Josephine Vircol

• Provided customer support to clients, answering questions and addressing concerns.
• Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, restraint/positioning for ultrasound, EKG, and scans.
• Administered medications, IV, IM, SC, and PO, to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
• Assisted with euthanasia procedures in humanely and compassionately to minimize suffering.
• Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
• Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health. Provided care for animals after surgical and sedated procedures, including extubation, tracheal suction, and monitoring of patient post-op.
• Prepared animals for surgical procedures.
• Kept detailed records of animal treatments and medications.
• Assisted veterinarian during immunologic, medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures.
• Collected and interpreted urinalysis's, fecal floats, ear and skin cytology, and completed blood counts.
• Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
• Monitored vital signs and provided nursing care for animals.
• Induced anesthesia by inhalation or intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection.
• Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
• Established intravenous drips and CRI's for ongoing hydration in both cats and dogs.
• Prepared, sterilized and maintained medical instruments and equipment including specialized laparoscopic equipment.
• Performed dental cleanings using ultrasonic scaler in cats and dogs including scaling, periodontal work, and polishing.
• Calculated proper dosages for injections, oral medications, and appropriate fluid rates.

• Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
• Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition including; treatments include: SQ and IM vaccinations and injections, microchips, jugular and cephalic blood draws, IV catheter placement, intubation, SQ & IV fluids and fine needle aspirations.
• Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
• Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
• Answered owner animal health questions and advised on best care practices.
• Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave under high pressure and high temperature conditions.
• Processed new patients and updated client records with key information using standardized registration systems and encrypted databases.
• Responsible for ordering medical supplies through Covetrus and Zoetis as well as lab work through IDEXX.
• Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
• Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
• Established intravenous drips for ongoing hydration in treatment of canines and felines suffering from dehydration.
• Assisted in medical treatment of dogs with parvovirus
• Assisted senior staff with blood analyses and physical assessments.
• Assessed paws, ears and eyes for injuries or infections as part of initial evaluation.
• Swabbed ears to remove wax and dirt, removing extra hair to allow air to circulate freely and avoid infection.
• Preformed fecal analysis, urinalysis, minor blood work analysis, FNA analysis, and ear mite analysis under a microscope.
• Performed ophthalmological procedures such as tear production testing, topical anesthetic application, fluorescein staining of cornea and tonometry.
• Carefully clipped nails and trimmed hair around pads and paws, using gentle approach for anxious pets.
• Bathed and dipped dogs and cats afflicted with ringworm infections and applied specific medications for itch relief.
• Maintained accurate pharmacy records and controlled drug, anesthesia and heartworm test logs.
• Managed medical intervention and therapy for animals in collaboration with the caretakers of animals in foster care.
• Assist in surgeries by intubating, placing IV catheters, shaving and scrubbing animals for surgery, monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation as well as monitoring and adjusting isoflurane & oxygen anesthetic machine while maintaining a sterile field.
• Caring for animals and incision sights post operations including spay neuters, enucleations, and amputations
• Prescribe, correctly dose, fill prescriptions, document treatment, and administer drugs including antibiotics, NSAIDs, SSRIs, steroids, and controlled substances, under veterinarian protocols, for cats and dogs.
• Preformed resuscitation on dogs and cats including CPR, emergency intubation, and emergency injectable drug use (atropine, dopamine, epinephrine, naloxone).
• Inoculated animals to prevent rabies, distemper and parvo.
• Administered prescribed injectable controlled substances, tranquilizers, sedatives, and injectable or inhalant anesthetics.
• Schedule surgeries and other treatments at other facilities that cannot be completed at our facility
• Responsible for 24hr emergency phone 7-10 days of each month
• Educated clients on animal health, preventive care and procedures.
• Analyzed bloodwork and sample results using IDEXX to diagnose diseases and conditions.
• Well versed in the signs, symptoms and treatment of upper respiratory infection, skin infections, ear infections, allergies, kidney disease, heartworm, and severe dental disease.
• Experience with care of prenatal and neonatal dogs and cats
• Placement of NG tubes

References:

• Susan Shapiro - member of the Board of Directors for Heartland Animal Shelter

- Phone Number: (224)-588-5125

• Alexis Hamilton - former Medical Manager of Heartland Animal Shelter

- Phone Number (224)-433-1490

• Dr. Ginny Youn - former DVM at Heartland Animal Shelter

• Restrained animals safely during exams and procedures.
• Maintained patient charts by documenting information to reflect updated health issues and most recent medical treatment.
• Kept animals clean and free of contaminants to promote optimal health.
• Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
• Assisted senior staff with blood analyses and physical assessments.
• Protected animals from care errors by maintaining clear and secure tags.
• Kept cages, kennels, play yards and grooming areas neat and clean.
• Followed specific food and water schedules for different animal species.
• Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
• Managed facility laundry, cleaning and restocking.
• Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
• Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
• Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise.
• Washed, trimmed and brushed animals to maintain good grooming standards.
• Followed effective process for bathing and grooming dogs to remove dirt, loose hair, parasites and hair mats.
• Worked with more than 70 animals each day to provide skilled medical care, feeding, and enrichment.

• Treatment of minor horse injuries.
• Provided first aid including wrapping legs, shaving, disinfecting wounds, applying topical creams and antibiotics and holding for veterinarian exams and radiographs
• Cared for about 22 animals by feeding, watering, vaccinating and administering oral medications IM injections & monthly preventatives as needed.
• Cared for 22 horses by regularly feeding and inspecting for illness and injuries.
• Inspected horses for signs of sickness and overall herd health
• Assisted in coaching and supervising riders ages 2 to 94; all with significant cognitive & developmental delays and disabilities
• Worked with ranch hands to clean stables and riding areas.
• Maintained safety procedures and practices.
• Fit gear for horses and specific riders.
• Prepared horses for specific competitions or tasks.
• Repaired equipment and animal living spaces.