Ana Hernandez
Indio,Ca
Summary
Responsible and dedicated animal care volunteer with proven abilities in administering vaccines, surgical prep and post-surgery recovery in fast- paced settings. Meets animal needs with compassion and care for all creatures. Adaptable and driven with strong work ethic and motivation to thrive in team-based or individually motivated settings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Veterinary Assistant
Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Palm Springs, CA
08.2020 - Current
- Support the Director of Medical Services in training new Veterinary Assistants, ensuring strict adherence to clinical protocols and procedural standards.
- Provide ongoing coaching and constructive feedback to maintain high levels of team performance and quality of care.
- Assist in developing and managing staff schedules to optimize workflow efficiency and ensure adequate coverage.
- Handle controlled substances in full compliance with state and federal regulations, requiring a valid Controlled Substances Permit.
- Oversee and manage medical supplies and surgical equipment inventory, coordinating weekly orders to maintain consistent availability.
- Collaborate with medical suppliers to evaluate and integrate the latest surgical equipment for shelter operations, optimizing resource utilization.
- Utilize administrative access in medical software to maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with clinic policies and standards.
- Monitor departmental workflow to ensure timely and efficient completion of tasks and adherence to established procedures.
- Safeguard the health and welfare of animals by observing for signs of illness, injury, or parasites, and taking appropriate corrective action.
- Administer medications and vaccinations (oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous) as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures, including anesthesia monitoring, surgical preparation, and post-operative recovery.
- Conduct diagnostic tests such as cytology (e.g., fecal analysis, skin scrapings, bacterial/fungal identification) and in-house bloodwork or urinalysis.
- Perform advanced wound care, bandaging, and physical therapy to support the recovery and well-being of animals.
- Collaborate with adoption staff to conduct final medical evaluations for adoptable animals, ensuring all records are accurate and up to date.
- Foster a positive and professional team environment, demonstrating respect and courtesy when engaging with staff and the public.
- Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized surgical and clinical environment in compliance with AVMA guidelines and industry best practices.
- Attend meetings and remain current on clinic protocols, legal requirements, and industry regulations to ensure full compliance.
Volunteer
Coachella Valley Horse Rescue
Indio, CA
06.2018 - 05.2020
- Assistant leader for two years of children’s equine summer program for children 6-12 years.
- Implemented summer day camp programs: including leading recreation, arts and crafts, explained equine behavior, anatomy and tack equipment.
- Greeted new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.
- Prepared and provided food to all horses according to dietary requirements.
- Cared for 15+ horses including grooming, exercising, feeding and assured enclosure cleanliness daily.
- Maintained record keeping on daily animal behavior, medical information and food intake.
Vivarium Assistant
Cal State University Sacramento Vivarium
Sacramento, CA
09.2018 - 02.2020
- Observed and monitored the health of the CSUS vivarium collection consisting of 15+ different species of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
- Conducted daily tours to students and public on species collection addressing phenotypic characteristics, behavior, dietary needs and place of origin.
- Administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary requirements in consultation with the lead curator.
- Presented informal educational programs of exotic species in local elementary schools in the Sacramento area.
Research Assistant
Cal State University Sacramento
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Conducted research on the characterization of E. coli isolated from the Sacramento American River, contributing to the understanding of environmental bacterial populations.
- Designed and executed laboratory experiments, including sample preparation, data collection, and analysis.
- Demonstrated effective scientific writing skills by maintaining detailed laboratory records and preparing periodic research reports.
- Exhibited proficiency in fundamental laboratory techniques, including pipetting, weighing, aseptic petri dish streaking, and meticulous recordkeeping.
- Performed Gram staining to identify and classify bacterial strains, supporting the characterization of isolated samples.
Teaching Assistant
Cal State University Sacramento Micro Laboratory
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Supervised and assisted students in microbiology laboratory procedures, ensuring adherence to protocols and safety regulations.
- Supported students and instructors with daily lab setups, including preparation and sterilization of equipment.
- Prepared biological media, cultured bacterial samples, and organized materials to support instructional activities.
Food Expeditor
Court Cafe, La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta, CA
04.2014 - 09.2017
- Trained and mentored new expeditors and kitchen staff, ensuring compliance with company policies and operational standards.
- Delivered attentive and personalized service, proactively assessing and addressing guest needs.
- Oversaw customer deliveries and facilitated order fulfillment to ensure prompt and accurate service, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Resolved customer concerns with a friendly and informed approach, maintaining a positive guest experience.
- Consistently provided exceptional service to a high volume of customers in a fast-paced environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA07.2020
Associate’s - Math and Science
College of The Desert
Palm Desert07.2017
Skills
- Administering vaccines
- Limited animal dentistry
- Oral and topical administration
- Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program experience
- Verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish
- Gram-stained slide preparation
- General anesthesia recovery
Languages
Proven written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish
Extracuriculars
- American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (APVMA) 2021 - Present
- CSUS Veterinary Club 2018-2020
- CSUS Field Biology Group 2019-2020
- COD Environmental Biology Group 2013-2016
- Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) 2013- 2016
Timeline
Lead Veterinary Assistant
Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter
08.2020 - Current
Vivarium Assistant
Cal State University Sacramento Vivarium
09.2018 - 02.2020
Research Assistant
Cal State University Sacramento
08.2018 - 05.2019
Teaching Assistant
Cal State University Sacramento Micro Laboratory
08.2018 - 12.2018
Volunteer
Coachella Valley Horse Rescue
06.2018 - 05.2020
Food Expeditor
Court Cafe, La Quinta Resort & Club
04.2014 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Science - General Biology
California State University Sacramento
Associate’s - Math and Science
College of The Desert
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