Mikaela Zahn

I continued my vet assistant duties that I held previously at Hammond. I focused more on surgical preparation and assistance. This year I focused on being more comfortable prepping and assisting surgeries so that I would feel confident without another tech there to help me. I now run surgery shifts by myself without any hesitation and feel fully prepared to handle any situation that could present its self. When I came back to Hammond I also stepped in and took a look at all of our finances and pricing. I worked to figure out where our practice was not profiting as well as it could. I took more of a lead and initiative to work with all the departments of the clinic to figure out how it could best operate. The company saw a significant improvement in our profit margins and efficiency after I was able to apply my research to those areas.

The previous responsibilities from Hammond Animal Hospital I carried over to OKC Vet campus. It was an amazing experience getting to work with two new doctors. I got to learn a lot of different techniques when it comes to caring for patients. I got to assist on multiple different surgeries that I had not previously seen i.e platelet rich plasma, soft palette surgery. I became familiar with all new technology including water treadmill therapy and Heska blood machines. As well as observe and assist acupuncture appointments. I learned all new software during my short time here. I am so grateful for my time with OKC Vet Campus and all that I was able to experience. It was just a short term job that aloud me to grow as a tech while I lived in Oklahoma City for a summer.

• Calculated dosages for surgeries
• Prepared animals for surgeries
• Intubated
• Catheterized
• Administered pre anesthetic drugs
• Monitored patients during surgery and recovery
• Performed dentals with extractions
• Making surgical packs
• Radiographs
• Jugular blood draws
• Administering vaccines
• Performing heartworm tests and collecting fecal samples
• Running in house bloodwork using Abaxis machines
• Confident dosing medications of any kind
• Communicating with owners about their pets about their questions and concerns and relaying that information to the vet
• Talking to owners about heartworm and flea and tick prevention
• Explaining to owners what different medications, vaccines and treatments are so they feel confidant in our plan for their pet.

• Monitored animals in post-operative care unit for anesthesia recovery, vital signs and activity levels
• Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, equipment and kennels to prevent spread of disease, control odors and maintain healthy environment
• Assisted Veterinary Technicians in performing basic exams and tests for all species of patients
• Collected specimens from patients for laboratory analysis for parasites, blood analysis and culture
• Interacted with clients regarding animal health, questions and concerns, education on treatment protocol and general procedures
• Swabbed ears to remove wax and dirt, removing extra hair to allow air to circulate freely and avoid infection
• Analyzed bloodwork and sample results using IDEXX to diagnose diseases and conditions
• Assessed paws, ears and eyes for injuries or infections upon check-in and notified customers of issues immediately
• Carefully clipped nails and trimmed hair around pads and paws, using gentle approach for anxious pets
• Assisted with dental cleaning's using ultrasonic scaler
• Administered prescribed indictable controlled substances, tranquilizers, sedatives, and indictable or inhalant anesthetics

• Maintained equipment and ranch structures
• Kept grounds clean and orderly by monitoring and repairing fences
• Cared for 600 cattle livestock by regularly feeding and inspecting for illness and injuries
• Administered vaccines
• Herded livestock using ATVs
• Raked and bailed hay