Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Tara DeRhodes

Lawrence,IN

Summary

Dynamic Surgery Assistant with proven expertise at All Star Veterinary Clinic, enhancing surgical outcomes through meticulous sterile techniques and proactive teamwork. Adept at critical thinking and effective communication, I consistently improved patient care and streamlined operating room efficiency, ensuring a seamless surgical experience for both pets and their owners.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Surgery Assistant

All Star Veterinary Clinic
07.2024 - Current
  • Increased efficiency in the operating room by maintaining inventory levels and ensuring timely replenishment of supplies.
  • Strengthened surgical team performance through active participation in ongoing quality improvement initiatives, such as debriefings, case reviews, and skills training sessions.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of surgeries by diligently recording all relevant information in patient records.
  • Reduced risk of infection through rigorous sterilization protocols for all surgical tools and equipment.
  • Improved surgical outcomes by anticipating surgeon needs and providing prompt assistance during operations.
  • Maximized patient comfort throughout their perioperative experience via empathetic communication and gentle handling techniques.
  • Facilitated seamless transitions between surgeries by efficiently turning over the operating room for subsequent cases.
  • Upheld high standards of cleanliness in the operating room by consistently following established protocols for sanitization and waste disposal.

Answering incoming telephone calls and scheduling patients for surgery

Assisting the Veterinarian during surgical procedures

• Feeding and providing water to animals at regular intervals throughout the day

• Grooming and bathing animals

• Sterilizing surgical equipment and regularly cleaning examination areas

• Advising owners of pets about caring for their animals at home

Keeping in constant communication with owners regarding their animals and walking them through the surgical timeline via text message, email and telephone

Handling and soothing animals during examinations, treatments, and vaccinations

Recording relevant information about animals, including weight and types of medication

given

• Expert animal handling skills

• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks depending on needs

• Good organizational skills

• Technical know-how in areas such as disinfection, administering medication, and diagnostic equipment

• Computer skills to maintain medical records about animals in veterinary software

Client Service Representative

MedVet
12.2021 - 05.2024

Greet and check-in clients

• Answer telephones and direct multiple phone lines to correct departments at one time

• Escort clients and their pets to exam rooms

• Manage medical records, charts, reports and email correspondence

• Discuss payment options and process payments or Care Credit

• Maintain a neat and clean lobby

• Upload Radiographs

• Follow up with clients regarding deceased patients remains

• Check clients out



Sales Specialist

The Room Place
08.2019 - 03.2020
  • Built rapport with customers and assessed needs to make product recommendations and upsell.
  • Educated customers about product features and benefits to aid in selecting best options for each individuals' needs.
  • Built strong client relationships through consistent communication and effective problemsolving.
  • Provided first-rate service to all customers and potential customers.
  • Followed up with customers after completed sales to assess satisfaction and resolve technical or service concerns.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction by providing exceptional product knowledge and tailored recommendations.

Veterinary Assistant /Front Desk Receptionist

Ravenswood Animal Hospital Llc - Dr. Cindy Olsen
07.2018 - 08.2019
  • Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
  • Assisted in the administration of medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
  • Enhanced patient care by assisting veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures.
  • Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
  • Ensured accuracy of medical records by diligently documenting all relevant information for each patient visit.
  • Provided compassionate care for animals during treatment and recovery from illnesses or injuries.
  • Improved client relations through effective communication and education on pet health needs.

Client Care Coordinator

Blue Pearl Pet Hospital
01.2015 - 05.2017
  • Applied strategic thinking skills when evaluating potential solutions or alternatives during critical decision-making processes affecting the client experience.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing personalized solutions.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients to build trust and loyalty, resulting in repeat business.
  • Analyzed feedback from clients to identify patterns and trends requiring attention or action from management.
  • Maintained detailed records of client interactions, enabling accurate tracking and reporting of performance metrics.
  • Assisted team members in resolving complex client issues, promoting a collaborative work environment.

Bridal Consultant

Weddings 826
03.2013 - 12.2015
  • Assisted brides in selecting the perfect gown by carefully listening to their preferences and offering expert advice based on body type, venue, and personal style.
  • Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills when addressing any challenges faced during fittings or alterations appointments, ensuring client satisfaction at all times.
  • Provided emotional support for stressed brides throughout their wedding planning journey by offering compassionate guidance in addition to fashion expertise.
  • Educated brides on proper gown care, fitting procedures, and alterations timelines to set realistic expectations and avoid last-minute stressors.

Veterinary Assistant

Blum Animal Hospital
06.2010 - 12.2013
  • Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
  • Assisted in the administration of medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
  • Enhanced patient care by assisting veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, and diagnostic procedures.
  • Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.

Service Advisor

Tom Wood Lexus
02.2006 - 09.2009
  • Educated customers on proper vehicle maintenance, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and loyalty.
  • Maintained high customer satisfaction standards to meet or exceed targets.
  • Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
  • Consistently met or exceeded monthly sales targets by upselling relevant products/services when appropriate.
  • Conducted thorough vehicle inspections to identify needed maintenance or repairs, recommending appropriate services to customers.
  • Increased repeat business, establishing rapport and trust with customers through attentive listening and clear communication.
  • Maintained detailed records of services performed, ensuring accuracy in billing and warranty claims processing.

Education

No Degree - General Studies

Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC

High School Diploma -

Socastee High School
Myrtle Beach, SC
05-2001

Skills

  • Ability to stay calm during a medical emergency
  • Operating room etiquette
  • Critical thinking
  • Motivation and initiative
  • Empathy and compassion for others
  • Active listening
  • Professionalism and ethics
  • Documentation and record keeping
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Medical terminology
  • Problem-solving capacity
  • Equipment sterilization procedures
  • Suture and staple removal
  • Postoperative care
  • Surgical instrumentation
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Setting up and operating equipment
  • Safe sharps disposal
  • Pre-surgical preparation
  • Medication administration
  • Patient transportation
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Multitasking
  • Workplace safety
  • Reliability
  • Excellent communication
  • Organizational skills

Timeline

Surgery Assistant

All Star Veterinary Clinic
07.2024 - Current

Client Service Representative

MedVet
12.2021 - 05.2024

Sales Specialist

The Room Place
08.2019 - 03.2020

Veterinary Assistant /Front Desk Receptionist

Ravenswood Animal Hospital Llc - Dr. Cindy Olsen
07.2018 - 08.2019

Client Care Coordinator

Blue Pearl Pet Hospital
01.2015 - 05.2017

Bridal Consultant

Weddings 826
03.2013 - 12.2015

Veterinary Assistant

Blum Animal Hospital
06.2010 - 12.2013

Service Advisor

Tom Wood Lexus
02.2006 - 09.2009

No Degree - General Studies

Coastal Carolina University

High School Diploma -

Socastee High School
Tara DeRhodes