Rusti Caravella
Fort Morgan,CO
Summary
Dedicated RRT with expertise in arterial blood gas analysis, ventilator management, and patient education. Proven ability to collaborate with healthcare teams to enhance patient safety and care outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
RRT
Banner Health
12.2021 - Current
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments to patients with chronic and acute conditions.
- Monitored patient progress, adjusting treatment plans based on clinical assessments.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient care and recovery outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory conditions and home care techniques.
- Conducted diagnostic tests, interpreting results to inform clinical decisions.
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
RRT
Banner Desert Medical Center
09.2018 - 12.2021
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance treatment efficiency and effectiveness.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for patient care and safety protocols.
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Developed innovative approaches for noninvasive ventilation use in eligible patients reducing rates of intubation.
- Enhanced patient safety with thorough ventilator management and monitoring.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and nursing staff to ensure clear communication of treatment plans.
- Assisted in the development of clinical protocols for the management of various respiratory conditions.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
RRT
Banner Baywood Medical Center
08.2014 - 2019
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance departmental operations.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Conducted diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function testing, to identify underlying respiratory issues or complications.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
- Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.
- Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments to patients with chronic and acute conditions.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
Hyperbaric Technician
Banner Baywood Medical Center
09.2014 - 02.2016
- Operated hyperbaric chamber ensuring patient safety and comfort during treatments.
- Monitored patients' vital signs, responding promptly to any anomalies during therapy sessions.
- Collaborated with medical staff to develop individualized treatment plans for diverse conditions.
- Conducted routine maintenance on hyperbaric equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with regulations.
- Educated patients and families on hyperbaric therapy processes and safety protocols.
- Assisted in training new technicians on proper operational techniques, safety measures, and documentation requirements pertaining to the use of hyperbaric chambers.
- Provided comprehensive patient care by assisting with wound care procedures and other adjunct therapies in conjunction with hyperbaric treatments.
- Improved patient outcomes by closely monitoring hyperbaric chamber operations and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Enhanced treatment efficacy by maintaining accurate records of patients'' progress throughout the course of hyperbaric therapy.
- Streamlined clinic operations by organizing schedules and coordinating appointments for multiple patients simultaneously.
- Educated patients on the benefits, risks, and expectations associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote informed decisionmaking.
- Ensured optimal equipment functionality through regular inspection, calibration, and maintenance of hyperbaric chambers and related equipment.
- Fostered positive relationships with patients and their families through active listening, compassionate care delivery, and clear communication about treatment progress and expectations.
- Ensured patient comfort during treatment sessions by effectively communicating procedural details, answering questions, and providing necessary accommodations.
- Maintained compliance with facility policies, state regulations, and industry best practices regarding the provision of hyperbaric services.
- Measured patient vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature to record information on patients' charts.
- Administered medications and performed basic and advanced patient assessments.
- Followed appropriate disinfecting procedures to sterilize medical equipment.
- Monitored patient vital signs, lab results and other indicators of health.
- Maintained accurate patient charts and medical records.
- Educated patients about procedures, answered questions, and provided comforting words to control anxiety and enhance procedure results.
RRT
Phoenix Children's Hospital
11.2013 - 05.2015
- Administered respiratory therapies to pediatric patients, ensuring effective treatment and care.
- Monitored vital signs and respiratory status, adjusting interventions as needed for optimal outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for complex cases.
- Educated families on respiratory conditions and home care strategies, enhancing patient understanding and compliance.
- Administered medications via inhalation or oral routes as prescribed by physicians, monitoring patient response closely to adjust therapy as necessary.
- Established strong rapport with both patients and their families, fostering trust and open communication during often difficult medical situations.
- Acted as an advocate for pediatric patients within the healthcare system by communicating their unique needs effectively to other providers involved in their care journey.
- Facilitated proper infection control measures within the respiratory department by adhering to strict guidelines and sharing best practices with colleagues.
- Managed ventilator settings during transport of critically ill children between hospitals or departments, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
- Educated parents on proper use of home medical equipment, increasing adherence to prescribed therapies and reducing hospital readmissions.
- Enhanced patient care by developing individualized respiratory therapy plans for pediatric patients.
- Identified opportunities to improve parent education materials related to common childhood respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchiolitis.
- Provided timely and accurate documentation of all pediatric respiratory therapy sessions, ensuring proper billing and compliance with hospital policies.
- Reduced hospitalization time for pediatric patients by providing efficient discharge planning services focused on long-term wellness goals.
- Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
RRT
Banner Staffing Services
09.2013 - 2014
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Administered various medications through aerosolized treatments ensuring proper dosages were delivered accurately to patients.
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive respiratory care plans and interventions.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Monitored patient progress, adjusting treatment plans based on clinical assessments.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient care and recovery outcomes.
- Conducted diagnostic tests, interpreting results to inform clinical decisions.
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Conducted diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function testing, to identify underlying respiratory issues or complications.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
RRT
Havasu Regional Medical Center
02.2012 - 10.2013
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities staying current with best practices and advancements within the respiratory therapy field.
- Maintained accurate records of all procedures performed, contributing to efficient billing processes and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve overall patient satisfaction with respiratory care services.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
- Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.
- Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments to patients with chronic and acute conditions.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Administered various medications through aerosolized treatments ensuring proper dosages were delivered accurately to patients.
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Pima Medical Institute
Mesa, AZ08-2010
Skills
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
- Emergency care
Timeline
RRT
Banner Health
12.2021 - Current
RRT
Banner Desert Medical Center
09.2018 - 12.2021
Hyperbaric Technician
Banner Baywood Medical Center
09.2014 - 02.2016
RRT
Banner Baywood Medical Center
08.2014 - 2019
RRT
Phoenix Children's Hospital
11.2013 - 05.2015
RRT
Banner Staffing Services
09.2013 - 2014
RRT
Havasu Regional Medical Center
02.2012 - 10.2013
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Pima Medical Institute