TAMARA ARICK
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
NLR,Arkansas
Summary
Dynamic Registered Respiratory Therapist with extensive experience at UAMS Hospital, excelling in arterial blood gas analysis and patient education. Proven track record of enhancing patient outcomes through quality improvement initiatives and effective team collaboration. Committed to delivering high-quality respiratory care while fostering professional growth among junior staff.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
UAMS Hospital
11.2017 - Current
- Administered respiratory therapies, ensuring patient comfort and compliance with treatment protocols.
- Monitored and assessed patient progress, adjusting care plans based on clinical evaluations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment strategies for complex cases.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory conditions, enhancing understanding of therapy requirements.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for equipment usage and patient interaction techniques.
- Led initiatives to streamline workflow processes, improving overall departmental efficiency and response times.
- Implemented quality assurance measures to ensure adherence to hospital standards and regulatory requirements.
- 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.
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- 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.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- 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.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- 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.
- Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive respiratory care plans and interventions.
- 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.
- Enhanced patient safety with thorough ventilator management and monitoring.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve overall patient satisfaction with respiratory care services.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, and nursing staff to ensure clear communication of treatment plans.
- Participated in hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives to optimize patient care standards and practices.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
- Informed patients, family members and other healthcare personnel how to properly use respiratory care equipment.
- Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
ARANSAS CHILDRENS HOPITAL
06.1987 - 11.2017
- Supervised respiratory therapy team, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and best practices.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives, enhancing patient care protocols and outcomes.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to optimize team effectiveness.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive patient care plans.
- Coordinated clinical rotations for students in collaboration with local educational institutions, strengthening relationships between academia and practice settings.
- Ensured that all staff members adhered to infection control measures while administering therapies or handling equipment.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores through consistent delivery of high-quality care and excellent communication skills.
- Streamlined workflow for the department by optimizing staff scheduling and resource allocation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive patient treatment plans.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory guidelines, maintaining accurate documentation and timely reporting for all respiratory services.
- Mentored junior therapists, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
- Championed patient safety initiatives within the department, reducing incidence of adverse events related to respiratory therapy interventions.
- Implemented process improvements within the department to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Served as a liaison between the respiratory department and other hospital units, fostering a collaborative environment to optimize patient outcomes.
- Participated in hospital committees focused on improving quality of care, sharing expertise from a respiratory perspective.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback.
Education
Associate of Science - RESPIRATORY THERAPY
Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock, AR05-1992
Skills
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Airway management
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Continuous positive airway pressure
- Tracheostomy care
- Non-invasive ventilation
- Patient education
- Patient care documentation
- Care plan management
- Nitric oxide therapy
- Respiratory medication administration
- Respiratory equipment setup
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist
UAMS Hospital
11.2017 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
ARANSAS CHILDRENS HOPITAL
06.1987 - 11.2017
Associate of Science - RESPIRATORY THERAPY
Pulaski Technical College