Carina Hicks
Lawrenceburg,TN
Summary
Dynamic veterinary assistant with a focus on compassionate communication and problem-solving. Experienced in assisting with diagnostics and treatments while collaborating with teams to ensure high-quality patient care. Ready to leverage expertise to impact animal welfare positively.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Enrichment and Behavior Coordinator/Veterinary Assistant
Lawrence County Lawrenceburg Animal Shelter
Lawrenceburg, TN
06.2026 - Current
- Developed enrichment plans to promote positive behavior in sheltered pets.
- Coordinated comprehensive behavior assessments for shelter animals to inform individualized care.
- Monitored animal interactions to ensure safety and well-being.
- Collaborated with staff to implement training techniques for behavioral issues.
- Educated volunteers on effective animal handling and behavior management strategies to enhance safety and care quality.
- Documented behavior observations to inform care plans and improve outcomes.
- Engaged community members in responsible pet ownership initiatives to promote animal welfare and reduce shelter intake.
- Cultivated relationships with local organizations that could provide additional resources for pet owners.
- Administered medications and vaccines according to veterinarian instructions.
- Educated pet owners on proper care and wellness practices.
- Collected urine, blood, and fecal samples for laboratory testing to aid in diagnosis. such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
Lead Veterinary Assistant
The Pet Hospitals
Lakeland, TN
10.2022 - 03.2025
- Assisted veterinarians in performing physical exams, diagnostics, and treatments on animals.
- Monitored post-operative recovery of animals, ensuring proper healing and timely interventions as needed.
- Administered vaccinations and monitored patients for any adverse reactions.
- Provided quality care for hospitalized pets including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing nursing care.
- Educated pet owners on proper care, nutrition, and preventive health measures to enhance pet well-being.
- Trained new veterinary assistants on protocols and client communication standards.
- Scheduled appointments and managed client records using veterinary software systems.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies and equipment for efficient clinic operations.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of treatment areas and surgical suites.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver consistent, high-quality patient care and improve overall service delivery.
- Handled emergency situations calmly while ensuring safety of both animal and human personnel present.
- Conducted laboratory tests such as fecal analysis, urinalysis, heartworm testing, and feline leukemia testing.
- Performed procedures such as wound cleaning and leg stints under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
- Organized operating room ahead of procedures and assisted veterinarians during surgeries.
- Maintained accurate medical records for all patients by documenting patient history, treatments administered, test results and other pertinent information.
- Followed up with clients after treatment to check on the status of their pet's recovery.
- Scrubbed, counted, and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Obtained information and history from clients to maintain medical charts.
- Performed laboratory tests, x-rays and other diagnostic tests to check animal health.
- Supported euthanasia procedures and disposal following regulations and owner preferences.
- Answered pet owner phone calls and responded to questions while taking messages for staff veterinarians.
Receptionist
The University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
08.2019 - 10.2022
- Greeted visitors and students, providing a welcoming environment at the university.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to internal and external customers, enhancing overall satisfaction.
- Managed incoming phone calls and directed inquiries to appropriate departments.
- Scheduled appointments for faculty and staff, ensuring efficient time management.
- Assisted in coordinating events and activities for campus community engagement.
- Provided support to students navigating university resources and services effectively.
- Processed student registration forms, ensuring accurate data entry into systems.
- Coordinated communication between departments to improve administrative processes.
- Provided administrative support to staff members by typing letters, filing documents, and scanning and copying documents.
- Monitored office supplies inventory and ordered materials to support operations.
- Organized filing system for confidential client information, ensuring compliance with company policy.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychobiology
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN12-2022
Skills
- Enrichment planning
- Behavior assessment
- Client education
- Animal handling
- Medication administration
- Surgical assistance
- Diagnostic procedures
- Anesthetic preparation
- IV catheter placement and blood draws
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Emergency management
- Laboratory operations
- Veterinary software
- Animal restraint
- Animal behavior
- Diagnostic imaging
- Medical record management
Timeline
Enrichment and Behavior Coordinator/Veterinary Assistant
Lawrence County Lawrenceburg Animal Shelter
06.2026 - Current
Lead Veterinary Assistant
The Pet Hospitals
10.2022 - 03.2025
Receptionist
The University of Memphis
08.2019 - 10.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychobiology
University of Memphis