Sara Alyson Johnson-Cole
Elizabethton,TN
Summary
Accomplished Respiratory Therapist with a proven track record at Ballad Health, adept in airway management and fostering strong patient relationships. Excelled in interdisciplinary collaboration, significantly improving patient outcomes through innovative care plans and education. Skilled therapist with effective communication, ensuring high levels of patient satisfaction and safety.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Ballad Health
05.2016 - Current
- 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.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
Adjunct Professor
East Tennessee State University
08.2020 - 05.2024
- Taught respiratory courses, providing instruction to up to four years of undergraduate students.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.
- Contributed to curriculum development efforts, ensuring content was up-to-date and relevant to industry trends.
- Increased student retention by providing individualized support and tailored feedback on assignments.
- Mentored students on academic and career aspirations, providing guidance that led to significant improvements in their academic performance and career choices.
- Facilitated connections between students and professionals in field, organizing guest lectures and networking events that enriched educational experience.
Respiratory Therapist
University Of Tennessee Medical Center
01.2015 - 03.2017
- 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.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
- Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
- Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
- Ensured patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs during therapeutic interventions.
Education
Master of Science - Allied Health
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Allied Health
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN12.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Care
Walter's State Community College
Morristown04.2014
Skills
- Airway Management
- Tracheostomy Care
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Respiratory equipment setup
- Relationship Building
- Regulatory Compliance
- Time Management
- Decision-Making
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- CPR/AED
- Excellent Communication
- Multitasking
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Problem-solving abilities
- Active Listening
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Patient care documentation
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection Control
Accomplishments
- Worked exclusively in the COVID Intensive Care Unit in 2020-2022, and I had the honor of being interviewed by WJHL as a spokesperson who worked in the unit during the pandemic.
- Voted as ETSU's Clinical Preceptor of the Year within the Respiratory Program.
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
East Tennessee State University
08.2020 - 05.2024
Respiratory Therapist
Ballad Health
05.2016 - Current
Respiratory Therapist
University Of Tennessee Medical Center
01.2015 - 03.2017
Master of Science - Allied Health
East Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science - Allied Health
East Tennessee State University
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Care
Walter's State Community College
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