trach care
- Hospital and DME experience
- ER/ICU/NICU experience
- ACIS Operating System
- Teamwork
- Compassion
- Active Listening
- Following Plan of Care
- Customer Relations and Care
- Verbal and Written Communication
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
St. Thomas Midtown
06.2021 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
Nashville General Hospital At Meharry
04.2020 - Current
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Apria Healthcare
09.2015 - 08.2020
Certified Respiratory Therapist
Summit Medical Center
07.2010 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Cardiopulmonary Sciences
Tennessee State University
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