Richard Garris
Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital
Winston-Salem
19
years of professional experience
Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with 29 years of experience in acute healthcare settings. Highly skilled in patient assessments, blood gas analysis and interpretation, therapy administration and airway management. Successful at implementing best practices to continuously advance respiratory therapy outcomes.
Registered Respiratory Therapist known for delivering exceptional patient care in hospital environments. Experience working with pediatric patients with congenital lung conditions, asthma and traumatic pulmonary conditions requiring close care and innovative treatment approaches. Natural communicator with children with talent reducing fears through education and judicious use of humor. Experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist with over 29 years of experience working with adult and geriatric patients experiencing pulmonary issues. Highly skilled in treatment of chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma and bronchitis. Excellent data analysis and patient evaluation skills. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Seasoned Respiratory Therapist with 29 years of experience in acute 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.
Work History
Respiratory Therapist (part-time)
18 Years 7 Months- Administered respiratory treatments, including nebulizers, oxygen therapy, and ventilator support.
- Monitored patient status and adjusted therapy based on blood gas and pulse oximetry results.
- Evaluated respiratory conditions, documented findings, and communicated changes to care team.
- Managed ventilator settings and airway equipment for critically ill patients.
- Responded to emergency situations, providing rapid airway support and respiratory stabilization.
- Educated patients and families on inhaler use, breathing exercises, and home respiratory care.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and staff to develop effective treatment plans.
- Mentored new respiratory staff on protocols, equipment operation, and patient safety procedures.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
Respiratory Therapist
8 Months- Assessed respiratory status and adjusted therapy plans to support patient care goals.
- Managed ventilator settings and monitored airway support for critical patients.
- Administered aerosol treatments, oxygen therapy, and nebulized medications with precision.
- Interpreted arterial blood gas results to guide timely treatment decisions.
- Responded to code situations and provided advanced airway support during emergencies.
- Collaborated with physicians and nursing staff to coordinate respiratory care interventions.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and equipment readiness to support care delivery.
Respiratory Therapist
1 Year 3 Months- Assessed respiratory status and adjusted therapy plans per physician orders and clinical protocols.
- Managed ventilator settings, airway support, and oxygen delivery for critically ill patients.
- Interpreted arterial blood gas results to guide timely treatment decisions and therapy changes.
- Performed nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and bronchial hygiene procedures with precision.
- Documented patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes accurately in electronic health records.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and care teams to coordinate complex respiratory care plans.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
2 Years 5 Months- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive respiratory care plans and interventions.
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
- Administered various medications through aerosolized treatments ensuring proper dosages were delivered accurately to patients.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
4 Months- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications.
- 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.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
7 Months- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications.
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
- Administered various medications through aerosolized treatments ensuring proper dosages were delivered accurately to patients.
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
10 Years- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Delivered treatment for patients experiencing chronic and acute respiratory illnesses by conducting assessments and providing diagnoses.
- Analyzed patient and family feedback to identify opportunities for staff recognition as well as areas for improvement.
Education
Certified Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Therapy
Registered Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Therapy
Skills
Patient Care
Emergency Care
Respiratory Therapy
Treatment Planning
Tracheotomies
Critical Care
Airway Management
Outpatient care
Timeline
Respiratory Therapist
Randolph Health Services
01.2026 - 09.2026Read More
Respiratory Therapist
Duke University Hospital(traveler)
09.2024 - 12.2025Read More
Registered Respiratory Therapist
CATAWBA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER (TRAVELER)
03.2022 - 08.2024Read More
Registered Respiratory Therapist
UNC Rex Healthcare (TRAVELER)
10.2021 - 02.2022Read More
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Randolph Medical Center (TRAVELER)
02.2021 - 09.2021Read More
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Novant Healthcare
01.2011 - 01.2021Read More
Respiratory Therapist (part-time)
Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital
03.2008 - CurrentRead More
California College of Health Sciences
Registered Respiratory Therapist from Respiratory Therapy
Read More
Greater Johnstown Career And Technology Center
Certified Respiratory Therapist from Respiratory Therapy
Read More