Rachel durphy
Tuckerton,NJ
Summary
Experienced healthcare professional, cross trained in several aspects of veterinary medicine and prepared for whatever new responsibilities transpire. Proven ability to manage critical care patients with strong multifaceted clinical skills in anesthesia administration, ventilator management, and emergency response. Team player focused on collaborative patient care and achieving optimal outcomes. Adaptable to dynamic environments, ensuring consistent high standards in patient safety and care. Actually has worked as a chemistry laboratory assistant while in college and excels in thinking outside of the box.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ICU/Anesthesia Nurse
Mount Laurel Animal Hospital
12.2023 - 10.2025
- Administered critical care treatments for diverse animal patients in ICU setting.
- Monitored vital signs and responded to changes in patient conditions promptly.
- Collaborated with veterinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Maintained accurate medical records and documentation for all ICU cases.
- Assisted in emergency procedures, ensuring swift response during critical situations.
- Mentored new ICU nurses, sharing knowledge and expertise to enhance their professional growth and development.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare team, ensuring patient-centered care.
- Implemented best practices in wound care management, reducing healing time and preventing complications in post-surgical patients.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families, easing stress of hospitalization.
ER/Anesthesia Nurse
Absecon Veterinary Hospital
06.2020 - 05.2025
- Operated anesthesia equipment to ensure optimal patient safety during surgical procedures.
- Assisted veterinarians in preparing patients for anesthesia, maintaining high standards of care.
- Monitored vital signs and anesthesia levels, ensuring consistent support throughout procedures.
- Trained new staff on anesthesia protocols and equipment operation to enhance team efficiency.
- Implemented process improvements that increased workflow efficiency during surgical operations.
- Maintained and cleaned anesthesia machines by changing soda-lime, refilling vaporizers with anesthetic agents and replacing nitrous, oxygen and air cylinders.
- Enhanced patient safety by conducting routine inspections and troubleshooting issues with anesthesia machines and devices.
- Accelerated recovery process post-surgery by properly setting up and managing ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and other respiratory equipment.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities, consistently expanding knowledge on best practices within the field of anesthesiology support services.
- Pretested and calibrated anesthesia delivery systems and monitors.
- Obtained detailed health history from each patient and conducted physical examinations to calculate exact dosages prior to anesthetic administration.
- Reduced procedure complications through proficient insertion of intravenous lines and arterial catheters under supervision.
Shelter/Veterinary Technician/Animal Control Officer
Humane Society Of Ocean City
06.2006 - 09.2019
- Administered vaccinations and medications to pets, ensuring adherence to veterinary protocols.
- Assisted in surgical procedures by preparing instruments and monitoring anesthesia levels.
- Educated pet owners on post-operative care and preventative health measures.
- Managed patient records using veterinary practice management software for accuracy and compliance.
- Helped to start the Veterinary clinic at the Humane Society
- Assisted in the T.N.R. rogram
- Effectively managed time-sensitive tasks while maintaining high-quality patient care through multitasking abilities during busy shifts at the clinic.
- Assisted in euthanasia procedures with empathy and compassion, providing emotional support to grieving pet owners during difficult times.
- Administered medications and vaccinations to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian, ensuring proper dosage and administration techniques.
- Restrained animals to protect veterinarians from potential harm.
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
- Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
- Educated clients on preventive care measures such as vaccination schedules, heartworm prevention, flea/tick control, dental hygiene, and nutrition guidelines.
- Maintained clean examination rooms, equipment, and kennels to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for both patients and staff members.
- Provided thorough discharge instructions to clients following appointments or surgical procedures, ensuring clear understanding of medications, aftercare steps, and follow-up recommendations.
- Participated in community outreach programs, raising awareness on animal health and safety.
- Enhanced clinic reputation through exceptional customer service and care for animals.
- Developed and facilitated community classes to provide information for pet owners while building hospital's reputation.
- Enforced animal control laws to ensure community safety and compliance.
- Rescued and rehabilitated injured or abandoned animals, facilitating safe returns to their habitats.
- Conducted investigations of animal cruelty cases, collaborating with law enforcement when necessary.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to enforce animal control ordinances and handle dangerous or aggressive animals.
- Handled emergency situations calmly and effectively, employing appropriate restraint techniques for various species while prioritizing public safety.
- Conducted thorough investigations into cases of suspected animal cruelty or neglect, gathering evidence to support legal action when necessary.
- Maintained a safe environment for animals in the shelter by performing daily health checks, feeding, and cleaning duties.
- Enhanced public safety by responding to and investigating reports of animal abuse, neglect, and nuisance complaints.
- Assisted in the successful rehoming of animals by carrying out adoption processes, including interviewing potential adopters and conducting home visits.
- Administered vaccinations, microchipping services, and basic medical care for animals under the shelter''s supervision, promoting overall wellbeing.
- Implemented trap, neuter and release programs to manage local feral cat population.
- Provided compassionate assistance during natural disasters or emergencies, effectively coordinating the rescue and sheltering of displaced animals.
Education
High School Diploma -
Abington High School
Abington, PANo Degree - Behavioral Neuroscience
Ursinus College
Collegeville, PABachelor of Science - Biology
Stockton University
Absecon, NJSkills
- Critical care administration
- Patient-centered advocacy and compassionate patient care
- Animal welfare enforcement
- Fear Free certified
- Basic and Advanced life support (RECOVER certified)
- Staff training and mentoring
- Emergency response procedures
- Anesthesia administration ASA1-5
Accomplishments
- Graduated Tri Beta from Stockton University with a Bachelors degree in Biology.
- State Certified Animal Control Officer.
- Helped to start the vet clinic at the Humane Society of Ocean City
Certification
RECOVER (ALS/BLS) certified, expires April 2027
Fear Free Certified
OSHA certified
was employed with AHAA certified Hospital
Passed VTNE 2023 but did not go through a veterinary based program
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
I love to cook, every year since I was probably 7, I could put on a full Thanksgiving meal, thanks to my grandmother When I started working at Absecon Vet, I started cooking a full Thanksgiving meal for my vet family and it became a tradition which I just loved So cooking is a true love of mine as well as serving others For many years I have given back to the community I remember being in elementary school starting drives for those less fortunate and distributing those items, it was so fulfilling I love art and creating art in any medium I also find myself trying new things (high intensity, adrenaline releasing) all the time, like skydiving and snowmobiling I love to work with my hands and learn by using my hands so building, climbing and fixing things come naturally
Timeline
ICU/Anesthesia Nurse
Mount Laurel Animal Hospital
12.2023 - 10.2025
ER/Anesthesia Nurse
Absecon Veterinary Hospital
06.2020 - 05.2025
Shelter/Veterinary Technician/Animal Control Officer
Humane Society Of Ocean City
06.2006 - 09.2019
High School Diploma -
Abington High School
No Degree - Behavioral Neuroscience
Ursinus College
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Stockton University