Leah Cepeda
Summary
Compassionate veterinary nurse and Penn Foster Veterinary Technician student with a strong focus on teamwork, proper animal restraint techniques and preventative care. Skilled in client education, patient history intake, and diagnostic sample collection, contributing to high-quality patient outcomes and client satisfaction.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterinary Nurse
Williamsburg Animal Clinic
Brooklyn
10.2024 - Current
- Performed detailed patient history intakes, documenting key information and communicating findings to support veterinary diagnosis and care.
- Administered vaccinations, medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Monitored vital signs of hospitalized animals including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and other parameters as necessary.
- Restrained animals during examination or treatment procedures using appropriate techniques according to species size and temperament.
- Performed IV catheter placement, including vein selection, site preparation, and aseptic technique under veterinary supervision.
- Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
- Coordinated with veterinarians and staff to facilitate smooth patient flow and enhance operational efficiency.
- Maintained a clean, and organized work environment for optimal safety and productivity in kennels, exam rooms, and treatment areas.
- Offered empathetic emotional support to clients during euthanasia procedures and pet loss, ensuring a respectful and comforting experience.
Veterinary Assistant
Liberty Animal Clinic/Veterinary Medical Center
Hinesville
11.2023 - 10.2024
- Assisted veterinarians with surgical procedures by preparing patients, setting up instruments, and ensuring sterile technique to support successful outcomes.
- Applied safe and effective animal restraint techniques, utilizing fear-free handling for anxious or aggressive patients to minimize stress during examinations and treatments.
- Provided daily care for hospitalized patients by managing feeding, exercise, and sanitation of kennels and treatment areas to promote recovery.
- Administered subcutaneous fluids and medications in accordance with treatment plans.
- Collected and processed laboratory samples, including blood, urine, and fecal specimens for in-house diagnostics.
- Performed radiographic imaging using proper positioning and radiation safety protocols.
Veterinary Assistant
Hilton Head Humane Spay Neuter Clinic
Okatie
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Assisted in high-volume spay and neuter surgical procedures, supporting veterinarians with patient preparation and intraoperative needs.
- Monitored patients' vital signs during surgery and throughout post-operative recovery.
- Prepared and maintained surgical instruments including scrubbing, packing, and sterilization in accordance with protocol.
- Organized and staged operating rooms to ensure efficiency and readiness for scheduled procedures.
- Maintained strict sanitation and infection control in surgical and recovery areas.
- Safely handled and restrained patients, including feral and high-risk animals, to support treatment and minimize risk to team members.
Veterinary Student Internship
Riverwalk Animal Hospital
Okatie
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Prepared vaccines and assisted with exam room setup for efficient patient flow.
- Collaborated with veterinary technicians to enhance daily clinical operations and improve patient care.
- Performed basic laboratory tasks, including manual fecal and ear cytology preparation, to support diagnostic processes.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of exam rooms, kennels, and treatment areas, ensuring compliance with hospital protocols.
Education
High School Diploma -
Liberty County High School
Hinesville, GA05-2020
Veterinary Assistant Certification - Veterinary Assisting
Animal Behavior College
Santa Clarita, CA03-2023
Veterinary Technician Certification - Veterinary Medicine
Penn Foster College
Scottsdale, AZ05-2026
Skills
- Veterinary diagnostics
- Sample collection
- Animal restraint
- Vaccination administration
- Client education
- Empathetic care
- Team collaboration
- Physical stamina
- Heavy lifting
- Preventative care
References
- Medical Director DVM Tedd Zel- Williamsburg Animal Clinic 718-395-0043
- Lead Veterinary Technician Nick Ruiz- Williamsburg Animal Clinic 516-632-0435
Timeline
Veterinary Nurse
Williamsburg Animal Clinic
10.2024 - Current
Veterinary Assistant
Liberty Animal Clinic/Veterinary Medical Center
11.2023 - 10.2024
Veterinary Assistant
Hilton Head Humane Spay Neuter Clinic
06.2023 - 10.2023
Veterinary Student Internship
Riverwalk Animal Hospital
01.2023 - 03.2023
High School Diploma -
Liberty County High School
Veterinary Assistant Certification - Veterinary Assisting
Animal Behavior College
Veterinary Technician Certification - Veterinary Medicine
Penn Foster College