Kent Wapelhorst
Lebanon
Summary
Experienced respiratory therapy professional with strong leadership skills and comprehensive understanding of respiratory care. Proven ability to drive patient outcomes through effective clinical practices and team collaboration. Known for adaptability and reliability in dynamic healthcare environments. Expertise includes patient assessment, treatment planning, and advanced respiratory techniques.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of Respiratory Therapy
Mercy Hospital Lebanon
07.2001 - Current
- Supported implementation of evidence-based practices in respiratory treatment plans.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient assessments.
- Maintained equipment, ensuring readiness for use and adherence to safety standards.
- Encouraged positive financial habits by assessing prior year financial trends and variances and forecasting for current and future years to optimize monetary dealings.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex respiratory needs.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Evaluated new technologies and therapy modalities to ensure the department remained at the forefront of innovative patient care delivery.
- Established strong relationships with referring physicians, fostering collaboration in the management of respiratory patients across various clinical settings.
- Ensured departmental compliance with all relevant regulations, accreditation standards, and hospital policies.
- Optimized resource utilization by regularly reviewing staffing levels, equipment availability, and budget allocations.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Mercy Hospital Lebanon
07.1997 - 07.2001
- Administered respiratory therapies and treatments to patients with chronic and acute conditions.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted ventilator settings as needed for optimal care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Trained and supervised junior therapists on best practices and equipment usage.
- Conducted diagnostic tests, interpreting results to inform clinical decisions effectively.
- Educated patients and families about respiratory health management and therapy options.
- 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.
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Assisted in the development of clinical protocols for the management of various respiratory conditions.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Responded to emergency codes and calls during off-hours and immediately initiated treatment.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Washburn University of Topeka
Topeka, KS05-1996
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS05-1994
Skills
- Healthcare expertise
- Patient care management
- Team skill enhancement
- Quality improvement
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with Mercy MTS, EPIC Build Team, and several vendors in the development of an interface for holter monitors into Epiphany and eventually in the EMR.
- Collaborated with team of healthcare personnel throughout the Mercy System in the standardization of blood gas analyzers.
- Participated within a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to create and develop a Rapid Response Team to be implemented at Mercy Lebanon
- Worked with a team encompassing professionals throughout the Mercy System to bring e-ICU (Mercy Safe Watch) to the ICU/Step-Down at Mercy Hospital Lebanon
Certification
- Registered Respiratory Therapist
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program
Timeline
Manager of Respiratory Therapy
Mercy Hospital Lebanon
07.2001 - Current
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Mercy Hospital Lebanon
07.1997 - 07.2001
Associate of Applied Science - Respiratory Therapy
Washburn University of Topeka
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Emporia State University