Susan Keesee
BRISTOL
Summary
Seasoned respiratory therapist with several years of experience in healthcare locations and community-based settings. Highly skilled in patient assessments, blood gas analysis and interpretation and airway management. Successful at implementing best practices to advance respiratory therapy outcomes.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
RRT
Select Specialty Hospital-Tri Cities
BRISTOL
04.2001 - 08.2024
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments to patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
- Monitored patient vital signs during therapy sessions for optimal care.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health and treatment options.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop individualized care plans.
- Operated and maintained ventilators and other respiratory equipment safely.
- Provided emergency respiratory support in critical care situations.
- Documented patient progress and response to treatments in medical records.
- Managed mechanical ventilation systems including setting up ventilators and adjusting settings according to physician orders.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.
- Provided therapeutic treatments to patients with respiratory illnesses including oxygen therapy, aerosol medication delivery, chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques.
- Instructed patients and their families in proper use of ventilators, inhalers, and nebulizers.
- Monitored vital signs for changes in patient status or response to treatment.
- Inspected equipment regularly to ensure proper functioning before use on patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive plans for patient care.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient assessments, treatments, medications administered and outcomes of treatments.
- Assessed patient's progress during treatments and reported results to physicians or other healthcare professionals.
- Interacted with patients, family members and physicians to coordinate patient care.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to advances in respiratory care practices.
- Performed diagnostic tests on patients such as arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and sleep studies.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations while performing all procedures related to respiratory therapy.
- Facilitated communication between caregivers and family members concerning the health status of the patient.
- Conducted therapeutic and diagnostic procedures with treatment methods and equipment.
- Consulted with physicians regarding diagnosis and treatment options for patients with complex conditions.
- Developed care plans for individual patients based on assessment of the patient's condition.
- Performed bronchopulmonary drainage and assisted patients with breathing exercises.
- Determined patient safety risks to identify medical intervention needs.
- Evaluated patients for deficiencies and abnormalities and made medical decisions based on assessments.
- Set up and monitored mechanical ventilators and handled associated critical care duties.
- Managed care of patients with diverse conditions alongside physicians, nurses and support team members.
- Demonstrated respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.
- Tracked changes in blood chemistry, vital signs and other markers of improvement or decompensation in critically ill patients.
- Maintained patient airways with endotracheal intubation.
- Enforced physicians' orders for specific treatment protocols and durations.
- Transcribed physicians' notes and maintained patient charts with treatment data.
Education
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Roanne State Community College
Kingsport, TN 09.1980 - 09.1981
Skills
- Ventilator management
- Patient education
- Clinical documentation
- Emergency response
- Non-invasive ventilation
- Tracheostomy care
- Airway management
- Patient and caregiver education
- Medication administration
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Patient assessment
- Therapeutic treatments
Certification
- RRT
- CRT
- ABG ENDORSED
- CPFT
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
RRT
Select Specialty Hospital-Tri Cities
04.2001 - 08.2024
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Roanne State Community College
09.1980 - 09.1981