Ashlyn Kirk
Houston
Summary
Caring Veterinary Assistant with 10 years of extensive experience assisting veterinarians with procedures and tasks. Skilled in administering injections, providing treatments, taking x-rays, surgery induction and recovery, and recording and updating records. Compassionate, responsible, and dependable with sound knowledge of veterinary medical procedures and animal care techniques. Experience with client education, medical scheduling, medical record handling, and front desk responsibilities.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patient Service Specialist
Select Physical Therapy
04.2024 - Current
- Applied administrative knowledge and courtesy to explain procedures and services to patients.
- Stayed calm under pressure to and successfully dealt with difficult situations.
- Compiled and maintained patient medical records to keep information complete, up-to-date, and maintained records in accordance with HIPAA.
- Answered incoming calls, scheduled appointments and filed medical records.
- Verified patient insurance eligibility and entered patient information into system.
- Provided excellent customer service to patients and medical staff.
- Greeted and assisted patients with check-in procedures.
- Explained copays, co-insurances, and collected various forms of payment.
Veterinary Technician
VCA Ashford Animal Hospital
08.2018 - 03.2024
- Recently promoted to Lead Technician and equipment and inventory manager. Duties include: training, developing protocols with doctors and staff, maintaining all equipment in the hospital (anesthesia machines, Abaxis and Idexx blood machines, Heska and Baxter fluids pumps, hot dogs, circulating water blankets, x-ray machine, autoclave, ultrasonic cleaner, and surgical instruments), I also ordered and maintained hospital inventory, controlled drugs and controlled drug logs consistent with OSHA and the veterinary boards standards and under the direct supervision of my medical director.
- Assisted with physical examinations, restraint diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis.
- Assisted veterinarians in performing surgical procedures by preparing the operating room and patients according to surgical needs, administering anesthetic medications, induction, intubation, monitoring anesthesia levels, and recovery.
- Provided postoperative care for animals recovering from surgery including providing pain management treatments.
- Educated clients on proper animal nutrition and preventive health care techniques.
- Instructed staff members on proper handling techniques of animals during examinations or treatments.
- Assisted with euthanasia when necessary according to veterinarian instructions.
- Provided various types of client information about diseases, treatments, medications, and surgeries and also referred to specialty hospitals as directed.
- I am also BLS, ALS, and CPR certified and have my CVA level II certification.
- Restrained and stabilized animals during examination and treatment to prevent injuries.
- Assisted with check-ins, scheduling, answering the phones and taking payments.
Veterinary Technician
Pet Vet Animal Hospitals
10.2017 - 08.2018
- Performed physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis.
- Assisted veterinarians in performing surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, monitoring anesthesia levels, and administering medications to animals.
- Provided postoperative care for animals recovering from surgery including providing pain management treatments.
- Collected samples of bodily fluids to analyze for parasites or other diseases.
- Monitored vital signs of animals during medical procedures and administered basic first aid treatments when necessary.
- Observed behavioral characteristics of animals in order to provide insight into possible illnesses or changes in behavior.
- Supported veterinarians to drive quality care, advocate for pets and educate clients.
- Prepared and labeled medications and instructed client on administration.
- Administered and monitored anesthesia for surgeries and operations.
- Prepared and reviewed records and consent forms.
- Monitored vital signs during surgery and notified veterinarian of changes.
Veterinary Technician
Banfield Animal Hospital
04.2016 - 09.2017
- Performed physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis.
- Assisted veterinarians in performing surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, monitoring anesthesia levels, and administering medications to animals.
- Provided postoperative care for animals recovering from surgery including providing pain management treatments.
- Collected samples of bodily fluids to analyze for parasites or other diseases.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Houston Baptist University
Houston, TX05-2015
Skills
- Fear free animal restraint
- Surgical preparation/sterile procedure, induction, monitoring, and recovery
- Inventory and Equipment management and maintenance
- IV catheter placement and blood draws
- Client education
- Certified Veterinary Assistant II
- Scheduling, medical records, front desk and client service
Certification
- Certified Veterinary Assistant II
Timeline
Patient Service Specialist
Select Physical Therapy
04.2024 - Current
Veterinary Technician
VCA Ashford Animal Hospital
08.2018 - 03.2024
Veterinary Technician
Pet Vet Animal Hospitals
10.2017 - 08.2018
Veterinary Technician
Banfield Animal Hospital
04.2016 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Houston Baptist University