Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Tamekah Cooper

Carthage,IN

Summary

Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with 14 years of experience in multiple hospitals for Indianapolis 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. Compassionate and full of heart to go above and beyond to make sure the patients and the family are taken care of completely (not just in my field of practice) Dependable as I worked for Multiple hospitals at once and only taken time off for funerals or emergent situations

In one review, supervisor noted "one of the strongest work ethics they had ever seen"

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Respiratory Therapist

VA Hospital- Roudebush
06.2014 - 05.2023

Only difference from St Francis work

I did not intubate at va hospital and I did not do labor and delivery.


I did work the actual bronchoscope surgeries for outpatient and in-patient.

Register Respiratory Therapist

St Francis Hospital
06.2009 - 09.2022
  • Evaluated care policies using patient records and current research findings to develop better treatment.
  • Coordinated with case managers, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to address psychosocial factors impacting respiratory health.( home ventilators and cpap/bipap for home use in a safe manner)
  • Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
  • Ensured patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs during therapeutic interventions. Part of doctors rounding every shift
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.( always reaching for more education and ways to help)
  • Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
  • Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
  • Developed strong relationships with referring physicians by providing timely communication regarding patient progress and updates on therapy effectiveness.
  • Served as a resource for staff and patients on the safe use of supplemental oxygen, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits.
  • Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team. Intubated for many many years at St Francis
  • Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
  • Ensured patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs during therapeutic interventions.
  • Mentored new hires and students in respiratory therapy best practices, contributing to a high-quality work environment.
  • Kept abreast of industry advancements by attending continuing education courses, maintaining current knowledge of evidence-based practices.
  • Promoted a positive workplace culture through active participation in department meetings, committees, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Optimized airway management by skillfully performing endotracheal intubations under challenging circumstances. worked ER many times with no backup doing intubations there, for cath lab, and emergent situations in hospital
  • Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
  • Maximized equipment utilization by maintaining regular maintenance schedules for all respiratory therapy devices.
  • Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing patient needs and goals.
  • Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
  • Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
  • Conducted tests such as EKGs and drainages.
  • Educated patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment and techniques for managing respiratory disorders to improve patient outcomes.
  • Assessed, diagnosed, and treated breathing issues.
  • Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
  • Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient treatment plans.
  • Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
  • Educated patients and families on disease management, breathing techniques, and medication administration, promoting self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
  • Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
  • Improved patient care by developing individualized treatment plans based on thorough assessments and evaluations.
  • Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions by providing effective discharge planning and follow-up care instructions for patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
  • Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
  • Implemented infection control measures within the facility to minimize risks associated with airborne pathogens.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
  • Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
  • Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.

Respiratory Therapist

IU Health Methodist
06.2010 - 09.2014

Listing different from above noted at St Francis

at Methodist, I was able to work NICU and care for newborns on the ventilator.

I did labor and delive

I was a traveler for IU west, IU University, IU RILEY, IU North, and IU West from 2013-end of 2014


Education

Licensed in State of Indiana - Massage Therapy

Indiana Therapeutic Massage School
Indianapolis, IN
10.2020

Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy

IUPUI
Indianapolis, IN
05.2010

Skills

  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Home Care Planning
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Airway Management
  • Dosage Calculation
  • Medication Administration
  • Respiratory treatment planning
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Outpatient Care
  • Clinical Leadership
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Patient Instruction
  • Neonatal intensive care
  • Professional Bedside Manner
  • Diagnostic Tools
  • Care management
  • Initial Trauma Life Support
  • Physical assessments
  • Emergency medical care
  • Equipment Cleaning
  • Sleep Disorder Treatment
  • Bronchial Hygiene Techniques
  • CPR/AED
  • Treatment Planning
  • Smoking Cessation Counseling
  • Patient Education
  • Equipment Setup
  • Initial Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
  • Team Collaboration
  • Arterial blood gas analysis
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Treatment Plan Development
  • Infection Control
  • End of life care
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Strong Clinical Judgment
  • Tracheostomy Care
  • Certified in CPR/AED-ACLS, BLS, PALS
  • Emergency Care
  • Intubation
  • Medical record documentation
  • Patient care documentation
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Troubleshooting
  • Research
  • Public Speaking
  • Decision-Making
  • Verbal Communication
  • Time Management
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Clerical Support

Timeline

Respiratory Therapist

VA Hospital- Roudebush
06.2014 - 05.2023

Respiratory Therapist

IU Health Methodist
06.2010 - 09.2014

Register Respiratory Therapist

St Francis Hospital
06.2009 - 09.2022

Licensed in State of Indiana - Massage Therapy

Indiana Therapeutic Massage School

Bachelor of Science - Respiratory Therapy

IUPUI
Tamekah Cooper