Shannon Smith
Ramona,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented Veterinary Technician with 10+ years of relevant experience with large and small animals. Have also worked with birds, tortoises, rodents and reptiles. Recognized for passion and dedication to excellent animal care and client service. Working towards retaining my RVT license.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Veterinary Surgical Technician
VCA California Veterinary Specialist
11.2022 - Current
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
- Managed medical intervention and therapy for animals in collaboration with veterinarian.
- Monitored vital signs of animals during surgical procedures and provided postoperative care.
- Collected and prepared specimens for laboratory testing.
- Maintained detailed records of animal health care and diagnostic treatments.
- Assisted in preparation and administration of anesthesia for surgical processes.
- Assisted veterinarians with radiographs and ultrasounds.
- Administered prescribed injectable controlled substances, tranquilizers, sedatives and injectable or inhalant anesthetics.
- Maintained and cleaned anesthesia machines by changing soda-lime, refilling vaporizers with anesthetic agents and replacing nitrous, oxygen and air cylinders.
- Assisted with transports of invasively monitored O.R. and I.C.U. patients.
- Adjusted and monitored injectable and inhaled anesthesia and sedation by thoroughly assessing vitals and health of patients.
- Pretested and calibrated anesthesia delivery systems and monitors.
- Handled emergency situations by stepping in to perform CPR on patients.
- Provided airway management interventions, tracheal intubation and ventilatory support.
- Assisted post-operative patients with acute pain management in line with established safety and medicine administration protocols.
- Managed proper administration of prescribed anesthetics to patients ahead of surgical procedures.
- Managed medication administration, dispensed prescriptions and replenished inventory, carefully accounting for controlled substances.
- Dressed wounds and placed bandages.
- Collected animal blood samples and prepared specimens for shipment and laboratory testing.
- Quarantined infected animals for specialized treatment to curtail disease spread.
- Assisted in critical surgery cases.
- Assisted in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery procedures.
Lead Veterinary Technician
Companion Care Veterinary Hospital
07.2022 - 11.2022
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Onboarded new employees with training.
- Evaluated employees' strengths and assigned tasks based upon experience and training.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Delivered feedback to decision-makers regarding employee performance and training needs.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
- Supervised team of 8 veterinary technicians.
- Scheduled surgeries, managed pre-certifications and verified insurance coverage.
- Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Answered owner animal health questions and advised on best care practices.
- Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
Veterinary Technician
Frosted Faces Foundation
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Preformed and assisted in intake process of senior canines coming into the program.
- Assessed paws, ears and eyes for injuries or infections as part of initial evaluation.
- Answered owner animal health questions and advised on best care practices.
- Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
- Established intravenous drips for ongoing hydration in treatments.
- Performed ophthalmological procedures such as tear production testing, topical anesthetic application, fluorescein staining of cornea and tonometry.
- Recorded symptoms and documented medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
- Implanted subcutaneous identification microchips into animals.
- Entered data from pet records and office visits into computer system.
- Referred and screened patients to make best use of resources, triage staff and serve community members.
- Ordered medicines daily to replenish stock and increase inventory in anticipation of need.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Inspected laboratory equipment to maintain good working condition for optimal results.
- Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
- Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
Veterinary Technician/Receptionist
East county large animal practice
07.2019 - 12.2021
- Prepared and labeled medications and instructed client on administration.
- Performed physical examinations and recorded weight, temperature and other vitals.
- Operated anesthesia, oxygen and monitoring equipment.
- Administered and monitored anesthesia for surgeries and operations.
- Partnered with IDEXX to analyze blood samples and diagnose conditions and diseases.
- Prepared and reviewed records and consent forms.
- Scrubbed, counted and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
- Triaged scheduled or emergency patients to route to appropriate surgeon or treatment area.
- Cared for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
- Traveled to farms to treat livestock injuries, disease and birthing.
- Managed clinic operations, including supervising vet techs, scheduling and appointments.
- Assisted veterinarian with surgical procedures
- Conducted initial exams on pets, took vital signs and collected samples for lab.
- Performed routine laboratory testing.
- Ran inventory for prescription medications and all lab supplies
- Administered immunizations, blood plasma and other medications to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Trained new veterinary staff on office procedures and requirements.
- Helped veterinarian with neutering, tooth removal and casting broken bones.
- Supported veterinarians in disease management and mitigation procedures.
- Explained disease and condition diagnoses, prognoses and treatment options to pet and animal owners to provide information for decision-making concerning care.
- Managed medical intervention and therapy for animals in collaboration with veterinarian.
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, outlined costs and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Managed adjoining veterinary supply shop that sold medications, animal food and pet equipment.
- Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
- Made visits to farms to assist with animal emergencies such as injury, disease and birthing.
Barista
Packards Coffee Shop
11.2017 - 05.2019
- Serve food, beverages, or desserts to customers in such settings as take-out counters of restaurants or lunchrooms, business or industrial establishments, and cars.
- Prepare bills for food, using cash registers, calculators, using square on an iPad, and accept payment or make change.
- Cook food or prepare food items, such as sandwiches, pastries, and Crepes, using standard formulas or following direction.
- Perform cleaning duties such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.
- Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.
- Brew coffee and tea, make specialty beverages and fill containers with requested beverages.
- Take customers' orders and write ordered items on tickets, giving ticket stubs to customers when needed to identify filled orders.
- Order items needed to replenish supplies.
- Set up dining areas for meals and clear them following meals.
- Trusted key holder-Open up or lock up shop in morning or night, get shop ready for the next day.
Nanny
The Haney Family
08.2015 - 07.2017
- Meet regularly with parents to discuss children's activities and development.
- Organize and conduct age-appropriate recreational activities, such as games, arts and crafts, sports, walks, and play dates.
- Help develop or monitor family schedule.
- Supervise and assist with homework.
- Assign appropriate chores and praise targeted behaviors to encourage development of self- control, self-confidence, and responsibility.
- Transport children to schools, social outings, and medical appointments.
- Perform housekeeping and cleaning duties related to children's care.
Veterinary Assistant
High Valley Veterinary Hospital
12.2009 - 08.2014
- Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- Documented and tracked treatment activities.
- Assisted veterinarians in examining animals.
- Stocked treatment rooms with appropriate supplies, scheduled appointments, answered phones and processed customer payments to boost office efficiency.
- Documented patient information with precision to maintain records accuracy.
- Dusted, sprayed and bathed animals to maintain good hygiene and control insect pests.
Education
Completed coursework towards Sign language interpreting Communication -
Mesa College
San diego, CA05.2013
Completed coursework towards American Sign Language/ English Communication -
Grossmont community college
San Diego, CA04.2012
Skills
- Controlled substances license
- Comprehensive anesthesia monitoring
- OFA x-ray certified
- K-laser certified
- Knowledgeable in animal CPR
- Medical Equipment Maintenance
- Staff Training
- Clear Communication
- Emergency First Aid
- Client Relations
- Data Entry and Database Software
- Laboratory Equipment Handling
- Specimen Analysis
Additional Information
Participated in 4-H for over 10 years, showing and raising dogs, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, and cows. Junior leader in k9 obedience classes, and Vice President of my 4-H chapter for 2 years.
Timeline
Veterinary Surgical Technician
VCA California Veterinary Specialist
11.2022 - Current
Lead Veterinary Technician
Companion Care Veterinary Hospital
07.2022 - 11.2022
Veterinary Technician
Frosted Faces Foundation
07.2021 - 07.2022
Veterinary Technician/Receptionist
East county large animal practice
07.2019 - 12.2021
Barista
Packards Coffee Shop
11.2017 - 05.2019
Nanny
The Haney Family
08.2015 - 07.2017
Veterinary Assistant
High Valley Veterinary Hospital
12.2009 - 08.2014
Completed coursework towards Sign language interpreting Communication -
Mesa College
Completed coursework towards American Sign Language/ English Communication -
Grossmont community college
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