Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
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ALISON MCKENNA

Sinagra,WA

Summary

Compassionate and experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse known for a combination of focused analytical skills, leadership and communication capabilities, and interpersonal strengths. Strong background in Animal Care Services Planning and Implementation, Animal Handling, Animal Behaviour, Patient Monitoring, Medication Administration, Team management, Pet Education, Stocktaking, Customer Service, Training and Mentoring, Administration gained from over 10 years of employment history within veterinary health care and commercial settings. Recognised for outstanding ability to work in veterinary medical setting whilst efficiently meeting the needs of animals and their owners. Holds a solid record of team leadership, outstanding customer service, subject matter expertise and management.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Petstock Vet Brighton WA
12.2022 - Current
  • Present – casual staff member

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Vetwest
12.2016 - Current
  • 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.
  • Maintained accurate medical records for efficient patient care and treatment followup.
  • Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
  • Prepared surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
  • Ensured effective recovery after surgical procedures through diligent post-operative monitoring and care of patients.
  • Provided exceptional customer service through professional interactions with clients at the front desk, over the phone, or via email communications.
  • Improved patient care by providing compassionate nursing support and assistance during examinations, surgeries, and treatments.
  • Contributed to improved patient outcomes by participating in ongoing professional development and staying current on veterinary nursing best practices.
  • Supported veterinarians in successfully diagnosing complex cases by performing diagnostic imaging such as radiographs.
  • Educated pet owners on preventive healthcare measures, enhancing overall pet wellness within the practice''s clientele base.
  • Administered medications to animals in treatment and documented changes in condition.
  • Administered prescribed medications to patients under direct supervision of veterinarians, ensuring proper dosages and adherence to treatment plans.
  • Performed laboratory tests to diagnose illnesses and monitor ongoing treatment progress.
  • Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
  • Processed new patients and updated client records with key information using standardized registration systems and encrypted databases.
  • Educated clients on nutrition, preventive health and other animal care.
  • Assisted veterinarians with radiographs and ultrasounds.
  • Administered oral or topical medications to boarding patients as specified by veterinarian in animal's medical record.
  • Administer medications, vaccines and treatments as instructed by veterinarian.

Registered Veterinary Nurse - Head Nurse

Vetwest Perth WA
12.2018 - 01.2022
  • Daily emails with team members communicating updates and changes throughout the clinic
  • Manage team meetings and conducting morning clinical rounds.
  • Daily use of programs - Open VPMS, SMART FLOW, VET S8
  • Vet S8 stock take – daily, weekly and monthly.
  • Oversee and co-ordinate other nursing and veterinary staff.
  • Assist with mentoring and training new team members.
  • Co-ordinate and manage daily work flow.
  • Admission and discharge of patients.
  • Conduct nurse consults: nails trim, pentosan & Cytopoint injections, bandage changes, suture removal, surgery site checks and wound management, weight consults and new pet advice, dental checks , update dating patient file & history notes and preparing estimates for surgery.
  • Prepare and organise samples for Vetpath and Idexx pickups.
  • Provides daily care to in-house hospital patients such as food, fluids, medications, catheter placement and monitoring, whilst maintaining regular vet and client communications and updates.
  • Perform dental scale and polish and provide assistance with dental x-rays.
  • Dispense appropriate medications for patients and explain instructions to clients in a clear and succinct manner.
  • Build sustainable relationships and trust with client through open and interactive communication.
  • Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
  • Endure long hours maintaining a high level of activity yet still provided clients with an excellent level of customer service.
  • Ensure that clients learn and develop the correct skills to care for pets through hands on demonstrations and pamphlets.

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Midland Veterinary Hospital
08.2015 - 12.2016
  • Successfully created a high level of client satisfaction through exceptional customer care by identifying the needs of the customer and patient.
  • Performed advanced technical nursing duties in addition to maintaining an exceptional level of client service.
  • Educated the clients on procedures and care resulting in healthy pets and happy owners.
  • Maximised the veterinarian’s productivity by completing preparatory work for procedures and performing those procedures that did not require veterinarian assistance and starting consults for veterinarians and recording.
  • Performed nurse consult duties, including nails trims, expression of anal glands, suture removals, dental checks and post-operative checks, pro-heart and arthritis injections, weight loss programs, discharging patients and managed the timely and efficient provision of daily care to in-house hospital patients.
  • Monitoring hospital patients and recording of treatments. Observing patient behaviour, preparing food, dietary needs and medication requirements. Catheter and fluids changes. Communicating with veterinarian on duty, updating clients and organizing transfers to emergency for overnight care. Bandage removal and changes.
  • Participated in euthanasia and provided emotional support to clients.
  • Actively trained and coached new members of staff obtaining excellent customer service skills and practical nursing techniques.
  • Educated clients on preventative medicine, scheduled procedures, behavioural issues/training, and post-operative services.
  • Maintained positive team morale in a volatile stressful work environment, primarily focusing on patient care.
  • Billed out invoices and surgery procedures, maintaining accuracy and correctness at all times.
  • Maintaining and managing restricted drugs books, pharmacy and weekly and monthly stocktakes.
  • Carried out reception duties including client follow up phone calls and organisation of daily schedule. Morning rounds with the team and managing the day.
  • Performed general cleaning and maintained correct and accurate stock levels. Maintaining a high level of hygiene at all times.
  • Undertook administrative duties with tact and efficiency, performing data entry, minute taking during team meetings, and responding to daily email correspondence.
  • Maintained a calm and focused demeanour in emergency situations and high-care patients.
  • Adhered to safe working procedures and practices.

Customer Service Representative

Caltex Scarborough and Doubleview
01.2013 - 01.2015
  • Ensured the delivery of excellent customer service at all times whilst maintaining solid understanding of Caltex’ policies and procedures.
  • Provided accurate, valid and complete information by using the right methods and tools.
  • Undertook cash handling and console operations with strict attention to details and accuracy.
  • Managed stock filling, rotation and stock take.
  • Maintained store presentations to enhance sales.
  • Built sustainable relationships of trust through open and interactive communication.
  • Key Achievements - Rewarded and rated100% for delivering exceptional customer service by the mystery shopper.

StorePerson/Driver

Pro Vet WA
02.2010 - 02.2013
  • Maintained the highest quality of service in managing goods inwards, product storage and extensive customer service.
  • Conducted product knowledge training and provided information to vets in an accurate manner.
  • Ensured the timely and correct invoicing and reporting to management.
  • Undertook stock management duties with tact and efficiency.
  • Maintained open and effective communication with other team members to ensure workflow continuity.
  • Maintained high level product and storage knowledge.
  • Processed orders and performed other administrative functions effectively and efficiently.
  • Carried out forklift duties, van delivery and manual handling; following safe working practices.
  • Maintained work place safety at all times.
  • Key Achievements - Successfully completed Certificate III in Ware Housing Operations.

Education

Certificate III - Wildlife and exhibited animal care

Taronga Training Institute
Perth, WA
01.2022

Foundations - Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nurse Training Institute
11.2014

Certificate IV - Veterinary Nursing

Polytechnic West, Bentley Campus
12.2013

Certificate III - Rural Production

The Department Agriculture and Food WA
01.2007

Certificate III - Agriculture

Harvey Agriculture College
12.2004

Certificate III - Agriculture (Beef Cattle Production)

Harvey Agriculture College
12.2004

Skills

  • Exceptional customer service, administrative and leadership skills
  • Patient-focused approach
  • Strong ability to handle animals in a calm, confident manner
  • Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring trainee veterinary nurses
  • Working knowledge of OH&S standards and other regulatory requirements

Certification

Open manual and Heavy Rigid Driver’s License

Affiliations

  • Veterinary Surgeons’ Board of Western Australia 2025 - Registration No. N2608
  • Member, Veterinary Nurse Council of Australia

Timeline

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Petstock Vet Brighton WA
12.2022 - Current

Registered Veterinary Nurse - Head Nurse

Vetwest Perth WA
12.2018 - 01.2022

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Vetwest
12.2016 - Current

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Midland Veterinary Hospital
08.2015 - 12.2016

Customer Service Representative

Caltex Scarborough and Doubleview
01.2013 - 01.2015

StorePerson/Driver

Pro Vet WA
02.2010 - 02.2013

Foundations - Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nurse Training Institute

Certificate IV - Veterinary Nursing

Polytechnic West, Bentley Campus

Certificate III - Rural Production

The Department Agriculture and Food WA

Certificate III - Agriculture

Harvey Agriculture College

Certificate III - Agriculture (Beef Cattle Production)

Harvey Agriculture College

Certificate III - Wildlife and exhibited animal care

Taronga Training Institute

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ALISON MCKENNA