Role
Location
Description
Veterinary Assistant
Summary of Position:
The duties will include, but may not be limited to, keeping accurate medical records, clerical work, client education, promotion of hospital products and services and support of the organization. This position requires some knowledge of hospital procedures, policies and services; client and patient treatment protocols; hospital computer systems; and the standard procedures, records, and terminology used in a veterinary hospital. The Veterinary Assistant provides support with pet restraint, lab work, procedures, surgery, nursing care, and triage/discharge of patients.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the veterinarian
- Prep and assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
- Triage patients, perform physical exams, and gather brief medical histories
- Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
- Operate and maintain hospital equipment, i.e., EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, syringe pump, anesthetic monitors and machines
- Anesthetize animals and monitor anesthesia under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian
- Communicate with clients/owners about the status of patients, as directed by the veterinarian
- Fill prescriptions/administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs
- Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms (after each patient), reception areas, hospital grounds, and treatment areas, as needed
- Clean cages, as needed
- Do laundry
- Communicate patient status with oncoming staff and veterinarians, and update records and financial information, as needed, in the computer
- Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, and/or pain
- Communicate and approach job duties in a mature manner
- Foster teamwork approach and work well with all levels of hospital team members Participate in all staff and technician/assistant mandatory staff meetings
- Participate in the review process for other technical staff and doctors when requested
- Answer phones and perform other reception duties as needed by the hospital
- Understand zoonotic disease risks in the work environment and use all appropriate safety equipment, garments, and procedures to protect self and others
- Understand and limit the potential exposure to bites, scratches, and potential injuries
- Understand that employees in this role are exposed to various cleaning solutions and other chemicals, odors, noises, and animal wastes and behave in a professional manner when dealing with these conditions
Competencies/Requirements:
Familiarity with Hospital policies and procedures
Proficiency
- Clinical laboratory procedures
- Medication calculations and administration
- Catheter placement
- Intubation
- Vital sign monitoring
- Client communications
- Anesthesiology
- Animal restraint
- Patient physical assessments
- Radiographic technique
- Venipuncture
Education
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Some continuing education seminars or other education opportunities in the area of veterinary science
Work Experience
One or more year’s experience in veterinary environment successfully performing all of the duties of this position
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds (work requires lifting, carrying, and restraining animals – with assistance from other staff members for animals weighing over 40 pounds
- Ability to walk or stand for extended periods; frequently working in a bent position
PetVet Care Centers, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading operators of veterinary hospitals for companion animals. The company operates over 450 hospitals across multiple states and employs over 11,000 people including over 800 veterinarians. Since its inception, PetVet has been structured around a model that is focused on developing a partnership between the hospitals and the company and providing the highest quality medicine and service.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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