Teresa Luster
Baker City,OR
Summary
Professional respiratory care provider with comprehensive experience in patient assessment, therapeutic interventions, and critical care. Strong focus on team collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and achieving optimal patient outcomes. Skilled in mechanical ventilation, airway management, and emergency response. Reliable and flexible, ensuring high standards of respiratory care in dynamic healthcare environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Respiratory Therapist
St. Alphonsus Medical Center
06.2023 - 07.2025
- 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.
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- 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.
- Provided antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory medications with hand-held nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers and positive pressure equipment.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
St. Mary's Medical Center
09.2019 - 06.2023
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- 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.
- Administered various medications through aerosolized treatments ensuring proper dosages were delivered accurately to patients.
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- 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.
- Developed innovative approaches for noninvasive ventilation use in eligible patients reducing rates of intubation.
- Maintained accurate records of all procedures performed, contributing to efficient billing processes and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Enhanced patient safety with thorough ventilator management and monitoring.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
Respiratory Therapist
Wellspring (Avamere)
01.2018 - 08.2019
- Managed ventilator support for critically ill patients in intensive care units, ensuring proper adjustments according to physician orders and clinical guidelines.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- 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.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- 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.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by effectively administering respiratory therapy treatments and interventions.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- 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.
- Promoted a positive workplace culture through active participation in department meetings, committees, and quality improvement initiatives.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory
Stevens Henagar College
Boise, ID09-2017
Skills
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Airway management
- Tracheostomy care
- Non-invasive ventilation
- Continuous positive airway pressure
- Airway clearance techniques
- Emergency resuscitation skills
- Proficient in respiratory therapies
- Ethics and professionalism
- Patient instruction
- Ventilator management
- Clinical decision making
Timeline
Registered Respiratory Therapist
St. Alphonsus Medical Center
06.2023 - 07.2025
Registered Respiratory Therapist
St. Mary's Medical Center
09.2019 - 06.2023
Respiratory Therapist
Wellspring (Avamere)
01.2018 - 08.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory
Stevens Henagar College