Cathleen Johnson
Everson,WA
Summary
While most of my work is in the veterinary field, ALL my jobs listed have required my personal knowledge to educate, whether it is to clients about their pets or explaining lessons and homework to young ,creative minds. Responsible and dedicated veterinary assistant passionate about promoting animal health and extending lives of pets. Dedicated and focused professional with several years of experience assisting veterinarians in examining animals to determine nature of illnesses or injuries. Comfortable restraining and holding animals for extended periods of time. Strong work ethic, excellent time management, multitasking and organizational skills. Meets animal needs making them feel safe and protected, treating them with compassion and love. Skilled in examinations, assessments and common procedures. Protects animals under care with proper restraints, clean environments, and sterilized instruments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Veterinary Assistant
Nooksack Animal Hospital
Nooksack, WA
10.2011 - Current
- Assisted in surgery preparation by setting up instruments, supplies and equipment prior to procedure start time.
- Organized operating room ahead of procedures and assisted veterinarians during surgeries.
- Helped veterinarian with neutering, tooth removal and casting broken bones.
- Cared for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress, and administered medication under veterinarian direction.
- Observed patients' conditions post-treatment to ensure the healing process was progressing well.
- Monitored vital signs of hospitalized animals including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and other parameters as necessary.
- Feed and water animals in care, following special diets and regular medication administration schedules. And ensured that cages were kept clean at all times.
- Administer enemas, place i.v. catheters, set fluid rates, and maintain IV pumps, administer subcutaneous fluids.
- Release patients to owners with care instructions from the veterinarian. Providing detailed patient care instructions to pet owners.
- Assist veterinarians in examining animals. Review pet records from daily visits and appointments, entering important data into the system.
- Obtained information and history from clients and maintain accurate medical records of all patients.
- Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
- Operated and performed radiographic and ultrasound equipment.
- Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, microbiology cultures and hematology.
- Administered vaccinations, medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Sterilized and maintained veterinary care instruments and equipment. Scrubbed, counted and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Cleaned and maintained kennels, holding areas and surgical rooms. Restock and sanitize exam rooms for ample supplies and disease control.
- Answered pet owner phone calls and responded to questions while taking messages for staff veterinarians.
- Ordered medication refills when needed.
- Offer every owner exceptional customer service and support, as well as exceptional care for each animal.
- Supported euthanasia procedures and disposal following regulations and owner preferences. Provided emotional support to pet owners during difficult times.
Para Educator
Meridian School District
Everson, Washington
09.2017 - 05.2019
- Worked well in a group and one on one setting, providing support and guidance.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Monitoring lunch period and recess while participating with students
Veterinarian Assistant
Blandford Animal Hospital
Blandford, MA
09.2004 - 08.2010
- Obtained information and history from clients to maintain medical charts. Documented patient information with precision to maintain record accuracy.
- Assist veterinarians in examining animals, restraining and stabilizing animals during examination and treatment to prevent injuries.
- Organized operating room ahead of procedures and assisted veterinarians during surgeries.
- Caring for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
- Released patients to owners with care directions from veterinary staff.
- Performed laboratory tests, x-rays and other diagnostic tests to check animal health. Collected fluids from animals for laboratory testing.
- Assisted veterinarians in medical procedures, such as taking blood and urine samples, administering medication, and performing minor surgeries.
- Interpreted lab results for heartworm testing, parasites, and skin scrapings.
- Explained disease and condition diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment options to pet and animal owners to provide information for decision-making concerning care.
- Administered immunizations, blood plasma and other medications to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Dispensed medications prescribed by veterinarians.
- Supported euthanasia procedures and disposal following regulations and owner preferences.
- Stocked treatment rooms with appropriate supplies, scheduled appointments, answered phones, and processed customer payments to boost office efficiency.
- Scrubbed, counted and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization. Sterilized and maintained veterinary care instruments and equipment.
- Cleaned and maintained kennels, holding areas and surgical rooms.
- Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and ordering supplies.
- Cleaned and sterilized surgical instruments used by veterinarians during medical procedures.
Education
Associate of Science - Vet Technician Program
Penn Foster
Scottsdale, AZ 06.2019 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix Axia
Phoenix, AZ 08.2011 - 07.2013
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
University of Phoenix Axia
Phoenix, AZ 09.2009 - 07.2011
Skills
- Gowning and gloving procedures
- Animal restraint
- Pre-anesthetic preparation
- Procedure Support
- Medical record-keeping
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Physical Examinations
- Appointment Scheduling
- Animal Handling
- Animal Nutrition
- Sample Collection
- Client Education
- Client Communication
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Medication Administration
- Patient Flow Management
- Veterinary Terminology
- Surgical Assistance
- Post Operative Care
- Veterinary standards and procedures
- Euthanasia Assistance
Affiliations
Outside of work I love to entertain for family and friends, trying new hiking trails, trying new foods and restaurants, experiencing the local culture. Oh, and most importantly during August to February a football fan, but some would say fanatic.
Timeline
Associate of Science - Vet Technician Program
Penn Foster
06.2019 - 05.2024
Para Educator
Meridian School District
09.2017 - 05.2019
Veterinary Assistant
Nooksack Animal Hospital
10.2011 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix Axia
08.2011 - 07.2013
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
University of Phoenix Axia
09.2009 - 07.2011
Veterinarian Assistant
Blandford Animal Hospital
09.2004 - 08.2010
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