Tonya Belcher

• 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.
• 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.
• Verified proper set-up of ventilators for adult patients
• Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
• Consistently responded within time limits to requests for respiratory assessments.
• Established respiratory care plans for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, asthma and spontaneous pneumothoraxes.
• Provided designated family members with updated information on progress and treatment of patients in critical care unit.
• 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.
• Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
• Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management and intubations.
• Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases and blood chemistry changes.
• Cooperated and communicated with physicians to deliver patient satisfaction and meet compliance with set standards.
• Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
• Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen clients' respiratory functions.
• Developed system of staff communication to enable quicker implementation of treatment plans and improved comprehensive patient care.
• Analyzed patient and family feedback to identify opportunities for staff recognition and areas for improvement.
• Provided emergency care to patients.
• Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
• Assessed, diagnosed and treated breathing issues.
• Responded to emergency codes and immediately initiated treatment.
• Educated patient and family on patient's illness and available remedies.
• Assessed response to planned care through monitoring and recording patient condition.
• Analyzed and ran tests and conveyed results to other staff.
• Treated patients after conducting assessments and laboratory testing.

Assessed patients to see if the therapy ordered was necessary, and if not, changed it to the appropriate therapy. Attended rapid responses within the hospital which consisted of patients who weren't doing well and required more attention than that of the acute care nurse. Made recommendations for those patients.

Rounded in the intensive care units with the physicians and suggested ventilator or therapy changes with permission from the attending physicians. Attended to these patients respiratory needs in conjunction with the patient’s assigned unit therapist.