Katherine Pickerign
Northfield,MN
Summary
Compassionate Certified Veterinary Technician with expertise in patient assessment, emergency care, and anesthesia monitoring. Proven ability to mentor junior technicians and enhance clinic efficiency.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Veterinary Technician
Vet Partners Apple Valley
Rosemount, MN
09.2019 - 11.2024
- Managed laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures, ensuring accurate results for patient treatment plans.
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs, and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry advancements.
- Mentored junior veterinary technicians through hands-on training sessions, sharing knowledge of best practices in animal care.
- Facilitated smooth admission processes for new patients by gathering necessary information from clients efficiently.
- Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
- Performed radiograph testing to assist doctors in making informed diagnoses and determining best treatment plans.
- Prepared, sterilized and maintained medical instruments and equipment.
- Filed daily progress records, surgery logs, x-ray logs, and routine records.
- Offered support to grieving clients during end-of-life discussions and euthanasia procedures, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
- Collaborated with veterinarians on treatment plans for patients with chronic conditions, resulting in improved quality of life for pets.
- Improved clinic efficiency by maintaining organized medical records and updating patient information promptly.
- Reduced patient stress during visits by utilizing low-stress handling techniques and creating a comfortable atmosphere.
- Ensured timely response to emergencies by providing immediate triage assessments and administering first aid when needed.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Placed IV catheters and/or endotracheal tubes in preparation to procedures
- Monitored patients' ECG, HR, RR, blood pressure, pulse oximetry as well as eye position to assure appropriate anesthetic depth was maintained and making prompt adjustments to fluids, med administration, or inhalation anesthetics as necessary
- Performed dental prophylaxis' and digital radiographs
Certified Veterinary Technician
Apple Lake Animal Hospital
Rosemount, MN
08.2005 - 09.2019
- Administered vaccinations and medications to animals, ensuring compliance with veterinary protocols.
- Assisted in surgical procedures, maintaining a sterile environment and preparing necessary instruments.
- Monitored vital signs during anesthesia, providing critical support to veterinarians during surgeries.
- Assisted in preparation and administration of anesthesia for surgical processes.
- Managed laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures, ensuring accurate results for patient treatment plans.
- Coordinated inventory management of medical supplies, optimizing usage, reducing waste effectively and placing hospital orders on a consistent basis
- Mentored junior technicians in clinical procedures and customer service best practices to enhance team performance.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry advancements
- Offered support to grieving clients during end-of-life discussions and euthanasia procedures, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
- Collaborated with veterinarians on treatment plans for patients with chronic conditions, resulting in improved quality of life for pets.
- Improved clinic efficiency by maintaining organized medical records and updating patient information promptly.
- Reduced patient stress during visits by utilizing low-stress handling techniques and creating a comfortable atmosphere.
- Ensured timely response to emergencies by providing immediate triage assessments and administering first aid when needed.
- Prepared accurate billing statements for clients while addressing any questions or concerns about charges.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Placed IV catheters and endotracheal tubes as preparation for procedures
- Monitored patients undergoing general anesthesia with blood pressure, ECG, and pulse oximetry and making IV fluid adjustments, medical managements as needed
- Maintained detailed records of animal health care and diagnostic treatments.
- Interacted with clients regarding animal health, questions and concerns, education on treatment protocol and general procedures.
- Administered prescribed injectable controlled substances, tranquilizers, sedatives and injectable or inhalant anesthetics.
- Designed and created client education materials and marketing materials for hospital services.
- Managed hospital staff schedule by ensuring that needed staffing requirements were met and that individuals received needed time off.
- Performed routine dental prophylaxis', oral examinations, digital dental radiographs, nerve blocks and suturing extraction sites as directed.
- Performed quality digital radiographs of patients as well as assisting with ultrasonography.
- Maintained accurate controlled drug log and inventory
Education
Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology
Argosy University, Eagan, MN USA
Eagan05-2005
Skills
- Microscopic examination
- Team communication
- General anesthesia monitoring
- Patient assessment and monitoring
- Intravenous catheterization
- Emergency and preventive care
- Canine and feline intubation
- Dental procedures
- Client education
- Collecting blood samples
- Medical history collection
- Veterinary office administration
- Controlled substance management
Certification
Fear Free Certified
Certified Veterinary Technician
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Certified Veterinary Technician
Vet Partners Apple Valley
09.2019 - 11.2024
Certified Veterinary Technician
Apple Lake Animal Hospital
08.2005 - 09.2019
Associate of Science - Veterinary Technology
Argosy University, Eagan, MN USA