Medical Team

Infection Control in Respiratory Therapy Practices
June 21, 2022 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. CT

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Objectives:

  • Discuss the prevalence of respiratory infections
  • Explore commonly used respiratory treatments for these infections
  • Introduce infection prevention practices with respiratory therapy treatments

Respiratory infections and issues are very common among individuals and patients using nebulizers, inhalers and even CPAP machines. In some care settings, we lack the availability and benefit of a respiratory therapist to ensure the correct delivery of these medications and treatments. The responsibility often falls on the nursing department. In addition to ensuring the correct dosage, application and timing of these respiratory medications/treatments are done, using good infection control practices is equally as important.

Working the frontlines through a worldwide pandemic, Jessica Danko has a broad knowledge of firsthand respiratory therapy best practices. Through opportunities to provide education and work within an array of healthcare and long-term care settings, understanding the day-to-day operations provides her with an insight to enhance infection control education in conjunction with therapy delivery. Danko has a wealth of knowledge in respiratory care and healthcare management, her systemic approach to quality healthcare initiatives and delivery are valuable in her work with COVID-19 patient care, employee engagement, treatment delivery, and infection prevention.

“Infection control practices, when delivering respiratory treatments, are key to ensuring that patients and residents are receiving the safest and best possible outcomes that assist in their ability to breath well,” stated Danko.

Jess DankoSpeaker: Jessica Danko, MSHA, RRT
Program Manager – South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care
Project Firstline South Dakota

A 2014 graduate of Dakota State University’s Respiratory Care Program, Jessica expanded her knowledge in multiple dimensions of Allied Health by obtaining a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in 2016. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Administration with focused specialties in Healthcare and Long-Term Care Administration in 2021. She is an active member of the AARC, SDSRC, and SDHCC.