Sabrina Crum
Novi
Summary
Highly skilled Emergency Veterinary Assistant with experience in providing urgent care to critically ill or injured animals. Strengths include sound judgment under pressure, great triage and nursing capabilities, known to be reliable to obtain samples and gain intravenous access in unstable and stable patients, excellent patient handling with a focus on low-stress experiences and safety for patients and staff, and ability to communicate both compassionately and effectively with pet owners during highly emotional situations.
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2018
2018
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Emergency Veterinary Assistant
MedVet
Commerce
01.2025 - Current
- Provided immediate and critical care to injured or sick animals in emergency situations
- Assisted veterinarians in performing medical procedures, including administering medications, wound cleaning, and bandaging
- Monitored vital signs of patients, such as heart rate, respiration, and temperature at triage and throughout hospital stays
- Prepared animals for surgery by sterilizing surgical instruments and ensuring proper anesthesia administration
- Managed triage process to prioritize cases based on severity and urgency of condition
- Collaborated with veterinary team to develop treatment plans for each patient's specific needs
- Maintained accurate records of patient treatments, medications administered, and progress notes through Smartflow software
- Educated pet owners on post-treatment care instructions and provided guidance on preventive healthcare measures - namely in regards to patients presenting with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or post urinary blockage, as well as helping clients find support
- Responded promptly to emergency calls from pet owners seeking immediate assistance for their animals' health issues
- Assisted with euthanasia procedures with compassion and empathy towards grieving pet owners
- Handled emergency situations calmly and efficiently by providing first aid treatment to injured or distressed animals
- Administered vaccinations to animals according to vaccination schedules and maintained vaccine inventory
- Prepared surgical equipment and assisted in surgeries, ensuring a sterile environment and proper handling of instruments
- Maintained accurate medical records for each patient, documenting diagnoses, treatments, and progress notes
- Provided compassionate care to animals by monitoring their vital signs and ensuring their comfort during examinations and treatments
- Conducted routine laboratory tests such as blood work analysis, urinalysis, fecal examinations etc
- Operated diagnostic equipment such as radiography machines or ultrasound devices for diagnostic imaging purposes
- Monitored anesthesia during surgical procedures by observing vital signs of patients
- Maintained cleanliness of examination rooms before/after appointments
- Restrained animals safely during examinations or treatments using appropriate techniques
- Instructed clients about medication administration techniques (oral/topical) for home use after discharge from the clinic
- Provided support and comfort to anxious or distressed animals during their stay at the clinic
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of surgical suite, including sterilization of instruments and equipment
- Administered intravenous fluids and medications as directed by veterinarians
- Aided in the collection of samples for laboratory testing, such as blood, urine, or tissue samples
- Perform IV catheter placement on stable and unstable/critical patients
- Performed routine grooming tasks such as nail trims, ear cleanings, and anal gland expressions
- Maintained a safe environment for both staff members and patients by following infection control protocols
- Served as a liaison between veterinarians and pet owners by relaying information about diagnoses, treatment options etc
- Educated clients about zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans) and preventive measures to minimize risks
- Run and help run codes during CPR and successfully achieve return of spontaneous circulation
- Intubation of felines and canines
- Obtaining urine samples via cystocentesis
- Placing indwelling urinary catheters in male dogs
- Passing red rubber urinary catheters in male dogs
- Placing indwelling urinary catheters in female dogs
- Managing and monitoring sedated patients with injectable sedation
- Ability to act quickly and maintain efficiency for critical patients and emergency surgeries
- Medical math such as CRI calculations, dextrose calculations, dilutions, dosage calculations of oral and injectable medications
- Ability to monitor patient response to medications
- Post anesthesia care and monitoring
- Post surgical care for neuro patients receiving spinal surgery, as well as patients receiving orthopedic surgeries, and soft tissue surgeries.
- Advocate for patients to receive adequate pain control and anxiolytics when necessary
- Perform coccygeal nerve blocks on felines and canines
- Understand and practice techniques for prepping different surgical sites
- Delivered oral, injectable and topical medications to patients
- Ability to calmly handle patients with tendencies to turn towards aggression, especially when fearful or painful.
- Place nasogastric tubes on felines and canines under sedation
- Deep understanding of the 5 R's of medication administration to patients
- Understanding of how to handle, deliver, and dispose of controlled substances, as well as controlled substance record keeping.
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot Snyder oxygen cages.
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot anesthetic machines, rebreathing and non-rebreathing circuits
- Understanding the dangers of waste anesthetic gases and use of scavenging systems
- Experience with handling anesthetic inhalants such as isoflurane
- Understanding of important pharmacology used in veterinary hospital setting including varieties of pain medications (opioids, NSAIDS, dissociative agents), sedatives and anesthetic induction agents (examples: alpha-2 agonists, benzodiazepines, neuro-active steroids, barbiturates), vasopressors, positive inotropes, etc.
- Understanding of dilution, delivery sites, and monitoring of patients receiving vasopressors
- Understanding of fluid additives such as potassium or dextrose, and how to calculate them
- Setting up and properly delivering intravenous fluids and CRIs with different types of fluids pumps as well as syringe pumps.
- Radiography techniques for different anatomical sites including extremities and skull radiographs
- Ability to collect blood samples from unstable and stable feline and canine patients from the saphenous, jugular, and cephalic veins.
- Take blood pressure readings on doppler and oscillometric machines.
Animal Behavior Consultant
Union Lake Pet Services
Commerce
03.2023 - 10.2024
- Designed and implemented customized training programs for dogs of various breeds and sizes
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to teach obedience commands, leash manners, and socialization skills
- Developed specialized training plans for dogs with behavioral issues such as aggression or separation anxiety
- Conducted group training classes, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment for both dogs and owners
- Provided one-on-one private training sessions tailored to meet the specific needs of each dog and owner
- Educated owners on proper handling techniques, effective communication methods, and responsible pet ownership practices
- Implemented behavior modification strategies to address unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing
- Assessed individual dog temperamentss and adjusted training approaches accordingly for optimal results
- Maintained accurate records of client progress, including behavior assessments, training goals, and session summaries
- Stayed up-to-date with industry trends by attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses in animal behavior science
- Created engaging educational materials such as handouts or online resources for clients seeking additional information on dog training techniques
- Demonstrated patience when working with challenging cases involving fearful or aggressive dogs
- Incorporated clicker-training methods into daily routines to reinforce desired behaviors effectively
- Implemented reward-based systems that motivated dogs during training sessions and accelerated learning
- Conducted behavior assessments to evaluate dogs' suitability for specific training programs or activities
- Provided ongoing support and guidance to clients, offering advice on behavior management techniques and troubleshooting common issues
- Maintained a clean and safe training environment, ensuring equipment was properly sanitized and in good working condition
- Demonstrated effective communication skills by clearly explaining training concepts and instructions to owners
- Implemented positive reinforcement strategies that fostered trust, confidence, and strong bonds between dogs and their owners
- Utilized various tools such as treats, toys, or clickers to reinforce desired behaviors during training sessions
- Adapted training methods based on individual dogs' learning styles, temperament, and motivation levels
- Assisted in the development of puppy socialization programs aimed at promoting healthy interactions with other dogs
- Evaluated progress through regular assessments of each dog's performance against established goals
- Developed positive relationships with clients through excellent customer service skills and personalized attention to their needs
- Managed scheduling of appointments or classes using online booking systems or software applications
- Ensured the safety of all participants during group classes by enforcing proper leash handling techniques and managing any potential conflicts between dogs
- Kept up to date and abided by guidelines for ethical canine training set by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Effectively communicated downfalls to compulsive/punishment-based training to clients
- Deep understanding of canine body language and underlying components to behavioral health issues
- Deep understanding of canine socializing and play structure in small and larger groups
- Worked in a large kennel area with many other dogs and managed dogs with reactivity issues around this setting
- Worked with dogs on cooperative care for veterinary visits and grooming in collaboration with owners, veterinary staff, and groomers.
General Practice Veterinary Assistant
Dandy Acres Small Animal Hospital
South Lyon
01.2020 - 03.2023
- Providing general nursing care
- Safe handling/restraint of small animals for examination, blood draws, etc.
- Examining animals and checking vitals in preparation for the Veterinarian
- Using an autoclave
- Wrapping surgical gown packs
- Wrapping surgical instrument packs
- Basic understanding of surgical instruments
- Ability to induce and intubate surgical patients
- Taking X-rays of animals for different anatomical sites
- Administering first aid for emergencies
- Administering medication and treatments
- Administering subcutaneous, intravenous and intramuscular injections; medicines, fluids, and sedation
- Drawing blood samples for testing on canines and felines from the jugular, saphenous, and cephalic veins
- Monitoring animals under anesthesia
- Post anesthesia care
- Monitoring animals under sedation
- Placing IV catheters on felines and canines
- Obtain urine samples via ultrasound-guided cystocentesis
- Ability to prep and read ear and skin cytologies
- Basic understanding of blood work results
- Scheduling Appointments
- Running bloodwork in a lab setting
- Running urinalysis, setting up urine culture plates, setting up DTM vials for fungal testing, reading fecal float slides
- Dental cleanings
- Dental x-rays
- Aseptic cleaning methods
- Working in/around a sterile field
- Creating invoices
- Checking clients out
- Client education
- Learning from others more experienced than I with an open mind
- Willingness to adapt to changes and advances within the field
- Updating medical records appropriately
- Sharing knowledge with others newer to the field
- Staying professional and respectful in the workplace to coworkers and clients
- Gentle Handling
- Low stress handling
- Appropriate feline handling
- Proper understanding and use of PPE in a hospital setting for hazardous materials and infectious diseases
- Understanding of generalized infectious disease protocols
- Understanding of zoonotic diseases
Resturaunt Manager
McDonald's
New Hudson
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient restaurant functionality.
- Trained and mentored team members on service standards and procedures.
- Managed inventory levels and coordinated supply orders for food and materials.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain product standards and safety.
- Conducted performance evaluations to guide staff development and improvement.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and company policies during shifts.
- Collaborated with management to develop strategies for improving customer satisfaction.
- Scheduled staff shifts to optimize coverage during peak hours and events.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Assigned tasks to associates to fit skill levels and maximize team performance.
- Resolved conflicts between employees by providing guidance on company policies and procedures.
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
Education
Harbor High-school
Highland, MISome College (No Degree) - Veterinary Technician
Penn Foster College
Scottsdale, AZSkills
- Emergency care
- Surgical assistance
- Vital signs monitoring
- Medication administration
- Anesthesia management
- Client education
- Animal restraint
- Infection control
- Behavior assessment
- Medical record keeping
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Careful restraint
- Animal safety
- Euthanasia assistance
- Reception duties
- Sanitation protocols
- Physical examinations
- Surgical procedures and support
- Animal nutrition
- Vaccine administration
- Pre-anesthetic preparation
- Animal grooming
- Sample collection
- Parasite control
- Patient flow management
- Pharmacy inventory
- Post operative care
- Procedure support
- Anesthesia monitoring
- Patient restraint
- Veterinary terminology
- Emergency and preventive care
- Laboratory procedures
- Intravenous catheterization
- Radiology techniques
- Gowning and gloving procedures
- Dental prophylaxis
- Diagnostic imaging
- Continuous improvement
- Immunization administration
- Animal husbandry
- Self motivation
- Equipment sterilization
- Fluid therapy
- Pet owner education
- Medical terminology
- Urinary catheter placement and care
- Nasogastric tube placement and care
- Multitasking capacity
Affiliations
- I have a 1 year old daughter named Helena who I love dearly
- I have 2 cats, Moose Tracks and Sugarplum, who are litter mates I adopted together when they were found as strays at 4-6 weeks old
- I love reading, movies, coloring, painting, and video games.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Emergency Veterinary Assistant
MedVet
01.2025 - Current
Animal Behavior Consultant
Union Lake Pet Services
03.2023 - 10.2024
General Practice Veterinary Assistant
Dandy Acres Small Animal Hospital
01.2020 - 03.2023
Resturaunt Manager
McDonald's
01.2017 - 01.2020
Harbor High-school
Some College (No Degree) - Veterinary Technician
Penn Foster College