Kendra Temple
Federal Way,WA
Summary
Compassionate veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker with experience in providing support to veterinarians during procedures, maintaining clean and organized work environments, and caring for animals in clinical settings. Skilled in handling a variety of animals safely and effectively, administering medications as directed, and assisting with laboratory tests. Known for improving animal care protocols, enhancing efficiency in clinics, and contributing positively to team dynamics. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Experienced in fast-paced environments and adaptable to last-minute changes. Thrives under pressure and consistently earns high marks for work quality and speed.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterinary Assistant
Sacajawea veterinary hospital
Federal Way, WA
07.2024 - Current
- Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
- Monitored vital signs of hospitalized animals including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and other parameters as necessary.
- Administered vaccinations, medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Ordered medication refills when needed.
- Provided detailed patient care instructions to pet owners.
- Dispensed medications orally or topically as directed by veterinarian.
- Provided emotional support to pet owners during difficult times.
- Assisted veterinarians in examining, diagnosing and treating animals for various illnesses and injuries.
- Assisted in surgery preparation by setting up instruments, supplies and equipment prior to procedure start time.
- Recorded patient food and water intake and output levels on a daily basis.
- Cleaned and sterilized exam rooms between appointments.
- Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, microbiology cultures and hematology.
- Restrained animals during examination or treatment procedures using appropriate techniques according to species size and temperament.
- Observed patients' conditions post-treatment or surgery to ensure healing process was progressing well.
- Answered phone inquiries from clients regarding appointment scheduling, services offered.
- Maintained accurate medical records of all patients.
- Educated clients on proper animal health care routines.
- Prepared laboratory slides for microscopic examinations.
- Obtained information and history from clients to maintain medical charts.
- Assisted doctors and technicians by soothing upset or frightened animals.
- Scrubbed, counted, and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Communicated with veterinarians and staff members to maintain patient flow.
- Released patients to owners with care directions from veterinary staff.
- Cared for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
- Organized operating room ahead of procedures and assisted veterinarians during surgeries.
- Trained new veterinary staff on office procedures and requirements.
- Operated radiographic and ultrasound equipment.
- Examined animals for behavioral changes or clinical symptoms indicating illness or injury.
- Restocked and sanitized exam rooms for ample supplies and disease control.
- Delivered emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.
- Offered every owner exceptional customer service and support as well as top-notch care to each animal.
- Reviewed pet records from daily visits and appointments, entering important data into system.
Veterinary Assistant
Mcmonigle Veterinary Hospital
Kent , WA
02.2018 - 06.2024
- See previous job description for sacajawea veterinary hospital. I had the same set of skills and responsibilities.
Veterinary Surgical Assitant
Blue pearl veterinary hospital
Renton , WA
04.2017 - 02.2018
- Organized instrument trays for specific types of surgeries.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the medical team as necessary.
- Observed patient's condition throughout procedure and reported any unusual findings or symptoms to the medical staff immediately.
- Assisted in prepping operating room for surgery by sterilizing instruments and setting up equipment.
- Assisted with post-operative wound care including packing, dressing changes, irrigation and debridement when needed.
- Assisted with minor office procedures such as suture removal, incision checks, biopsies.
- Transported patients to recovery area after completion of surgery.
- Maintained sterile environment in the operating room during surgical procedures.
- Provided assistance to surgeons, circulating nurses, and anesthesiologists with patient positioning, draping, and preparation of operative sites.
- Kept accurate records of all supplies used during surgeries.
- Provided emotional support to family members before, during, and after surgery.
- Reviewed patient charts prior to surgery in order to be aware of their conditions or allergies.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physician or nurse practitioner prior to surgery.
- Cleansed surgical instruments following use in order to ensure safe storage.
- Ensured that all necessary documents were completed accurately before each procedure.
- Confirmed proper functioning of equipment prior to use in order to avoid complications during operations.
- Gathered and passed instruments to surgeon during operation.
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
- Helped prepare team by assisting with gowning and gloving of staff.
- Performed pre-operative and post-operative examinations to check patients' vitals and health status.
- Executed remarkable dexterity assembling and monitoring tools to be used during surgery procedures.
- Protected unobstructed views for surgical staff with use of retractors, sponges and suctioning equipment.
- Assessed patients, performed tests and documented preliminary medical histories.
- Set up equipment, tools, and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Pursued numerous learning opportunities in order to continuously expand core knowledge associated with surgical and technical procedures to advance patient care.
- Assisted surgeons in variety of minor and major surgical procedures.
- Exhibited confidence to work extremely well under pressure and with variety of physicians of different temperaments.
- Rendered aid to patients experiencing life-threatening emergencies during surgical procedures.
Veterinary Assistant
Twin lakes veterinary hospital
Federal Way, WA
08.2008 - 08.2016
- See description for sacajawea veterinary hospital
Education
High School Diploma -
Thomas Jefferson High School
Auburn, WA06-2006
Some College (No Degree) - Veterinary Technology
San Juan College
Farmington, NMSkills
- Specimen collection
- Vital signs monitoring
- Medication administration
- Patient care instructions
- Surgical assistance
- Medical record management
- Client communication
- Laboratory testing
- Emergency first aid
- Team collaboration
- Animal restraint techniques
- Post-operative care
- Client education
- Diagnostic imaging
- Sample collection
- Appointment scheduling
- Euthanasia assistance
- Emergency and preventive care
- Radiology techniques
- Patient flow management
- Veterinary standards and procedures
- Animal behavior
- Veterinary terminology
- Vaccine administration
- Surgical procedures and support
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Medical record-keeping
- Dental prophylaxis
- Pre-anesthetic preparation
- Fluid therapy
- Continuous improvement
- Problem-solving aptitude
Timeline
Veterinary Assistant
Sacajawea veterinary hospital
07.2024 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
Mcmonigle Veterinary Hospital
02.2018 - 06.2024
Veterinary Surgical Assitant
Blue pearl veterinary hospital
04.2017 - 02.2018
Veterinary Assistant
Twin lakes veterinary hospital
08.2008 - 08.2016
High School Diploma -
Thomas Jefferson High School
Some College (No Degree) - Veterinary Technology
San Juan College