Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Susan LaGambina

Salem,NH

Summary

Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with 30 years of experience in Allied healthcare settings. Skillful in completing patient assessments, blood gas analysis and interpretation and airway management. Successful at implementing best practices to continuously advance respiratory therapy outcomes. Certified respiratory professional trained to assess, diagnose and treat patients with breathing challenges. Patient problem-solver with excellent communication skills and practiced expertise at connecting with patients and earning trust. Works well with full medical team and excels at teaching patients and team members how to administer respiratory treatments. Patient-oriented Respiratory Therapist offering 30-year background assisting in diagnosing, treating and managing patients dealing with pulmonary disorders. Reputable and friendly professional certified in respiratory therapy paired with excellent time management and critical thinking abilities. Expertise in maintaining respiratory therapy equipment and determining requirements for treatment. Passionate and competent professional develops and implements treatment plans to suit unique patient requirements. Critically assesses individual conditions with immense expertise of symptoms. Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Innovative technology professional with several years of diverse experience. Skilled in enhancing systems and aligning technical solutions with business objectives. Proven success in leading projects from start to finish and contributing to organizational growth and success.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant Director of Respiratory Care

Brigham & Women’s Hospital
Boston, MA
1 2007 - 1 2018
  • Worked with the Respiratory Care clinical staff to initiate, promote and evaluate respiratory care programs to meet the needs of patients for best practice and immediate and continuing care
  • Collaborated with the Medical Director of Respiratory Care and the respiratory care clinical staff to develop, validate, and implement clinical competency
  • Served as an educator, mentor, and resource relative to the practice of respiratory care for respiratory care staff, house officers, nurses, medical students, and respiratory therapy students
  • Established and built the ECMO Program at BWH
  • Established and built a tracheostomy Care Program and team
  • Established the department CLIA, SOP and initiating practices
  • Maintained competencies for CLIA POCT testing licensure for ACT patient testing
  • Anticoagulation management for ECMO team and Alaris pump training
  • Increased staff from 20% Registered Respiratory Therapist in 2007 to 100%
  • Developed Stratus Education Center ECMO training program.
  • Assisted the Director in developing innovative programs to improve students'' academic performance and retention rate.
  • Coordinated field trips or off-campus activities that promote experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom setting.
  • Led professional development workshops on topics such as classroom management, differentiated instruction, and assessment strategies.
  • Mentored new teachers through observation, feedback, and professional development opportunities.

Staff Respiratory Therapist

Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts
01.1999 - 01.2007
  • Care for patients in the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and general care patients
  • Cared for and taught patients to speak on mechanical ventilation, with tracheostomy tubes and speech impairments due to spinal cord injury and ALS
  • Code teams for NICU, PICU adult populations
  • ECMO trained
  • Developed the TRACH team.

Real Estate Agent

Century 21
Boston, Massachusetts
02.1996 - 01.2001

Staff Respiratory Therapist

Franciscan Children’s Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
  • Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
  • Provided expert consultation on complex cases to physicians and other healthcare professionals, utilizing extensive knowledge of respiratory therapy principles and interventions.
  • Enhanced patient care by providing comprehensive respiratory therapy treatments and assessments.
  • Promoted patient safety, adhering to infection control measures and following established protocols for handling hazardous materials.
  • Ensured proper equipment functioning, maintaining and calibrating respiratory care devices for optimal performance.
  • Improved patient outcomes with timely interventions and accurate documentation of respiratory therapy procedures.
  • Facilitated successful weaning from mechanical ventilation, utilizing progressive strategies tailored to each patient''s unique medical condition.
  • Managed emergency situations effectively, providing life-saving interventions during critical events such as cardiac arrests and respiratory failures.
  • Educated patients and families about their conditions and home care requirements, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health postdischarge.

Education

Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration

Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts

Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA
05.2001 -

Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy

Newbury College
Brookline, MA
05.2001 -

Skills

Arterial blood gas analysis

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Timeline

Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration

Bay Path University
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts

Bay Path University
05.2001 -

Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy

Newbury College
05.2001 -

Staff Respiratory Therapist

Massachusetts General Hospital
01.1999 - 01.2007

Staff Respiratory Therapist

Franciscan Children’s Hospital
01.1998 - 01.1999

Real Estate Agent

Century 21
02.1996 - 01.2001

Assistant Director of Respiratory Care

Brigham & Women’s Hospital
1 2007 - 1 2018
Susan LaGambina