Tara Andrews
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Evans,GA
Summary
Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with twenty five years of experience in healthcare settings. Highly skilled in patient assessments, blood gas analysis and interpretation, therapy administration and airway management. Eager to learn and grow in new areas. Successful at implementing best practices to continuously advance respiratory therapy outcomes.
Overview
5
5
years of post-secondary education
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Respiratory Therapist
Select Specialty Hospital- LTACH
Augusta, GA
10.2005 - Current
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications using hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Established respiratory care plans for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, asthma and spontaneous pneumothoraxes.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- Routinely collaborated with department managers to correct problems and improve services.
- Aided physicians with various procedures, including bronchoscopies, ventilator management and intubations.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators and delivered airway management by performing [Task] and [Task].
- Analyzed patient and family feedback to identify opportunities for staff recognition as well as areas for improvement.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Cooperated and communicated effectively with physicians to deliver client satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
University Hospital
Augusta, GA
02.2006 - 10.2010
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Provided designated family members with updated information on progress and treatment of patients in critical care unit.
- Established respiratory care plans for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, asthma and spontaneous pneumothoraxes.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Routinely collaborated with department managers to correct problems and improve services.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Aided physicians with various procedures, including bronchoscopies, ventilator management and intubations.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators and delivered airway management by performing [Task] and [Task].
- Analyzed patient and family feedback to identify opportunities for staff recognition as well as areas for improvement.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Developed system of staff communication, enabling quicker implementation of treatment plans and improved comprehensive patient care.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Cooperated and communicated effectively with physicians to deliver client satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Worked with [type] customers to understand needs and provide excellent service.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Improved [type] through consistent hard work and dedication to [project or department or task or customer].
Respiratory Therapist
VA Medical Center
Augusta, GA
07.1996 - 02.2006
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications using hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Provided designated family members with updated information on progress and treatment of patients in critical care unit.
- Established respiratory care plans for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, asthma and spontaneous pneumothoraxes.
- Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Routinely collaborated with department managers to correct problems and improve services.
- Aided physicians with various procedures, including bronchoscopies, ventilator management and intubations.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators and delivered airway management by performing [Task] and [Task].
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
- Cooperated and communicated effectively with physicians to deliver client satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Health Care Administration
05.2009 - 03.2011
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
07.1994 - 06.1996
Psychology
03.1993 - 12.1993
Did not graduate. Took core classes.
Psychology
09.1992 - 12.1992
Did not graduate. Took core classes.
Skills
Interpersonal Communication
Detail-oriented
Good telephone etiquette
Training & Development
Leadership
Troubleshooting
Flexible & Adaptable
Data management
Cultural awareness
Verbal and written communication
Tracheostomy Care
Patient and family advocacy
Professional bedside manner
Diagnostic tools
Physical assessments
Strong clinical judgment
Critical thinking
Adaptability
Accomplishments
Previously elected to sit on the educational board at Augusta Technical College. Have assisted Information Technology with developing charting templates for Respiratory Care while at the VAMC. Organized Respiratory classes for student nurses and new nurses. Previously elected as liaison for orienting all new employees in the Respiratory Care Department at the VAMC. Nominated to take the lead role as a resource therapist for the Respiratory Care Department at University Hospital. Received over twenty star recognition awards for patient care at Select Specialty Hospital from both patients, families, and coworkers. Nominated Employee of the month at Select Specialty Hospital in April 2011. Successfully completed the Fundamental Critical Care Support Course presented by the Society of Critical Care Medicine October 5, 2015.
Timeline
Ashford University - Bachelor of Arts, Health Care Administration
05.2009 - 03.2011
Registered Respiratory Therapist - University Hospital
02.2006 - 10.2010
Respiratory Therapist - Select Specialty Hospital- LTACH
10.2005 - Current
Respiratory Therapist - VA Medical Center
07.1996 - 02.2006
Augusta Technical College - Associate of Science, Respiratory Therapy
07.1994 - 06.1996
Augusta State University - , Psychology
03.1993 - 12.1993
Georgia Southern University - , Psychology
09.1992 - 12.1992