Kaila Cheatham
ICU Veterinary Nurse
Mesa,AZ
Summary
I am an ambitious professional with extensive experience in animal healthcare and client experience. I am skilled in laboratory procedures, medical record-keeping, and client relations. I possess excellent communication and customer service skills to deliver quality patient and client care. I have developed strong interpersonal and organizational skills in fast-paced veterinary and administrative environments. I excel in patient care, client communication, and medical procedures, with focus on accuracy and empathy. I am looking to transition into a role that values teamwork, precision, and dedication to quality service.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
ICU Veterinary Nurse
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
12.2023 - Current
- Created treatment sheets for intensive care pre- and post-op
- Answered any client calls and medical concerns
- Managed controlled drug lock box for entire department
- Assisted in the training of new nurses by providing instruction on proper techniques and procedures related to patient care
- Performed regular assessments of patients' physical condition using accepted criteria for determining changes in health status
- Followed protocols regarding quality assurance, biohazards, infection control, charting and emergencies
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
Veterinary Neurology Lead Nurse
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
02.2022 - 12.2023
- Supervised daily operations within the department, including staffing schedules, equipment maintenance, budgeting and inventory control
- Provided care to a variety of complex medical and surgical patients
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians
- Assisted in a variety of administrative duties as needed by management and department staff
- Maintained accurate records of all treatments administered to each patient
- 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
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices
- Collaborated with physicians regarding diagnosis, treatment plans and medication orders for patients
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulatory guidelines through diligent monitoring efforts and proactive policy development.
- Managed complex cases with multiple medical issues, effectively prioritizing tasks for efficient resolution of problems encountered during treatment process.
ICU Clinical Supervisor
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
08.2020 - 02.2022
- Facilitated interdisciplinary communication among members of the healthcare team regarding patient care issues
- Developed policies and procedures related to clinical operations for the facility
- Directed and managed 50-person team of clinical and support personnel
- 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
- Improved medical equipment competencies and practiced best through various ongoing learning options
- 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
- Intervened in any intrapersonal concerns amongst employees and/or clients
- Monitored client concern and inquiry chat support forums and responded as appropriate
Veterinary Assistant
VCA Hospitals
07.2019 - 08.2020
- 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
- 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
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis
- Performed hourly treatments on critical and stable patients
- Ensured accuracy of medical records by diligently documenting all relevant information for each patient visit.
Junior Surgery Assistant
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Reduced risk of infection through rigorous sterilization protocols for all surgical tools and equipment.
- Streamlined operating room processes with effective communication among the entire surgical team.
- Arranged supplies and instrumentation to meet needs of individual surgeons and enhance team efficiency.
- Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
- Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies
Kennel Worker
LASPCA
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Demonstrated compassion toward all animals in our care regardless of breed or background while treating them with respect and dignity.
- Monitored and maintained food and water of boarded animals according to animal dietary health guidelines.
- Assisted in successful pet adoptions by creating detailed profiles highlighting each animal''s unique personality and needs.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to develop tailored care plans for animals with specific medical needs or behavioral challenges during their stay at the kennel facility.
- Increased client satisfaction by offering attentive customer service and addressing any concerns regarding their pets'' stay at the kennel.
- Promoted good hygiene in animals by seeing to grooming needs.
- Enhanced the overall appearance of kennel facilities by performing regular maintenance tasks such as painting, minor repairs, and landscape upkeep.
- Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Veterinarian)
Louisiana State University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA 05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology
Penn Foster Career School
Scranton, PA 05.2001 -
Skills
Data Entry
Pharmacy management
Vital signs monitoring
Medication dispensing
Client communication
Medical record-keeping
Phone Support
Chat Support
Inbound/Outbound calling
Laboratory testing
Administration
Management
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 50+ staff members.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Co-Contributor of MedVet Veterinary Neurology SOPs.
Certification
Fear Free Certified Professional - Fear Free Pets.
Timeline
ICU Veterinary Nurse
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
12.2023 - Current
Veterinary Neurology Lead Nurse
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
02.2022 - 12.2023
ICU Clinical Supervisor
MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets
08.2020 - 02.2022
Veterinary Assistant
VCA Hospitals
07.2019 - 08.2020
Kennel Worker
LASPCA
06.2019 - 08.2019
Junior Surgery Assistant
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
08.2018 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Veterinarian)
Louisiana State University And A&M College
05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology
Penn Foster Career School
05.2001 -