Kaila Cheatham
Gretna,LA
Summary
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for a role at your company. After reviewing your facility, it is clear that you are looking for a candidate that is extremely familiar with the responsibilities associated with the role that they are given, and can perform them confidently. Given these requirements, I am certain that I have the necessary skills to successfully do the job adeptly and perform above expectations. I am a hard-working Veterinary ICU Nurse at MedVet, and would like to open up to new opportunities including employment at your facility. My goal is to not only apply and expand my expertise, but to continue working towards creating a happy and healthy workspace for the people around me and clients. During the course of my academic career, I have managed to accrue several years of work and volunteer experience working with animals as well as people. I am a hardworking employee with customer service, multitasking and time management abilities. Devoted to giving every customer a positive and memorable experience. I had the privilege of working for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine as a Student Worker in my free time, where I learned valuable professional skills such as inventory control, laboratory management, and managed care.I additionally had the opportunity to work locally at Plaquemines Animal Welfare society working as a caregiver, working side by side with others to ensure and maintain the welfare of the animals.Whether working on academic, extracurricular, or professional projects, I apply proven leadership, management, and organizational skills, which I hope to leverage into the role at your company. I am skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. After reviewing my resume, I hope you will agree that I am the type of competent and competitive candidate you are looking for. I look forward to elaborating on how my specific skills and abilities will benefit your organization. Please contact me at (504) 418-1685 or via email at kailaren33@gmail.com to arrange for a convenient meeting time. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
Kaila Cheatham
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterinary ICU Nurse
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
New Orleans, Louisiana
12.2023 - Current
- Assessed and monitored vital signs of critically ill patients.
- Provided care to a variety of complex medical and surgical patients.
- Performed bedside procedures, including intubation, central line placement, arterial lines, chest tubes and wound care.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members in order to provide quality patient care.
- Facilitated admission and discharge processes for ICU patients.
- Educated family members on proper home-care techniques for discharged patients.
- Responded quickly and efficiently to any changes in patient condition or treatment plan.
- Maintained accurate records of all treatments administered to each patient.
- Analyzed laboratory results and other diagnostic tests in order to develop an appropriate plan of care for individual patients.
- Identified potential safety risks in the ICU environment and took appropriate action to mitigate those risks.
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities related to critical care nursing practices.
- Successfully managed multiple tasks while maintaining focus on providing safe, high-quality patient care.
- Provided emotional support for family members during end-of-life situations.
- Conducted ongoing assessment of pain levels among ICU patients.
- Implemented evidence-based practice guidelines when caring for critically ill patients.
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events.
- Assisted physicians with various invasive procedures within the ICU setting.
- Assessed ICU patients each shift to ascertain vitals and key information.
- Delivered optimum treatments to critical-care patients following prescribed rules, policies, protocol and procedures.
- Developed and maintained professional relationship with members of health care team, patient and patient's family.
- Helped monitor, maintain and improve nursing-sensitive indicators, core measures and other identified outcome metrics.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and laboratory data to assess needs and provide emergency interventions.
- Checked on patients regularly to track progress with treatments, changes in symptoms and need for emergency interventions.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Detected emerging problems by monitoring patients' behavior, vital signs and fluid intake and output.
- Identified abnormal and critical respiratory patterns through direct pulmonary assessments.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Kept track of patients' changing pain levels and proactively worked to minimize excess pain or discomfort.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
Veterinary Neurology Lead Nurse
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
New Orleans, LA
02.2022 - 12.2023
- Draw blood for various diagnostics, place catheters (IV and Urinary), take radiographs
- Create and explain care plans/anesthetic risks for advanced imaging and neurosurgery
- Acquire detailed histories for clinical transfers and appointments
- Restrain for appointments and surgical procedures
- Shave and Prep patients before surgical procedures
- Open operating rooms for surgical procedures
- Scrub and aid in surgical procedures
- Recover anesthetized patients
- Create treatment sheets for intensive care pre- and post-op
- Fill medications and call-in prescriptions
- Answer and client calls and medical concerns
- Manage controlled drug lock box
- Schedule advanced imaging and appointments as needed.
- Developed and implemented patient care plans, providing guidance to nursing staff in the delivery of services.
- Provided clinical expertise and leadership to ensure quality patient care was delivered in a safe and effective manner.
- Conducted performance appraisals for subordinate nurses and provided feedback on their professional development.
- Supervised daily operations within the department, including staffing schedules, equipment maintenance, budgeting and inventory control.
- Collaborated with physicians regarding diagnosis, treatment plans and medication orders for patients.
- Assisted in the training of new nurses by providing instruction on proper techniques and procedures related to patient care.
- Actively participated in continuing education programs designed to enhance knowledge base and stay current on best practices.
- Monitored progress notes for accuracy, completeness and compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Identified areas of improvement needed within the department and developed action plans accordingly.
- Maintained accurate records of patient medical histories as well as treatments administered or medications prescribed.
- Performed regular assessments of patients' physical condition using accepted criteria for determining changes in health status.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving patients' health or safety.
- Assumed responsibility for overseeing day-to-day activities within the unit such as shift assignments and workload distribution.
- Evaluated outcomes of nursing interventions against established goals and objectives.
- Developed protocols that ensured continuity of care across shifts and departments.
- Provided emotional support to patients who were dealing with difficult diagnoses or life changing events.
- Followed protocols regarding quality assurance, biohazards, infection control, charting and emergencies.
- Solicited medical history information from patients to provide best and most effective medical advice.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Modified patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
Clinical Supervisor
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
New Orleans, Louisiana
08.2020 - 02.2022
- Perform hourly treatments on critical and stable patients
- Maintain sterility in the ICU
- Emphasize patient care and socialization
- Train/ let students and prospective candidates shadow daily flow
- Help lead meetings, perform 1 on 1s, and maintain professionalism in the workplace
- Aid in the recovery of anesthetized patients.
- Assessed and evaluated clinical staff performance, providing feedback to ensure quality standards were met.
- Provided direct supervision of clinical staff, including orientation, training and development of employees.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for clients based on their needs and preferences.
- Monitored client progress in order to modify treatment plans as needed.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary communication among members of the healthcare team regarding patient care issues.
- Actively sought out continuing education opportunities related to clinical practice areas.
- Developed policies and procedures related to clinical operations for the facility.
- Directed and managed 50-person team of clinical and support personnel.
- Improve policies and procedures through development, implementation, revision and evaluation of new protocols.
- Interviewed applicants and made recommendations for new hires.
- Evaluated patients, determined care needs and managed implementation of treatment plan.
- Provided routine management and emergency response.
- Partnered with nurse manager to raise standards of practice by monitoring, analyzing and correcting staff performance.
- Devised training programs to close gaps in nurse and staffs' competencies.
- Introduced new departmental policies and oriented staff to facilitate adoption of changes.
- Coordinated with nurse manager to develop programs targeting nurse education, overall departmental competencies, individual performance, patient safety and service-related issues.
- Created and implemented improvement plans to resolve issues and drive improvements to deficient areas.
- Improved medical equipment competencies and care best practices through various ongoing learning options.
- Recruited, hired and trained new medical and facility staff.
- Built work schedules and staff assignments, taking workload, space and equipment availability into consideration.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
Veterinary Assistant
VCA Algiers Animal Clinic
New Orleans, LA
07.2019 - 08.2020
- Take vitals of patients
- Make notes for doctor reference
- Facilitate any non-extensive care outside of normal examination
- Maintain sanitation within all procedure sites and exam rooms
- Fill and discuss any prescribed medication
- Monitor and take care of patients in hospital care.
- Stocked supplies necessary for veterinary treatments.
- Cared for hospitalized animals under direction of veterinarian staff.
- Provided emotional support to pet owners when needed.
- Performed administrative tasks related to filing paperwork and scheduling appointments.
- Assisted veterinarians with physical examinations of animals.
- Provided basic care and maintenance for animals in the facility.
- Recorded patient histories, patient observations, treatments, and medications administered.
- Cleaned and sterilized surgical instruments before and after procedures.
- Monitored vital signs during surgery and anesthesia recovery.
- Administered injections, immunizations, prescribed medications, and intravenous fluids as instructed by veterinarian.
- Prepared food for animals according to instructions from veterinarian or pet owners.
- Maintained medical records on each animal seen in clinic.
- Ordered laboratory tests requested by veterinarian such as urinalysis, fecal exams, cultures .
- Observed behavior of patients to detect symptoms of illness or injury.
- Performed routine lab work including blood draws and other specimen collection techniques.
- Restrained animals during examination or treatment procedures in a humane manner.
- Gave post-operative instructions to pet owners regarding home care of their pets.
- Assisted with surgical preparation including prepping the animal for surgery.
- Communicated effectively with clients regarding their pet's health status.
- Maintained cleanliness of exam rooms between appointments.
- Communicated with veterinarians and staff members to maintain patient flow.
- Assisted veterinarians in examining animals.
- Operated radiographic and ultrasound equipment.
- Restrained and stabilized animals during examination and treatment to prevent injuries.
- Organized operating room ahead of procedures and assisted veterinarians during surgeries.
- Administered immunizations, blood plasma and other medications to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Released patients to owners with care directions from veterinary staff.
- Assisted doctors and technicians by soothing upset or frightened animals.
- Obtained information and history from clients to maintain medical charts.
- Cared for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
- Addressed healthcare needs of animals by coordinating with veterinarians and following orders.
- Scrubbed, counted and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Delivered attentive, courteous service to promote overall patron satisfaction.
- Trained new veterinary staff on office procedures and requirements.
- Helped veterinarian with neutering, tooth removal and casting broken bones.
- Cleaned and maintained kennels, holding areas and surgical rooms.
- Assisted veterinarians during procedures and examinations, calming animals and handing instruments.
- Fed and watered animals in care, following special diets and regular medication administration schedules.
- Handled and restrained animals following safety requirements and procedures.
- Reviewed pet records from daily visits and appointments, entering important data into system.
- Restocked and sanitized exam rooms for ample supplies and disease control.
- Monitored post-surgical pet care and administered medication under vet direction.
- Answered pet owner phone calls and responded to questions while taking messages for staff veterinarians.
- Examined animals for behavioral changes or clinical symptoms indicating illness or injury.
- Clipped animals' claws and polished teeth to maintain hygiene.
- Administered immunizations and treatments following veterinarian instructions.
- Offered every owner exceptional customer service and support as well as top-notch care to each animal.
- Advised clients on animal care, nutrition and behavior problems.
- Supported euthanasia procedures and disposal following regulations and owner preferences.
- Collected fluids from animals for laboratory testing.
- Performed laboratory tests, x-rays and other diagnostic tests to check animal health.
- Completed enemas, catheterizations and intravenous feedings.
- Sterilized and maintained veterinary care instruments and equipment.
- Assisted veterinarians in examining, diagnosing and treating animals for various illnesses and injuries.
- Ordered medication refills when needed.
- Answered phone inquiries from clients regarding appointment scheduling, services offered.
- Responded promptly to emergency calls after hours.
- Educated clients on proper animal health care routines.
- Attended regular continuing education courses related to veterinary medicine.
Dog Staff Member
PLAQUEMINES ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Do daily assessments of animals, looking for change in behavior, fecal inconsistencies, and struggle
- Clean up after each animal
- Feed/water animals
- Laundry
- Train any new employees/volunteers
- Host any customers interested in fostering/adopting.
Junior Surgery Assistant
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
Baton Rouge, LA
11.2018 - 08.2019
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery
- Control the spread of disease
- Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies
- Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition
- Transfer patient to and from treatment area.
- Maintained sterile environment in the operating room.
- Prepared and organized surgical equipment and instruments for use during surgery.
- Ensured proper functioning of all surgical equipment prior to use in operation theater.
- Sanitized all instruments used during surgery according to hospital standards.
- Conducted inventory of supplies on a regular basis.
- Maintained cleanliness in the operating theatre area.
- Adhered strictly to safety protocols established by the hospital or clinic.
- Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Sanitized and maintained surgical instruments and equipment to minimize infection risks.
- Organized supply room and ordered supplies and equipment.
- Actualized inventory management procedures to control medications and supplies as well as to rotate stock and remove expired medications.
- Managed and maintained surgical suites by sterilizing and organizing equipment.
- Organized instruments and supplies to optimize surgical team efficiency.
Call Center Worker
Manship Research Facility
02.2019 - 03.2019
- Obtain researched-based information through a designated demography.
- Provided customer service by responding to inquiries, resolving complaints, and addressing issues in a timely manner.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Veterinarian)
Louisiana State University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LASome College (No Degree) - Veterinary Technology
Penn Foster Career School
Scranton, PASkills
- Efficient inventory control
- Laboratory management
- Managed care
- Leadership
- Management
- Organizational skills
- Care plans/anesthetic risks
- Detailed histories
- Restraint for appointments and surgical procedures
- Shaving and prepping patients before surgical procedures
- Opening operating rooms for surgical procedures
- Scrubbing and aiding in surgical procedures
- Recovering anesthetized patients
- Creating treatment sheets for intensive care pre- and post-op
- Filling medications and calling in prescriptions
- Answering client calls and medical concerns
- Managing controlled drug lock box
- Scheduling advanced imaging and appointments as needed
- Perform hourly treatments on critical and stable patients
- Maintaining sterility in the ICU
- Emphasizing patient care and socialization
- Training/letting students and prospective candidates shadow daily flow
- Leading meetings and performing 1 on 1s
- Maintaining professionalism in the workplace
- Aiding in the recovery of anesthetized patients
- Taking vitals of patients
- Making notes for doctor reference
- Facilitating non-extensive care outside of normal examination
- Maintaining sanitation within all procedure sites and exam rooms
- Filling and discussing prescribed medication
- Monitoring and taking care of patients in hospital care
- Daily assessments of animals
- Cleaning up after each animal
- Feeding/watering animals
- Laundry
- Training new employees/volunteers
- Hosting customers interested in fostering/adopting
- Obtaining researched-based information through a designated demography
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery
- Controlling the spread of disease
- Maintaining laboratory, research, or treatment records
- Maintaining inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies
- Maintaining instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition
- Transferring patients to and from treatment area
- RECOVER BLS and ALS certified
- Completed Anesthesia Monitoring Certification Program
- Able to lift more than 60 pounds at a time
- Able to stay on feet for more than 12 hours
- Proficient in inventory/management assistance
- Experience in dealing with and maintaining animal welfare
- Patient Safety
- Care Planning
- Staff Scheduling
- Clinical Leadership
- Staff Development
- Quality Improvement
- Compassionate Care
- Discharge Planning
- Clinical Supervision
- Team recruitment
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Resource Allocation
- Staff Education
- Performance Improvement
- Electronic Charting
- Care Coordination
- Medication Administration
- Patient Advocacy
- Patient care planning
- Patient Health Education
- Recruiting and training
- Team Development
- Patient Care
- Care Standards Development
- Decision-Making
- Staff Assessment
- Practice Standards Evaluations
- In-Service Training
- Effective Communication
- Patient Management
- Adaptability
- Excellent Communication
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Reliability
- Task Prioritization
- Professional Demeanor
- Analytical Thinking
- Professionalism
- Problem-solving abilities
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Disease Prevention
- Interpersonal Skills
- Care Plan Development
- Organizational Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Multitasking
- Staff Evaluation
- Attention to Detail
- Goal Setting
- Nursing supervision
- Team Collaboration
- Nursing education
- Ethical Practice
- Family Support
- Resource Utilization
- Task and Work Prioritization
- Blood Transfusion Administration
- Healthcare Team Collaboration
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Pain Management
- Medical Histories and Assessments
- Documentation And Reporting
- Shock Symptom Identification
- Honest and Dependable
- Patient Monitoring
- Fluid Intake and Output Monitoring
- Resource Monitoring
- Specimen Collection
- Medical Device Monitoring
- Reliable and Responsible
- Medical Equipment Setup
- Emergency Interventions
- Pulmonary Assessments
- Endotracheal Intubations
- Taking vitals
- Records Updating
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Needs Assessment
- Employee Guidance
- Patient Check-Ins
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Vitals monitoring
- Sanitation
- Written Communication
- Staff Coordination
- Time management abilities
- Interpersonal Communication
- IV setup
- Microsoft Office
- Patient Assessment
- Self Motivation
- Catheter monitoring
- Team building
Timeline
Veterinary ICU Nurse
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
12.2023 - Current
Veterinary Neurology Lead Nurse
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
02.2022 - 12.2023
Clinical Supervisor
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
08.2020 - 02.2022
Veterinary Assistant
VCA Algiers Animal Clinic
07.2019 - 08.2020
Dog Staff Member
PLAQUEMINES ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
05.2019 - 08.2019
Call Center Worker
Manship Research Facility
02.2019 - 03.2019
Junior Surgery Assistant
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
11.2018 - 08.2019
Some College (No Degree) - Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Veterinarian)
Louisiana State University And A&M College
Some College (No Degree) - Veterinary Technology
Penn Foster Career School
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