Sandra O'Connell
Livonia
Summary
Dynamic Registered Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience at Ascension St. John Hospital, skilled in mechanical ventilation and patient assessment. Proven ability to enhance ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients, while demonstrating strong clinical judgment and a compassionate bedside manner. Committed to optimizing respiratory care and educating patients on health management.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Ascension St. John Hospital
05.1993 - Current
- 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.
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Assisted in charge duties as needed.
- Worked in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Novi Campus. Educating, instructing and providing exercise therapies to patients.
- Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- 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.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities staying current with best practices and advancements within the respiratory therapy field.
- 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.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Heritage Hospital
08.1992 - 05.1993
- 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.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis.
Respiratory Therapist
Garden City Osteopathic Hospital
06.1985 - 05.1993
- Assisted in Charge and Lead Therapist on Dayshift
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
Education
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MI05-1985
Skills
- Mechanical ventilation
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Strong clinical judgment
- Ventilator management
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Verbal and written communication
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Tracheostomy care
- Airway management
Certification
- Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner – Michigan Health Department or equivalent state licensing body. 2004
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). 1985
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). 1986
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Ascension St. John Hospital
05.1993 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Heritage Hospital
08.1992 - 05.1993
Respiratory Therapist
Garden City Osteopathic Hospital
06.1985 - 05.1993
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Henry Ford College
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