Tamara Whitt

Only Technician within the Vet Department/Surgery Team. It was a position that they brought back after not having one for a few years.

I worked closely with the veterinarians aiding in surgery for various studies. I set up and tore down the operating room I was responsible for inducing anesthesia, intubating of various species (pigs, dogs, monkeys, rats) and aseptic surgical prep, placing IV catheters when needed, giving treatments prior to surgery (antibiotics, pain control and IV/SQ fluids). I monitored anesthesia and assisted in surgery when needed and recovered animals when procedure was complete. I performed all dentals.

I was responsible for cleaning and sterilizing all surgical instruments and maintaining all surgical equipment, keeping track of inventory and ordering all supplies needed for the department.

• Improved patient outcomes by assisting in various surgical procedures and providing pre-and post-operative care.
• Enhanced surgical efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized operating room, ensuring all necessary equipment was readily available.
• Maintained compliance with safety protocols by sterilizing instruments, disposing of biohazardous waste properly, and adhering to facility guidelines.
• Provided care for animals before surgeries, administering anesthetics as necessary for overall comfort and health.
• Performed radiograph testing to assist doctors in making informed diagnoses and determining best treatment plans.
• Maintained detailed records of animal health care and diagnostic treatments.
• Upheld strict standards of cleanliness throughout all aspects of the clinic including kennels, exam rooms, and surgical suites to minimize infection risks.
• Assisted in emergency situations by staying calm under pressure and providing immediate support to the veterinary surgeon.
• Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
• Monitored vital signs of animals during surgical procedures and provided postoperative care.
• Effectively managed time-sensitive tasks while maintaining high-quality patient care through multitasking abilities during busy shifts at the clinic.
• Monitored post-operative recovery processes for surgical patients closely to detect any complications early enough for prompt intervention.
• Assisted in surgical procedures, ensuring a sterile environment and properly handing instruments to the veterinarian as needed.

• Government funded. Traveled around the US after the start of COVID-19 decontaminating N-95 masks for hospitals nationwide, due to the shortage, using a vaporized hydrogen peroxide system. This was a temporary position.

• Checked in clients and triaged their pets.
• Gathered all objective data in relation to pets visit.
• Collected patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
• Supported veterinary team in diagnostic imaging procedures such as radiographs and ultrasounds for accurate diagnoses.
• Collaborated with veterinary staff to provide exceptional customer service while managing phone calls and front desk tasks.
• Reduced stress for patients with calming techniques during exams and procedures, creating a positive experience.
• Greeted guests in with friendliness and professionalism.
• Worked closely with management to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.
• Assisted in exam rooms with exams
• Boosted customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues professionally.
• Answered incoming phone calls to process requests, transfer calls, or relay messages to appropriate personnel.
• Assisted in all aspects of surgery.
• Performed dental procedures

• Contributed to policy revisions related to critical care nursing practice based on research findings or updated industry standards regulations.
• Continuously expanded clinical knowledge base through participation in educational workshops, seminars, and conferences related to critical care nursing.
• Continuously sought opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Served as a trusted resource for colleagues seeking guidance on complex clinical situations, offering evidence-based recommendations and expertise gained from years of experience in critical care nursing.
• Notified Attending Veterinarian of changes in patients condition outside of specified parameters.
• Monitored Vitals: TPR, MM/CRT, BP with manometer/doppler
• Calculated constant rate infusions.
• Placed IV Catheters and started IV fluids.
• Set up and monitored telemetry.
• Set up and monitored Pleur-E-Vac continuous chest tube suction.
• Manually aspirated chest tubes
• Administered medications via multiple routes.
• Updated clients/owners on patient status multiple times daily.

• Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback to support growth and skill development within the organization.
• Implemented continuous improvement initiatives that reduced operational costs while maintaining high standards of care.
• Enhanced employee morale and retention by fostering a positive work environment through team-building activities and open communication channels.
• Developed strong relationships with community partners to promote collaboration on health initiatives aimed at improving public health outcomes.
• Promoted a culture of excellence among hospital staff by organizing ongoing professional development opportunities for employees at all levels.
• Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
• Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
• Organized and directed worker training programs to resolve personnel problems, hire new staff and evaluate employee performance.
• Optimized workflow efficiency with strategic delegation of tasks based on individual skillsets and strengths within the team.
• Maintained a high standard of cleanliness throughout the facility; ensuring regular deep cleans to prevent cross contamination.
• Performed laboratory tests to diagnose illnesses and monitor ongoing treatment progress.
• Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
• Administered prescribed medications to patients under direct supervision of veterinarians, ensuring proper dosages and adherence to treatment plans.
• Assisted in surgeries by preparing surgical suites, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring anesthesia administration was safe and effective.
• Upheld high standards of hygiene within the clinic through diligent cleaning and disinfecting routines, reducing the risk of infection.

• Followed effective process for bathing and grooming dogs to remove dirt, loose hair, parasites, and hair mats.
• Recorded dogs' intake and output, physical condition and behavior for updated kennel logs.
• Washed, trimmed, and brushed animals to maintain good grooming standards.
• Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in increased productivity among kennel technicians.
• Provided excellent customer service when interacting with pet owners and potential adopters, addressing concerns and answering questions about animal care.
• Supported animal wellbeing by caring for both physical and mental health needs through strategies such as regular exercise.
• Cleaned and maintained kennel areas for optimized hygiene, including cages, runs and yards.
• Enhanced animal socialization skills through daily interaction and playtime activities.
• Implemented efficient feeding schedules, ensuring all animals received proper nutrition on a timely basis.
• Conducted regular safety inspections of kennels, identifying potential hazards and taking corrective action as needed.
• Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.